I forgot to mention we graduated to Section 4 maps at Del Rio. See photo of Linda holding the Section 4 maps. Three sections down, four to go - almost halfway!
Today we rode 90 miles and ascended about 4600 feet. We were apprehensive about today's ride after yesterday's challenges. Happily the chip seal today was tolerable - actually better on the older county roads (Andre predicted this). Also, the east headwind was moderate. It was light jacket weather in the morning, and never got hot. The morning sky was a dark, low overcast; wondered if it would rain.
Jerry, Bob Plant and I happened to roll at the same time (7:45 am), so rode together for the first 30 miles on county route 334. (See photo of Bob with our bikes propped on mailboxes while taking a break). In general we stopped every 10 miles for a snack and water, and to rest from chip seal vibration. Carol joined us at this point, and we took turns leading while riding north for 18 miles on state route 55 to the town of Camp Wood. Here we stopped in the general store for a cold drink and rest. In the store were oversized truck tires, weed whackers, giant balloons and an assortment of food.
The scenery has changed from two days ago. Now hills are covered with leafy trees including oaks (Linda saw a giant one near the town of Leakey). Streams have water sometimes. We saw several fields cleared for planting; not sure what they grow. A sign advertised hog traps for sale to catch javelina (photo). Another sign was "Rust in Peace" by a field of old tractors and trucks.
This weekend is the Three Twisted Sisters motorcycle rally, named for three roads in the area. We easily saw over 300 riders. Most gave us space, but a few cut it close. The exhaust fumes and ear-splitting noise made us appreciate the quieter rural rides until now.
From Camp Wood to Leakey (pronounced "Lakey") was 21 miles including several hills with 5% grades that at times approached 10%. These were long pulls. Carol and Bob took off; I hung with Jerry. In Leakey, we rewarded ourselves with a butter pecan milkshake (the Blue Bell local ice cream is excellent!)
We then had another 14 miles to Vanderpool, with more hills and the same grades. After this, the last four miles were level winding along the Sabinal River.
We are camped in Lost Maples, a pleasant state park filled with families. It's unusual to hear children's voices after all the nights in RV parks. Fun to see them playing and enjoying camp fires.
Bob Plant and Ken served up spaghetti with kelbassi, salad, and apple pie a la mode for dinner. Really hit the spot!
All the riders made it in today; it was a good day. Am keying this in my tent after dark, to the sounds of tree frogs croaking and cicadas chirping. Can it be spring?
Bruce
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