We will post some stuff tomorrow morn - 130 miles today. Great day, but we are fried.
Jake and Marty
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Arrival?
For those who are interested in meeting us as we roll into A1A and 206 (South Beach Grill), we are thinking that we will get there on Thursday. If that is the case, we will try to arrive around 5:30 - 6:00 PM to allow for that whole "work" thing.
No guarantees and we will update any deviations.
No guarantees and we will update any deviations.
Leaving the bright lights of Biloxi
Yesterday we bid a sad farewell to Biloxi and 30 miles or so later, the state of Mississippi.
I have to say that we will not miss the roads of MS - by far the worst. Rarely a shoulder and when there is, grass grows intermittently through mazes of cracks. Bouncy bouncy! Most of the time we road the white line which came in handy when the alligator was hanging out on the edge of the road (see pics).
Alabama, the home of ALABAMA MAN, is quite a different story. Smooth, well cared for roads with nice shoulders - a huge relief. As the winds were persistently ENE and stiff all day long, nice roads really helped.
We decided to ride down through Bayou La Batre and head to the Mobile Bay Ferry rather than go to Mobile.
As we pulled up to the ferry lane, we found out it was delayed due to mechanical issues... uh oh. Then they announced that there would be no round trips... uh oh again. Then it was apparent this was the last chance to get across the bay yesterday IF the boat was fit to go. This could be bad.
Finally, we were allowed to get on with the cars and cross the 4 miles to Fort Morgan. We were not told of the ship's ailment, but it was decidedly lower in the water at the front and left of the vessel. After Marty and I calculated how many life vests would be required to float our bikes and trailer, we relaxed and enjoyed the ride.
On the other side, we had 21 miles to go to lodging, it was raining and getting a bit dusky. Marty was somehow possessed by Lance Armstrong and started hammering down the road faster than I had seen him go without a hill involved. I think the end of the ride beer may have been calling.
We made it into Gulf Shores and unless the weather changes in the next couple hours, this is where we will have our last, albeit soggy rest day.
90 miles yesterday and about 550 left to go!
Jake
I have to say that we will not miss the roads of MS - by far the worst. Rarely a shoulder and when there is, grass grows intermittently through mazes of cracks. Bouncy bouncy! Most of the time we road the white line which came in handy when the alligator was hanging out on the edge of the road (see pics).
Alabama, the home of ALABAMA MAN, is quite a different story. Smooth, well cared for roads with nice shoulders - a huge relief. As the winds were persistently ENE and stiff all day long, nice roads really helped.
We decided to ride down through Bayou La Batre and head to the Mobile Bay Ferry rather than go to Mobile.
As we pulled up to the ferry lane, we found out it was delayed due to mechanical issues... uh oh. Then they announced that there would be no round trips... uh oh again. Then it was apparent this was the last chance to get across the bay yesterday IF the boat was fit to go. This could be bad.
Finally, we were allowed to get on with the cars and cross the 4 miles to Fort Morgan. We were not told of the ship's ailment, but it was decidedly lower in the water at the front and left of the vessel. After Marty and I calculated how many life vests would be required to float our bikes and trailer, we relaxed and enjoyed the ride.
On the other side, we had 21 miles to go to lodging, it was raining and getting a bit dusky. Marty was somehow possessed by Lance Armstrong and started hammering down the road faster than I had seen him go without a hill involved. I think the end of the ride beer may have been calling.
We made it into Gulf Shores and unless the weather changes in the next couple hours, this is where we will have our last, albeit soggy rest day.
90 miles yesterday and about 550 left to go!
Jake
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Out of LA and into MS
Had a great Po Boy in Independence LA and that was the only Cajun food besides boudin. LA was pretty fine with everything from real poor areas to Very nice areas. We saw soom flooding around the Bogue Chitto river and saw where people had moved all their campers and cars next to the highway to get them out of the water. It looked like someone had opened a used car and camper sales lot until we figured out what was going on. I think Jake got pictures.
Yesterday e road in the rain for a little over 1/2 the day. The good news is the temp was good for riding in the rain. We have only been rained on 3 times this whole trip and all have been when the temp was good. Pretty lucky all things considered.
We were in some real back woods parts of Mississippi yesterday. I mean back woods/words. We stopped at a community grocery store that sold everything from used book, crickets, hunting supplies, hardware and food. The word "community" in this area obvously means "few teeth". Between the 3 employees they had 9 teeth. One of them really messed up the average; she had 5 all by herself. Chuck, you could offer some great volume dental discounts out here. No one would be able to take advantage of it. What they lack in teeth they make up for in niceness.
End the night in a Casino in Gulfport. What a contrast from some of the other place we have stayed. People watching here in the Casino is pretty good. Let me just say, this ain't Vegas. We didn't even get funny looks being soaking wet and wearing those goofy shorts and shoes, on bikes in a casino.
All for now.
Yesterday e road in the rain for a little over 1/2 the day. The good news is the temp was good for riding in the rain. We have only been rained on 3 times this whole trip and all have been when the temp was good. Pretty lucky all things considered.
We were in some real back woods parts of Mississippi yesterday. I mean back woods/words. We stopped at a community grocery store that sold everything from used book, crickets, hunting supplies, hardware and food. The word "community" in this area obvously means "few teeth". Between the 3 employees they had 9 teeth. One of them really messed up the average; she had 5 all by herself. Chuck, you could offer some great volume dental discounts out here. No one would be able to take advantage of it. What they lack in teeth they make up for in niceness.
End the night in a Casino in Gulfport. What a contrast from some of the other place we have stayed. People watching here in the Casino is pretty good. Let me just say, this ain't Vegas. We didn't even get funny looks being soaking wet and wearing those goofy shorts and shoes, on bikes in a casino.
All for now.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Yesterday and Today
Hi all,
I'll make this brief - I would love to be long winded and incredibly funny, but the former has been done and the latter, well that is a roll of the dice!
Yesterday was a real dull ride as Kelly mentioned, but we did meet a couple of nice Mormon kids on mission. Tough gig where they were, but they were good guys and I hope they are happy in what they do.
One funny thing happened when my Trek Rep Norm called and I went on and on about how great the tires were holding up since I switched to Hardcase tires.. 10 minutes later... Marty's gets a flat (yes, Hardcase). Never Ever mention the F word while riding.
We actually did 84 miles and I am actually feeling 100%... less a few pounds.
Today we were up against a weather/lodging challenge. We really want to camp out more to get our ratio back up over 50% camping, but we are not going to PLAN to camp in the rain. And rain was on the way and it did not disappoint. Oddly, the rain came right after Marty remarked in Poplarville that we might avoid all the rain... NEVER EVER mention the R word while riding!
Anyway, using Adventurecycling.org, we would have to ride 150 mile to get to a hotel or camp in the rain. We bought a Mississippi map and set a course for Biloxi, where one can get a cheap room in a Casino for the same price as we paid in Fabens Texas.
104 mile later we are here and feeling great.
Tomorrow we will get to Gulfshores Alabama and camp, weather permitting. We will probably also take our last rest day there as well if it is nice.
Then it is back on the road. Posting a few pics today.
Jake
I'll make this brief - I would love to be long winded and incredibly funny, but the former has been done and the latter, well that is a roll of the dice!
Yesterday was a real dull ride as Kelly mentioned, but we did meet a couple of nice Mormon kids on mission. Tough gig where they were, but they were good guys and I hope they are happy in what they do.
One funny thing happened when my Trek Rep Norm called and I went on and on about how great the tires were holding up since I switched to Hardcase tires.. 10 minutes later... Marty's gets a flat (yes, Hardcase). Never Ever mention the F word while riding.
We actually did 84 miles and I am actually feeling 100%... less a few pounds.
Today we were up against a weather/lodging challenge. We really want to camp out more to get our ratio back up over 50% camping, but we are not going to PLAN to camp in the rain. And rain was on the way and it did not disappoint. Oddly, the rain came right after Marty remarked in Poplarville that we might avoid all the rain... NEVER EVER mention the R word while riding!
Anyway, using Adventurecycling.org, we would have to ride 150 mile to get to a hotel or camp in the rain. We bought a Mississippi map and set a course for Biloxi, where one can get a cheap room in a Casino for the same price as we paid in Fabens Texas.
104 mile later we are here and feeling great.
Tomorrow we will get to Gulfshores Alabama and camp, weather permitting. We will probably also take our last rest day there as well if it is nice.
Then it is back on the road. Posting a few pics today.
Jake
Monday, March 30, 2009
No internet
Spoke briefly with Jake. They have no internet connection tonight. I think he said they did about 75 miles today... boring, bumpy roads. They will face rain tomorrow but are glad it won't be cold AND rainy. They should be rolling into St. Augustine possibly next Friday or Saturday. If anyone would like to meet us at South Beach Grill when they arrive, you are all welcome! As time gets closer, we'll have better details as to time and day. Jake is feeling better, not 100% yet, but improving.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Ville Platte to Baton Rouge - 84 miles
We were feeling bad that once again we went a day in Louisiana without partaking of any of the legendary food. That is all my fault as you can imagine.
Anyway, Marty had the first taste when a woman at the convenience store gave us some Boudin - kind of a bratwurst sort of deal. I still had to pass. Tomorrow night is definitely the last one in Louisiana, so my chances for culinary nirvana are dwindling.
So, what is up with the roadkill in Louisiana? About every thirty yards, there was something. Didn't see that in Texas.... wait a minute... just what are THEY doing in Texas with the roadkill anyway? Hmmm... perhaps a clue!
Had a decent day of riding today with a few minor exceptions. There was the Morganza Spillway on Route 190 -- a narrow stretch of road that presented itself as a bridge over some bayou... well it is, but it goes on for 4 miles. Then there was the Huey P Long Bridge, that dumped onto the Ronald Reagan Highway -- two smooth guys should have smoother roadways as their legacy.
We ended up riding through a good part of Baton Rouge and even caught a glimpse of the fabled LSU Tiger Stadium! It is awe inspiring; you have to see that picture!
Tomorrow we ride again -- what a surprise!
Jake
Anyway, Marty had the first taste when a woman at the convenience store gave us some Boudin - kind of a bratwurst sort of deal. I still had to pass. Tomorrow night is definitely the last one in Louisiana, so my chances for culinary nirvana are dwindling.
So, what is up with the roadkill in Louisiana? About every thirty yards, there was something. Didn't see that in Texas.... wait a minute... just what are THEY doing in Texas with the roadkill anyway? Hmmm... perhaps a clue!
Had a decent day of riding today with a few minor exceptions. There was the Morganza Spillway on Route 190 -- a narrow stretch of road that presented itself as a bridge over some bayou... well it is, but it goes on for 4 miles. Then there was the Huey P Long Bridge, that dumped onto the Ronald Reagan Highway -- two smooth guys should have smoother roadways as their legacy.
We ended up riding through a good part of Baton Rouge and even caught a glimpse of the fabled LSU Tiger Stadium! It is awe inspiring; you have to see that picture!
Tomorrow we ride again -- what a surprise!
Jake
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Getting rid er De Ridder
Thank you all for your concern over gastro-distress. Hopefully, I am on the way back.
Today we got a late start on purpose and took it easy heading East. It was a beautiful, yet cold day that began at 43 degrees and never hit 60. We also had a real nice tailwind. Perfect conditions for my situation.
So far, the countryside around here has been very much like inland Florida. Lots of pines, lots of water and not many hills at all.
We planned to do only 60 miles today, but when we got to the only accommodations in the town of Mamou, one could say we were motivated to continue on to Ville Platte. That is where we ended up after 76 pretty easy miles.
A note on the pictures - we think we have really been shorting the photo album, but the last few days have not been rife with photo ops. We will try to have a more creative eye, but you all have seen pine trees, right?
Jake
Today we got a late start on purpose and took it easy heading East. It was a beautiful, yet cold day that began at 43 degrees and never hit 60. We also had a real nice tailwind. Perfect conditions for my situation.
So far, the countryside around here has been very much like inland Florida. Lots of pines, lots of water and not many hills at all.
We planned to do only 60 miles today, but when we got to the only accommodations in the town of Mamou, one could say we were motivated to continue on to Ville Platte. That is where we ended up after 76 pretty easy miles.
A note on the pictures - we think we have really been shorting the photo album, but the last few days have not been rife with photo ops. We will try to have a more creative eye, but you all have seen pine trees, right?
Jake
A big baby in LA
I mean really, who hasn't ridden a bike 80+ miles while throwing up, having the stomach issues mentioned and running a temp. It was only 4 days of not really eating. If I knew he was such a wimp, I wouldn't have come. Obviously I'm kidding. Jake is hanging tougher than anyone would expect.
I knew he was sick yesterday when we asked me to slow down. In the past that has happened .... ah .... ...NEVER! The only time I've gone faster than Jake was down hill on a Mt bike.
I rode out of Texas and into Louisiana. There was not welcome to Louisiana sign and if it wasn't for the "Entering Beauregard Parish" sign I wouldn't have known. The first 4 hours of our ride was in a thick fog that got everything dripping wet. There was almost no wind until the last hours of the ride.
The weather channel is saying we should have the wind at our back for a couple days (at last). The weather is also supposed to turn cold for a couple days. Good thing we sent our winter clothes home! We are catching all the breaks.
We are going to ride today and take advantage of the wind, but it will probably not be a real big day. Neither of us think Jake has a big effort in him. Actually let me restate that: About 60-70 mile will be a big effort in Jake's condition. We will take it easy for a couple days and make it up when he is 100%. We are currently just waiting to see how Jake reacts to his breakfast and we are waiting for his prescription to be filled.
By the way, if you are a people watcher, the Walmart in DeRidder LA is a must visit. I'm tellen' ya, it would make a great reality show. Just put mikes on these folks, a little video camera: geniues.
I knew he was sick yesterday when we asked me to slow down. In the past that has happened .... ah .... ...NEVER! The only time I've gone faster than Jake was down hill on a Mt bike.
I rode out of Texas and into Louisiana. There was not welcome to Louisiana sign and if it wasn't for the "Entering Beauregard Parish" sign I wouldn't have known. The first 4 hours of our ride was in a thick fog that got everything dripping wet. There was almost no wind until the last hours of the ride.
The weather channel is saying we should have the wind at our back for a couple days (at last). The weather is also supposed to turn cold for a couple days. Good thing we sent our winter clothes home! We are catching all the breaks.
We are going to ride today and take advantage of the wind, but it will probably not be a real big day. Neither of us think Jake has a big effort in him. Actually let me restate that: About 60-70 mile will be a big effort in Jake's condition. We will take it easy for a couple days and make it up when he is 100%. We are currently just waiting to see how Jake reacts to his breakfast and we are waiting for his prescription to be filled.
By the way, if you are a people watcher, the Walmart in DeRidder LA is a must visit. I'm tellen' ya, it would make a great reality show. Just put mikes on these folks, a little video camera: geniues.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Kountze to De Ridder (bye bye Texas!)
Well guys here is the deal...
We left Kountze an hour before dawn making great time on really easy roads. I even had a little appetite back and had a decent breakfast.
Sorry if this grosses anyone out, but 41 miles into the ride after numerous attempts to properly digest the aforementioned meal, my ride came to a spewing, cramping end - stomach cramps that is.
After that episode and another particularly unpleasant issue at the base of an old oak tree, I was sitting cross-legged on the shoulder of the road, helmet on the ground, deciding what to do.
As you can tell by now, despite previous reports, I was not getting much better at all. The stomach virus was probably at the end of its course, but three full days of the most yucky experiences of my life, I was clearly dehydrated and in bad shape. I could not eat or drink - bad news when you are burning 4000 - 6000 calories per day.
We slowly rode into Kirbyville, TX and I promptly called Enterprise. Marty was the only one of us to ride out of Texas. I waited for the car, then drove up to Jasper and then into Louisiana to De Ridder and the Beauregard Hospital.
Just got back after three hours of waiting, two liters of saline and a few admonishments from the Doc.
Overall my first experience with people in LA was excellent - very friendly and they have plenty of saline.
Anyway, Marty trucked on into De Ridder on his bike - I am told it was uneventful, but he did make it out of Texas and got in a full 85 miles (Dave you can deduct 45 off my total).
Tomorrow AM I decide what to do with me. The options include - go very short for a few days or return the car in Baton Rouge and meet Marty in St Francisville. I am leaning towards the former, but we will see how the system operates tonight and tomorrow AM... so to speak.
Sorry for the gross stuff, but a blog is supposed to tell it as it is, no?
Jake
We left Kountze an hour before dawn making great time on really easy roads. I even had a little appetite back and had a decent breakfast.
Sorry if this grosses anyone out, but 41 miles into the ride after numerous attempts to properly digest the aforementioned meal, my ride came to a spewing, cramping end - stomach cramps that is.
After that episode and another particularly unpleasant issue at the base of an old oak tree, I was sitting cross-legged on the shoulder of the road, helmet on the ground, deciding what to do.
As you can tell by now, despite previous reports, I was not getting much better at all. The stomach virus was probably at the end of its course, but three full days of the most yucky experiences of my life, I was clearly dehydrated and in bad shape. I could not eat or drink - bad news when you are burning 4000 - 6000 calories per day.
We slowly rode into Kirbyville, TX and I promptly called Enterprise. Marty was the only one of us to ride out of Texas. I waited for the car, then drove up to Jasper and then into Louisiana to De Ridder and the Beauregard Hospital.
Just got back after three hours of waiting, two liters of saline and a few admonishments from the Doc.
Overall my first experience with people in LA was excellent - very friendly and they have plenty of saline.
Anyway, Marty trucked on into De Ridder on his bike - I am told it was uneventful, but he did make it out of Texas and got in a full 85 miles (Dave you can deduct 45 off my total).
Tomorrow AM I decide what to do with me. The options include - go very short for a few days or return the car in Baton Rouge and meet Marty in St Francisville. I am leaning towards the former, but we will see how the system operates tonight and tomorrow AM... so to speak.
Sorry for the gross stuff, but a blog is supposed to tell it as it is, no?
Jake
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Cold Springs to Kountze
We only got in 63 miles today. There were two reasons for this:
Tornadic activity predicted for the afternoon in this area and persistent rip currents in my digestive tract.
Marty was a champ today - he pulled the entire ride. The roads were surprisingly nice for being way out in the "Big Thicket".
The Thicket is a National preserve in which Civil War deserters would hide - they were called "bushwhackers".
I am toast, but I think I have seen the worst of it. We will most likely be in Louisiana tomorrow.
Jake
Tornadic activity predicted for the afternoon in this area and persistent rip currents in my digestive tract.
Marty was a champ today - he pulled the entire ride. The roads were surprisingly nice for being way out in the "Big Thicket".
The Thicket is a National preserve in which Civil War deserters would hide - they were called "bushwhackers".
I am toast, but I think I have seen the worst of it. We will most likely be in Louisiana tomorrow.
Jake
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
About Texas and a catch up blog
We should have just 2 more days in Texas, then onto LA. With this in mind, I'll share some observations of Texas:
- Texans are proud of their state and their country. I have seen hundreds of people flying the state and US flag. This is especially true of the more affluent areas.
- Texans like pick up truck, especially white ones. This is true on New Mexico also, but we have had ten vehicles in a row pass us, all of them white trucks. And yes, they are American trucks and they are the big ones; no S10s or Rangers. Chevy's and Fords lead the pack, then GMC and Dodge. I did see a Toyota one day. After further investigation I saw it had Missouri tags - traitor!
- Texans are either really friendly. (Will strike up a conversation and give advice in a heart beat) or not (Make a special effort to not respond or do so in as few words as possible. (That could be our shorts)
- Wranglers are the jean of choice. Levi's, not even an option.
- Cowboys hats, boots and belt buckets are not rare.
- Texas is not flat, at least not the part we covered.
- Texas is windy, really windy in a "I wouldn't want to live here" way. The mornings are cold, in a "I wouldn't want to live here way."
- It's is not rare to hear women talking about pick up trucks and fishing lures, in a "I wouldn't want to live here" way.
- They have 2 lane roads with 70 MPH speed limits. (65 at night)
- Oboma is more popular than we thought. We talked to 314 Texans and one thought he might do okay. The other 313? not fans.
All in all the people have been great.
We have about 1200 miles to go. Based on what we have been doing against winds, we expect to finish in 15-16, barring anything usual.
We shipped 33 lbs. of cold weather gear and one trailer today, so we will be leaner and meaner for the next 15 days!
All for now, Marty.
BTW - Jake did eat today and is holding it down. Tomorrow should be great, after all he did 86 miles while sick.
- Texans are proud of their state and their country. I have seen hundreds of people flying the state and US flag. This is especially true of the more affluent areas.
- Texans like pick up truck, especially white ones. This is true on New Mexico also, but we have had ten vehicles in a row pass us, all of them white trucks. And yes, they are American trucks and they are the big ones; no S10s or Rangers. Chevy's and Fords lead the pack, then GMC and Dodge. I did see a Toyota one day. After further investigation I saw it had Missouri tags - traitor!
- Texans are either really friendly. (Will strike up a conversation and give advice in a heart beat) or not (Make a special effort to not respond or do so in as few words as possible. (That could be our shorts)
- Wranglers are the jean of choice. Levi's, not even an option.
- Cowboys hats, boots and belt buckets are not rare.
- Texas is not flat, at least not the part we covered.
- Texas is windy, really windy in a "I wouldn't want to live here" way. The mornings are cold, in a "I wouldn't want to live here way."
- It's is not rare to hear women talking about pick up trucks and fishing lures, in a "I wouldn't want to live here" way.
- They have 2 lane roads with 70 MPH speed limits. (65 at night)
- Oboma is more popular than we thought. We talked to 314 Texans and one thought he might do okay. The other 313? not fans.
All in all the people have been great.
We have about 1200 miles to go. Based on what we have been doing against winds, we expect to finish in 15-16, barring anything usual.
We shipped 33 lbs. of cold weather gear and one trailer today, so we will be leaner and meaner for the next 15 days!
All for now, Marty.
BTW - Jake did eat today and is holding it down. Tomorrow should be great, after all he did 86 miles while sick.
A Rest Day!
Well, Cold Springs was not the location of choice for a rest day, but as Marty noted, I got ill.
I will spare you the details off said illness, but let's just say that describing the symptoms dealt with would truly give my creative writing skills a work-out. Bleh.
Anyway, we covered 86 miles yesterday.
Today, we are determining if we can further consolidate our stuff to reduce our load. With any luck we will be down to the panniers (luggage bags on the bikes and one trailer. if we are successful, one guy will take the trailer, one will take the bags.
Another mark of our brilliance: that we waited until we were fully out of any elevation of note to reduce our stuff.
BRILLIANT!
I feel better today and provided I can eat, we will be off and riding again tomorrow.
All the best,
Jake
I will spare you the details off said illness, but let's just say that describing the symptoms dealt with would truly give my creative writing skills a work-out. Bleh.
Anyway, we covered 86 miles yesterday.
Today, we are determining if we can further consolidate our stuff to reduce our load. With any luck we will be down to the panniers (luggage bags on the bikes and one trailer. if we are successful, one guy will take the trailer, one will take the bags.
Another mark of our brilliance: that we waited until we were fully out of any elevation of note to reduce our stuff.
BRILLIANT!
I feel better today and provided I can eat, we will be off and riding again tomorrow.
All the best,
Jake
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Jake sick / In coldspring
What a wild night. The wind was ripping thru where we were even though we set the tent in behind 2 walls of an old building which blocked most of the wind. It had to be hitting 30-40 MPH. I was not looking forward to today's ride.
Once we got up and on the road the wind was all but stopped, maybe 5 mph. The bad news was Jake woke up sick and with no energy. He was hurting pretty bad so we just tooled along to see how far we could get.
He would feel better for a bit and then worse, but overall not the Jake on a bike I know. The last 10 miles were pretty hard on him. I'd say it took over an hour to finish and then things got worse. He is asleep now, after some yogurt and 7up.
I'm sure he will be good tomorrow. Not much keeps this guy down.
Today's ride was thru the Sam Houston national forest and was low rollers. All and all not bad, but we did see what we called some sad old towns. We also saw some huge houses and ranches. This part of Texas is very nice.
All for now. Wish I had something more interesting to discuss.
Once we got up and on the road the wind was all but stopped, maybe 5 mph. The bad news was Jake woke up sick and with no energy. He was hurting pretty bad so we just tooled along to see how far we could get.
He would feel better for a bit and then worse, but overall not the Jake on a bike I know. The last 10 miles were pretty hard on him. I'd say it took over an hour to finish and then things got worse. He is asleep now, after some yogurt and 7up.
I'm sure he will be good tomorrow. Not much keeps this guy down.
Today's ride was thru the Sam Houston national forest and was low rollers. All and all not bad, but we did see what we called some sad old towns. We also saw some huge houses and ranches. This part of Texas is very nice.
All for now. Wish I had something more interesting to discuss.
Independence and Coldsprings Texas
Yesterday's ride out of the park was pretty hilly, but we were blocked from the wind. When we got out of the parks, we saw a bit a wind. To put it lightly, it was stupid. (Tom Habich, you would have laid down and cried) It was not right in the face, it was hitting us from the SE while we were heading East. It was so strong at times we were leaning into it like we were trying to.... well, I don't know what. It would have been fun it we were doing it for 50 feet. Unfortantly we did it for miles. It wore me out.
We ended with about 20 miles thru some nice rolling hills and farms to Independence. We stayed on the property of to local general store. Mike, the owner, actually offered us a cabin 5 miles away, but Jake and I were done, so we camped on his property.
Total for the day 83 miles.
We ended with about 20 miles thru some nice rolling hills and farms to Independence. We stayed on the property of to local general store. Mike, the owner, actually offered us a cabin 5 miles away, but Jake and I were done, so we camped on his property.
Total for the day 83 miles.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Independence Texas - short version
Hey all - connection is really bad - we will update tomorrow for both days - 83 miles - winds ridiculously high out of SSE. Apparently when Texans bother to talk about the wind, it is windy.
'til tomorrow!
Jake
'til tomorrow!
Jake
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Bastrop Texas
We learned a few things over the past days. Hills are what they are, wind is what it will be, and riding on or along interstate highways is as dull as dishwater.
Despite the fact that tomorrow we will be facing winds off 20 - 30 MPH with gusts over 40 (not my guess - check weather.com) we will be happily trying to make it to Navasota Texas. We figured out that AdventureCycling.org chose the pathes least taken for a reason. San Antonio was worth it though.
Navasota will complete 4 of 7 sections of our trip. We hope to be in Louisiana in 2.5 days. I'll have to brush up on my French so I can pick up on some of the Cajun as we head to Baton Rouge. C'est vrai!
Anyway, we knocked off 93 miles - probably a century if you count the ride back to the restaurant and convenience store - but we do not count that! So that is about 265 in the last three days. Moving right along.
As you may notice from the pictures I have shaved the beard. Yesterday, about 30 miles from San Antonio, I found a battery operated trimmer at a Dollar General. We were at the time eating left over pizza on the side of the store, so you can imagine the scene - shaving and eating pizza on the side of US 90 - kind of gross, but my kids were up in arms, so what is a Dad to do?
Today's highlight is our campgrounds - a beautiful state park outside of Bastrop - no rail cars. no highway, no indigent RV Park dwellers - just wind int he pines and Marty snoring his butt off... yikes.
Oh yeah - went through a town called UHLAND. Can't tell if it was in homage to Lance Armstrong's interview style... Uh.... Levi was great.... Uh... The team was just great... Uh...
Or maybe it was because "You Know, TX" and "Like, TX" were already taken!
'til next...
Jake
Despite the fact that tomorrow we will be facing winds off 20 - 30 MPH with gusts over 40 (not my guess - check weather.com) we will be happily trying to make it to Navasota Texas. We figured out that AdventureCycling.org chose the pathes least taken for a reason. San Antonio was worth it though.
Navasota will complete 4 of 7 sections of our trip. We hope to be in Louisiana in 2.5 days. I'll have to brush up on my French so I can pick up on some of the Cajun as we head to Baton Rouge. C'est vrai!
Anyway, we knocked off 93 miles - probably a century if you count the ride back to the restaurant and convenience store - but we do not count that! So that is about 265 in the last three days. Moving right along.
As you may notice from the pictures I have shaved the beard. Yesterday, about 30 miles from San Antonio, I found a battery operated trimmer at a Dollar General. We were at the time eating left over pizza on the side of the store, so you can imagine the scene - shaving and eating pizza on the side of US 90 - kind of gross, but my kids were up in arms, so what is a Dad to do?
Today's highlight is our campgrounds - a beautiful state park outside of Bastrop - no rail cars. no highway, no indigent RV Park dwellers - just wind int he pines and Marty snoring his butt off... yikes.
Oh yeah - went through a town called UHLAND. Can't tell if it was in homage to Lance Armstrong's interview style... Uh.... Levi was great.... Uh... The team was just great... Uh...
Or maybe it was because "You Know, TX" and "Like, TX" were already taken!
'til next...
Jake
Saturday, March 21, 2009
San Antonio
We had a pretty boring 84 mile ride from Uvalde to San Antonio. When I say it was boring what I mean was that there were not many interesting sights, different than what we have seen over the last few days.
What was great was the wind was in our face. What's great about the wind in your face is the fact that you always see it coming. It also help you from going too fast, which cuts down on any possible errors in directions etc. It also ensures that you are going slow enough to see every bit of all the sights, which again are the same as the last couple of days.
In San Antonio we meet up with my niece Casey and her boyfriend Wes. It was great seeing Casey and meeting Wes. I had not seen Casey since she graduated from high school which was 13 years ago. We had diner at the San Antonio river walk and it was a very nice evening to sit outside. Amazingly, Casey looks just the same as she did 13 years ago. Me, not so much.
Items to note:
I've been asked about my blog entry where I said we made a mistake and ended in a part of El Paso that 2 guys in tights should not be in. The question was "what was it about this part of town?". Lets be honest, we have all, one time or another, been in a place where we didn't feel quite comfortable. When you wear this goofy biking stuff, that happens fairly often. I mean really, unless you, a friend or a family member cycles, these clothes are freaky looking. Anyway, lets just leave it at that.
In my next blog I'll explain the clothes to those non biking folks out there, but believe me it is NOT a fashon statement. When we finish riding each day we get out of these clothes as quickly as possible. (Okay, maybe Jake like to wear it around. Ha) I hope he doesn't read this.
All for now. Hoping for more head winds. It really is keeping us hunble.
What was great was the wind was in our face. What's great about the wind in your face is the fact that you always see it coming. It also help you from going too fast, which cuts down on any possible errors in directions etc. It also ensures that you are going slow enough to see every bit of all the sights, which again are the same as the last couple of days.
In San Antonio we meet up with my niece Casey and her boyfriend Wes. It was great seeing Casey and meeting Wes. I had not seen Casey since she graduated from high school which was 13 years ago. We had diner at the San Antonio river walk and it was a very nice evening to sit outside. Amazingly, Casey looks just the same as she did 13 years ago. Me, not so much.
Items to note:
I've been asked about my blog entry where I said we made a mistake and ended in a part of El Paso that 2 guys in tights should not be in. The question was "what was it about this part of town?". Lets be honest, we have all, one time or another, been in a place where we didn't feel quite comfortable. When you wear this goofy biking stuff, that happens fairly often. I mean really, unless you, a friend or a family member cycles, these clothes are freaky looking. Anyway, lets just leave it at that.
In my next blog I'll explain the clothes to those non biking folks out there, but believe me it is NOT a fashon statement. When we finish riding each day we get out of these clothes as quickly as possible. (Okay, maybe Jake like to wear it around. Ha) I hope he doesn't read this.
All for now. Hoping for more head winds. It really is keeping us hunble.
Off The Course
By the way, we are off the Adventurecycling course - we shot down through San Antonio (today's destination). We are meeting Marty's niece there later today.
This means we WILL NOT GET TO AUSTIN. We will actually come up below the Southeast part of that city.
Jake
This means we WILL NOT GET TO AUSTIN. We will actually come up below the Southeast part of that city.
Jake
Friday, March 20, 2009
Back on the Road
Today we got up at 5 AM and were rolling by 6.
The darkness and wind were oddly calming. The only distractions were the little obstacles the headlight pointed out. I could not see my navigation unit and therefore I had no idea of how fast or slow we were going. I decided to focus solely on the effort my legs were putting forth.
Without regard to change of wind speed or pitch in the road, I kept my legs feeling a constant effort. All I had to do was shift my gears to keep the focus. Pretty soon all my thoughts were about maintaining that focus; that effort.
That is, until "The Boxer" popped into my head. Odd as there are no Simon and Garfunkel songs on the old Ipod. I realized I could maintain the effort focus and half hum, half mumble the song.
I wondered if I could keep the focus once sunlight revealed all the distractions with which I normally ride.
Predictably, the answer was no. Despite a rather dull 83 miles from our campsite near Del Rio to Uvalde, wind, hills, sights and sounds were all convenient alibis to lose focus.
We passed through one town, Brackettsville, 40 miles into the ride and that was it until Uvalde!
Well almost... the sole picture of the day was a historical marker noting the site of a bygone settlement called Delores. Apparently some Land Baron named the town after his Mexican wife. Perhaps they would have lasted had he only named it after his favorite aunt, Mulva.
I think Jerry Seinfeld would agree.
The darkness and wind were oddly calming. The only distractions were the little obstacles the headlight pointed out. I could not see my navigation unit and therefore I had no idea of how fast or slow we were going. I decided to focus solely on the effort my legs were putting forth.
Without regard to change of wind speed or pitch in the road, I kept my legs feeling a constant effort. All I had to do was shift my gears to keep the focus. Pretty soon all my thoughts were about maintaining that focus; that effort.
That is, until "The Boxer" popped into my head. Odd as there are no Simon and Garfunkel songs on the old Ipod. I realized I could maintain the effort focus and half hum, half mumble the song.
I wondered if I could keep the focus once sunlight revealed all the distractions with which I normally ride.
Predictably, the answer was no. Despite a rather dull 83 miles from our campsite near Del Rio to Uvalde, wind, hills, sights and sounds were all convenient alibis to lose focus.
We passed through one town, Brackettsville, 40 miles into the ride and that was it until Uvalde!
Well almost... the sole picture of the day was a historical marker noting the site of a bygone settlement called Delores. Apparently some Land Baron named the town after his Mexican wife. Perhaps they would have lasted had he only named it after his favorite aunt, Mulva.
I think Jerry Seinfeld would agree.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)