We rolled out of Rocky Mount around 7:20am headed to Historic Plymouth, NC. I hooked up with fellow rider Howard from Summerfield, and we began peddling the first of 77.5 miles for the day.
The first rest stop of the day near Tarboro was a busy one. The locals welcomed the Cycle NC cyclists with a huge spread of goodies and home baked treats. I made a quick tire pressure check and we were on our way again. The next rest stop was in Robersonville. When we rolled in here, I was feeling pretty sick. The night before I had dinner at Texas steak house or something. Needless to say, I shouldn’t have.
Fellow rider Brian from Harrisburg, NC rolled in and we latched on with him for the ride. The three of us continued riding, skipping the next stop and then rolled into Mackey’s Ferry Peanuts. The Mackey’s graciously allowed the cyclists to use there parking ot as a rest stop. Several locals from the Columbia including a cycling club, and volunteers for the Make A Wish foundation were there to take good care of us. Route 64 had most riders on the edge. Traffic was a little nerve racking at times. The Peanut store was a great place to visit and get our nerves settled.
We left out of Mackey’s and headed to Plymouth which was another 9 miles away. Finally, I got to see a light house as we rolled into the downtown Port of Plymouth area. This was a recreated version of the Roanoke Lighthouse. The local store owners were out in the streets to welcome the cyclist to town. The InnerBanks bike shop owner was ringing very accommodating, offered information, and even told me where to find a Fat Tire Beer. You bet! I took a break and knocked down two Fat Tires while watching boats on the Roanoke river.
Shortly after, I learned that my hotel or the night was actually back tracking the route about 20 miles. I loaded up my gear into the SAG wagon along with another rider named David Camper fro the Outer Banks area. Once w arrived at the hotel and cleaned up I started looking for dinner. The first thing I found was the Sunny Side Oyster Bar. A historic little joint that has been in operation since 1935. This was a very cool place, not to mention, you get a private oyster shucker and the food was awesome. I had the privilege of meeting the owners and was informed that a big Shag Dance event was held here every February. So, it looks like I will be going back in the near future. Before I had left the entire place was full of cyclists and locals. Lots of beer and good food too.