Saturday April 12, 2008, 120 miles (193 km) - Total so far: 1,651 miles (2,656 km)
It always sounds so romantic when you're riding into the sunset, but since this is a west to east ride, the sunsets are always at my back.
Today was a big day! A chilly morning and strong northeasterly headwind gave me a sluggish pace most of the day. I also had to climb 6700ft today through more of the famous Texas Hill Country. Lots of ups and downs! I stopped for lunch around 3:30 and mile 63 for the day, looking at the map and with the wind still howling in my face, I planned to throw in the towel at mile 81 and call it good. As I was getting close to town, the wind died down and shifted direction, and so did the road's direction. It was actually a very small tailwind. I got a second wind, sort of, and decided I didn't want to stop. I destroyed the next 40 miles in no time, cruising the last 5-10 miles between 25-30mph on flat, smooth road. Very nice! I went past one of the attack dogs Bill warned me about and he didn't even have a chance to run; just stood up and sat back down when it was obvious I had the speed advantage today. The sun was setting, it was about 65 degrees and clear, and I was rolling through wide open lush farmland. I really felt like I was back in Michigan, Monroe county to be specific. I spent a LOT of time riding through flat farmland when I was 14-23 so this really took me back to my cycling roots. Very nostalgic.
A few noteable lowpoints included seeing tons of other cyclists today but not many of them seeming too talkative; most were just out for a morning 30-50 mile ride. I also got mean-honked at a lot today. As if it's my fault there's no shoulder to ride on.
I also met a couple today on a tandem with a BOB trailer. They started in Philedelphia with temps below freezing and snow on the ground about 45 days ago. Yuck.They were a little concerned about the big upcoming mountains. I tried suggesting that they might consider sending some of their excess gear home but I think they thought I was nuts and wrote me off. Oh well.
Well, my eyes are rolling back into my head so I think that means it's sleepy time! Another long one tomorrow probably!
Today was a big day! A chilly morning and strong northeasterly headwind gave me a sluggish pace most of the day. I also had to climb 6700ft today through more of the famous Texas Hill Country. Lots of ups and downs! I stopped for lunch around 3:30 and mile 63 for the day, looking at the map and with the wind still howling in my face, I planned to throw in the towel at mile 81 and call it good. As I was getting close to town, the wind died down and shifted direction, and so did the road's direction. It was actually a very small tailwind. I got a second wind, sort of, and decided I didn't want to stop. I destroyed the next 40 miles in no time, cruising the last 5-10 miles between 25-30mph on flat, smooth road. Very nice! I went past one of the attack dogs Bill warned me about and he didn't even have a chance to run; just stood up and sat back down when it was obvious I had the speed advantage today. The sun was setting, it was about 65 degrees and clear, and I was rolling through wide open lush farmland. I really felt like I was back in Michigan, Monroe county to be specific. I spent a LOT of time riding through flat farmland when I was 14-23 so this really took me back to my cycling roots. Very nostalgic.
A few noteable lowpoints included seeing tons of other cyclists today but not many of them seeming too talkative; most were just out for a morning 30-50 mile ride. I also got mean-honked at a lot today. As if it's my fault there's no shoulder to ride on.
I also met a couple today on a tandem with a BOB trailer. They started in Philedelphia with temps below freezing and snow on the ground about 45 days ago. Yuck.They were a little concerned about the big upcoming mountains. I tried suggesting that they might consider sending some of their excess gear home but I think they thought I was nuts and wrote me off. Oh well.
Well, my eyes are rolling back into my head so I think that means it's sleepy time! Another long one tomorrow probably!
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