An easy ride today. Today was a day with two official sets of rides. One set started 60 miles south in Bandera and included the infamous “Leakey Death Ride”. Others were around here. Skies were overcast and forecasts called for intermittent showers in the morning with improving weather in the afternoon. I decided to take an easy ride on the C ride starting from Fredericksburg. The ride itself was to Harry’s BBQ. I rode with Jean and Bert today, but they did the ride as a relay. Jean rode to Harry’s and Bert rode back.

Last night was time for the Texas Hell Week Banquet. Nice chance to see everyone together, eat some bbq, and get together after the rain. We were tightly packed into the Nimitz hotel, a local museum here dedicated to the Nimitz family and also the WWII pacific theater war. The dinner was fun. Nick had me say a few words about my trip. Not quite sure what to say, but told about the overall plans and the road across Russia.

This morning a smaller group than normal. Most of those in town were doing the B ride to Blanco. Jean and I headed out of town to the North and East and through some winding roads. It got quieter as we got out of town. Without much difficulty we reached Harry’s at mile 22. Unfortunately left my camera back, but Harry’s was a fun Texas type bbq house. Jukebox was playing loud music. Inside were a collection of different memorabilia and folksy signs (e.g. “Only out of town cheques accepted” or “Shoes and Shirt required but bras and panties optional”. All throughout the inside, people had signed names and dates of their visit. A few small framed editions of reviews of Harry’s as a Texas institution were also present. Not too far from here is “the loop” a supposedly very scenic road going through wildflower areas and overlooking some nice drop offs.

After a nice big BBQ sandwich, Bert and I continued on smaller roads to the west. At mile 31 we turned south on Lower Cranapple drive. This road wound its way through the countryside and across a few sharp hills before coming back into town. A slight detour past supermarket before end to an easy cycling day. 46 miles today.

Posted by mev as Texas at 4:16 PM EDT

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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.

Posted by mev as Texas at 4:48 PM EDT

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Today the weather became nicer and nicer as the second part of todays ride had many small short steep hills. It was a beautiful day for a ride. Overnight we could hear the rain coming down, but by morning it was overcast but not raining anymore. Today had four different choices: a 200km brevet, an A ride (101 miles), B ride (72 miles) and C ride (48 miles). Once again I decided to try the B ride today. One thing I’ve noticed is that it seems like few do exactly one of the choices but typically vary things just a bit as in “we did the A ride but then decided to short-cut back” or “we started the B and then got lost and came back on the C”. It seems like variations are much more common than purely one choice or another. I did hear that the brevet had 12 riders. There were fewer than 300 there to start, perhaps a reflection of the mix-match approach people take on the bike rides.

The first eight miles were along the major route 16. From here we turned off onto smaller roads. The back roads go via a series of “ranches”. Some of them with quite high fences to keep livestock either in or out. There are still a good share of cattle grades along the way as well. It stayed dry in the morning and over time the skies began to clear more. A few short steep hills but also some flatter pieces along the way. At 23 miles turned right onto 763 and headed north to Harper. I think I had been on this road back in 2001 when I cycled across the USA.

Dauna’s store was at mile 35 in Harper. Many cyclists stopped here as this was the one store along the way. The photo below shows one cyclist who had troubles with his pedals. Helpful friends had worked through things by helping to duct tape his shoe to the pedal. This meant he would need to stay on the bike, even through the tough hills ahead.

After a nice lunch at Dauna’s I went north on the scenic but more hill portion of the ride. There were one or two places where the road crossed a small stream. It was recommended to walk across these crossings. At one of them some workmen were busy clearing the channel. Apparently, the stream had been dry yesterday but they had 4 inches of rain locally in spots here and now water flowing. Also, apparently, someone had fallen and broken a hip last year. So I walked carefully.

I walked once or twice after that. However, it was mostly because the grade quickly changed to a sharp upturn. I didn’t see a lot of value to quickly shift into a low gear when I could walk up the hill almost as fast. It was beautiful scenic area with many short little hills and small windy road through them. At 62 miles I came into US 87 and more major road. A brief side road here and then off downhills to Fredericksburg. A fun ride today with more hills than before and steadily improving weather. 72 miles today.

Posted by mev as Texas at 6:06 PM EDT

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A rainy and sometimes hilly ride today. Once again we had choices between A (108 miles), B (72 miles) and C (41 miles) and I picked B. Last night my brother Bert and sister-in-law Jean arrived and joined as well. We reset clocks but rides still started at 9am. I carefully got everything together including a few snacks to eat along the way. Skies were overcast but it was dry.

As the group assembled before the ride, the unanswered question was “what will the weather do today”. Was the overcast some low clouds that would burn off or a start of something wetter. No good way to know so we set off. The first six miles were along a major road (TX 16) and fairly quick. From here we turned off to Center Point Road and the fun began. For the next 14 miles this road would climb and drop across little dips and cross many small cattle crossings. In one or two places, cows freely crossed over the road. It was a nice quiet and rustic road. After 18 miles or so, the road started to descend and we also got our first rain. Light raindrops on the way. A number of the other cyclists turned around already. At mile 23 was end of this road and turn onto 1341. While this was a larger road, the surface was surprisingly rougher version of chip seal.

For the next 11 miles, cycled along this road. Mostly by myself as others were either ahead or perhaps had turned around already. One or two sharp hills and from what I could see through the mist, was a pretty area. At mile 34 turned onto a more major road and descended down into part of Kerrville. Nice place for a quick snack for lunch. From here the A and B routes split and I followed the B. Went past the airport and then back along a very small road across and through the hills. Was a nice little route and really didn’t see any other traffic along the way. Rain continued intermittently.

After this came back to our original road and then retraced the last 22 miles. There was a large hill to climb at first, but I was surprised at how much was downhill after that. It was nice to get back to town, as the showers were occasionally getting more severe. Today was definitely hillier than yesterday and a little longer. The rain and fog closed in the views and gave more of a sense of being alone on the roads as you couldn’t see cyclists or others further on the road. Nice ride overall.  No photos today as I kept the camera dry

75 miles today.

Posted by mev as Texas at 5:43 PM EDT

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Today the first day of cycling Hell Week. Hell Week started 16 years ago and is known being able to ride 100 miles per day for eight days in a row. Over time, shorter rides have been added as well. Todays choices were an A ride (99.4 miles), B ride (56.4 miles) and a C ride (46.1 miles). I opted for the B, since I want to get some riding in each day, but don’t need to push the 100 miles/per day training. Todays ride was fairly easy since it was unloaded without my gear and I had fewer headwinds.

Yesterday, I cycled over to pick up my Hell Week materials. Nick and Becky Gerlich have organized this event as well as a number of other Hell Week theme rides. As of this morning there were over 300 registered so a fun event with other cyclists. I left this morning for a 9am start. Lots of people out and about and without much fuss we were off. All of the A, B and C rides shared the initial departure route and also crossed over each other a few times later. We bunched up some at the lights but slowly spread ourselves out along the way. There were some gentle hills to cross and many folks passed as I slowly climbed the hills. Lots of little winding country roads and not too much on the bigger highways. We passed briefly onto TX 16. Here a local police officer was telling folks to ride on the shoulder. Unfortunately, the shoulder was a lot rougher than right side of the travel lane, but we didn’t have long before turning to the next winding road.

Some gentle hills to cross until we turned south towards Stonewall. I had been here yesterday, and stopped briefly at the store for more refreshments. This was one of those sections where all of the A/B/C routes intersected but each going slightly different ways. From here backtrack and up a road known as Grape Creek. This area was rustic and very beautiful. A few sharp hills but it was worth it going along the countryside. At 43 miles back to the larger road and then mostly along those major roads back to Fredericksburg. Overall, it was a fairly easy ride since I wasn’t carrying all my gear along. 59 miles today.

Posted by mev as Texas at 4:36 PM EST

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Reached Fredericksburg today. The roads were fairly busy all of today, with two lanes all the way. Light headwinds throughout the day. Despite being in hill country, it wasn’t really much hillier than before, but my guess is the US highways have taken gentle grades. Left Burnet at sunrise and headed south on the road to Marble Falls. It seemed like there was more downhill than up and I made good time. Stopped briefly to raise my seat but otherwise through the main roads to Marble Falls. At 14 miles, crossed a bridge across the Colorado River. Not that Colorado River, but a bit larger nevertheless. Climbed up the hills on the other side and stopped for brief bite to eat.

I could tell it was more climbing as went on to Round Mountain. A bunch of the traffic turned off at 19 miles to Austin so it wasn’t as busy. Round Mountain has population 111 but had a big sign promoting their business center and truck stop. Good place for breakfast where I was asked for the first time if I wanted “sweet” tea or “unsweet” tea. Also choice of grits or hash browns. I’m in the south now. Last 12 miles from Round Mountain to Johnson City were mostly flat, though I had headwinds again.

At 37 miles turned west at Johnson City. This is the area where Lyndon B Johnson grew up and there were numerous signs for LBJ items including his ranch and the post office where he mailed his first letter. Apparently, the town was named Johnson City in 1879, thus predating the former president. From here onto US 290 and across some gentle hills. Seemed like I still had some light headwinds. At 47 miles a brief stop in Hye and then past the LBJ park and then to Stonewall, the small town closest to the Johnson Ranch. It was rush hour at the cafe, but they made a good burger. Stopped to read the newspaper before cycling the last bits into Fredericksburg. I saw a few cars with bikes on top as I neared and actually saw cyclists out riding as I came into town. Surprising to me that I hadn’t seen any cyclists before in Dallas or until I got close to Fredericksburg.

Plan is to stay here for the week and do (unloaded) rides with Texas Hell Week. I’m looking forward to cycling with more cyclists out here.

68 miles today.

Posted by mev as Texas at 4:04 PM EST

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A third day of headwinds. Still about 10-15mph but fairly consistent, particularly in the afternoon. Good weather is frequently accompanied with high pressure and also winds from the south. Locals would like some more rain, though my headwinds are also an indication of good weather for now. I am now in the official “hill country” region though the road still has roughly the same amount of gradual descents and climbs.

Left Hamilton before sunrise again. Nice shoulders on 281 and calm roads as I headed southbound. I had eaten two yogurts since I wasn’t sure when the next breakfast stop might be. The road wound up and down and through some gentle hills. Still calm as far as winds go. After 16 miles I came to Evart, population 393 and intersection with US 84. I got some breakfast food at the grocery store and left town on a gradual climb up a hill. More gentle hills to climb over and then several miles of more flat along the Lapasas river into Adamsville. There was one store in town and its name was “The Store”. Friendly folks here and also a friendly cat. They told me I was now officially in the Hill Country region.

There were some hills, though nothing out of the ordinary climbing up and over Lapasas. With a population of 7000 people this was big town with major intersection of several roads. Also a good place for an early lunch. Leaving Lapasas, US281 continued to have two lanes each way and not much shoulder. Also unfortunately the first 14 miles was a rough chip seal. The hills didn’t seem very steep but I was going pretty slow. Also seemed like the wind was picking up. Finally at mile 60, the road became smooth again and tended more downhill. It was nice to get into Burnet. While it was only 2pm, I had traveled half the distance to Fredericksburg and decided to leave the rest for tomorrow.

The couple running the motel was from Gujarat state in India, same as the last three nights of motels. They told me they didn’t have wireless internet - so I’m quickly borrowing an unprotected “linksys” connection that seems to be around. 68 miles today.

Posted by mev as Texas at 4:24 PM EST

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Today a slower ride through some beautiful country. Despite the title above, I don’t think I am in Hill Country yet. There were some gradual grades up and down as I crossed through the country. However, I expect it to get hillier further south. Some light headwinds and carrying my gear meant I was cycling pretty slow today.

Left just a bit before sunrise. Quite a few trucks out on the road. Signs indicated oil drilling vehicles and one or two places had slurry dumps. The shoulder was wide and the grades were gentle so I was making good time. After 5 miles I came on junction of 67 and 67 business. From here some small hills to climb up and over. Winds were already coming up from the south. After 22 miles I crossed the Brazos River and not much further to Glen Cove for a breakfast stop. Also a good chance to switch from fleece to just my jersey.

Some gentle climbs coming out of town and then some more steep climbs over Chalk Mountain. Some nice views and photo at left was taken from a rest area close to the top. Down the other side and I left US 67 behind. Texas 220 was nice and smooth with a 3 foot shoulder. Some gentle ups and downs but nothing too severe. Through the last of the hills and then down into Nico. I was ready for lunch and there were several different choices. I was pleased to hear that patrons thought there would be fewer hills on way to Hamilton than how I had just come. The wind also seemed a bit lighter so I was making better time. At 71 miles on outskirts of town a motel beaconed with sign “free high speed internet”. Nevertheless, I wanted to at least get to center of town. Perhaps a mile past the center I found a different motel with matching sign. I am in the area with two Mexican restaurants and the county jail. Across the street is a business for preparing deer meat and down the road one can buy a hog trap for $450. I could definitely feel that today was a tougher ride than yesterday.

72 miles cycled today.

Posted by mev as Texas at 5:52 PM EST

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First day of cycling from Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) back to Cleburne. Beautiful weather for an unloaded bicycle ride. Woke up early and loaded the bicycle in the minivan. A little over an hour and a half of driving and I was at the airport. As I unloaded the bike, the attendants looked on with curiosity. I said, “you don’t have many people here on bicycles?”. “No sir, I think you are the first”. Despite that claim, getting out of the Dallas Airport was very straightforward. First exit back on Rental Car Drive and then take the next road (Airport Road) to the left. Before I knew it I was cycling through Euless. As a whole, todays road conditions were a little easier than I expected. Not always a lot of shoulders, but traffic was fairly light and polite. Only one occasion where I thought, “you really need to learn how to drive around bicycles”.

From Euless, I took 157, also known as Industrial Avenue southbound. At 11 miles I crossed the Trinity River and continued southbound through Arlington. Some gentle grades across low hills. At 18 miles I reached I-20 and stopped for breakfast. From here I was a little confused as 157 was further west, but after a brief detour through some suburban neighborhoods I was back to Cooper Street. Cooper crossed US-287 and ended at business 287. Fun to be on this highway since my home in Fort Collins is only 0.3 miles from 287.

287 became Main Street in Mansfield and had cute old buildings, though didn’t look like much commerce. From here mostly followed smaller side roads including 917. A combination of 15mph headwinds and some hillier terrain made for slightly slower going. At Happy Hill another brief stop. I hadn’t seen many bicyclists and one of the locals asked how far I was riding. I said from “DFW to Cleburne” and he thought that was a pretty far distance. His furthest ride had been 14 miles. I took several different county roads and was back in Cleburne by 1:30pm. It was nice to have an unloaded ride and everything road pretty easily despite feeling a little more tired by hills and wind at the end.

A late lunch at the Chinese buffet where my fortune said “A routine task will turn into an enchanting adventure”. Hmm…I’m having enough fun having my adventure be an adventure - so not sure it is good to have adventuresome routine tasks as well :-). 56 miles cycled today.

Posted by mev as Texas at 3:46 PM EST

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An easy drive today to Cleburne, southwest of Fort Worth where I got a hotel reservation for two nights. I then called a friend a worked with in Dallas area to arrange to drop off some unneeded gear for a few weeks. I was surprised to have what I guess is almost half the weight of cycling gear being left behind. I’ll need to do some more careful looking to see if I really need to bring all that along. Tomorrow the plan is to drop the rental car off at DFW airport and then bicycle from the airport back to the same hotel, so even less loaded as a first day of cycling.

Posted by mev as Texas at 9:15 PM EST

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