At the map meeting last night, Michelle decided to change the first 40 miles of the route from equal stretches on the frontage road and interstate to all interstate, primarily due to the terrible chip seal conditions of the frontage road. At the interstate exit, we will head south toward Fort Davis to fight strong cross and headwinds during the 37-mile uphill climb through beautiful scenery, with the final 13-miles downhill to Indian Lodge at Davis Mountains State Park.
I fully expected to do the entire ride. When the interstate shoulder changed to chip seal, I made a command ride management decision to bump up in the SAG wagon the last 20 miles of interstate so I would have enough left to enjoy the scenic part of the ride. Since I have been quite vocal in my distaste for chip seal, this is what it looks like. It takes about 5 MPH off of forward progress.
The winds were immense with 40 MPH gusts and the hills were long with steep grades in parts, but I enjoyed this ride tremendously. While the elevation gain between Van Horn and the State Park was only 1000’, to 5050’, the actual gain on the day was far greater. I rode alone most of the day as riding with partners had no advantage in these gusty conditions, and we all climb at different speeds.
The yucca plants were in full bloom and plentiful.
Around every turn was another breathtaking view to absorb.
As the climb began
Where we're headed
Great place for a SAG stopOnce I passed the McDonald Observatory (the Hobby-Eberly telescope is in the background, the world’s third largest telescope with a 433” mirror), part of the University of Texas at Austin, the difficult climb was behind me.
I thoroughly enjoyed the long downhill, occasionally reaching speeds of 40 MPH, with these gorgeous vistas to enjoy. What a day!
Riders were dropping like flies all day, and the SAG driver and trip leaders had a busy day bumping riders. Eleven of twenty riders completed the full distance. I completed all 46 miles of hills and crosswinds along with 20 miles of interstate. It was a tough day, and we all did the best we could.
It was lights out for me at 10 pm. Tomorrow is a rest day—I’m snoring already.
It was lights out for me at 10 pm. Tomorrow is a rest day—I’m snoring already.
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1 comment:
Mom,
These are some of the best photographs you've taken. The two of the winding road are FANTASTIC. I'm so glad you're enjoying the trip. That chip seal is something else. I can't even imagine why they would have that for cars. It seems like it would slow traffic down.
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