Today a ride back to Dauna’s in Harper. Skies were overcast with forecast of thundershowers later in the day. Today had three choices again. The C ride went to Harper and back (65 miles). From Harper there were two optional loops. Ride both for an A ride and ride one loop for a B ride. Bert and Jean joined on the ride as well today.

Left town under overcast skies and gentle ups and downs as we rode back roads to 290. A few miles on 290 before turning to the right and taking smaller roads. These smaller roads are smoother with smaller chips than the rough chip seal on 290. Also some smaller shorter hills. Circled back end ended up on the “Old Harper Road” to reach Harper at 34 miles. Bert and Jean had taken a more direct road so were already there. Also as photo above shows a number of other cyclists – some of whom had cycled one of the loops already. I stopped and had a nice lunch and then question was whether to do one of the B loops or to return back.

Decided I would do an extra loop of 15 miles heading to the south. Some smaller roads and not too many hills so it was a nice loop to finish at 49 miles. On return it was starting to sprinkle and the skies to the west looked darker and more ominous. Cyclists were starting to anticipate the ride back and how wet it might be. Another brief stop before returning via Old Harper Road. Along this road the rain became much heavier. It started to thunder and lightning and the rain started to pour. I was kept going on slowly.

At 61 miles, I was back to US 290 and rain was coming down in buckets. As I was slowly cycling along the road, a pickup slowed and stopped. Normally, I might wave the first one or two on, but rain was heavy enough and there was enough lightning that I opted for a ride. Thanks! Had a nice ride until the outskirts of Fredricksburg. A last few miles cycling into town. Guess I did one loop too many – if I’d ridden the C ride, I likely would have made it before the worst rain. 64 miles today.