Day 3 : Brunswick, GA to Bishopville, SC

266 miles

The waxing moon casts melancholy shadows over the marsh as I swiftly pass them by at 4 am. I want to make the most of the pre-dawn riding when the wind is the quietest. The road is devoid of traffic before first light. I feel as if I finally have room to breath and ride my bike as I am meant to. The miles tick away as I surf through endless forests of pine. I skirt the city of Savannah, but join the flow of semi trucks carrying shipping containers to and from the port, the largest deepwater port in the south. Giant cranes swing overhead, moving the about goods from around the world. 

North of Savannah I follow roads that take me inland, to the heart of the lowlands. I’m in the deep South now. Signs for Robert E Lee Highway remind me of the many problems the South–where I grew up–still faces. The pine forests are interspersed with fields of cotton, soybeans, and dried-up corn. The headwind lashes at me on these open stretches. I crace the shade and wind-blocking effect of the trees. It’s hot. Stifling still. Lots of electrolytes. I use the last of my salted Untapped gels. Hopefully tomorrow is cooler.

The sun sets and the riding is nice once again. I find a second wind, which carries me to a wonderful campsite at the foot of a hay bale in an empty field.