Thursday, December 11, 2008
Day 20 - Thursday, December 11
Wow, my parents from California shocked me today..... Plus, I am officially at my half-way point!
Description: Finished the 88 mile ride in Kerrville TX. Tomorrow, I am targeting another 88 mile ride to Wimberley which will have tons of short and steep hills - looks like death from a million cuts plus the wind does not look favorable.
A couple of quick answers to important questions. I cary both Snickers and PayDays and feel the chocolate PayDays gave me the most energy but I prefer the taste of Snickers. Also, my heart rate calculations are only when I am on the bike but not necessarily riding. I wear a belt and it sends signals to the GPS so if I am sitting at a stop light, it is recording.
I got up early today knowing it would be another Ironman type of day. No buffet in the small motel so I had 3 Pop Tarts, 2 bananas, and coffee to get jump started. Started rolling at sunrise and it was cold. From the motel door, it was straight up for the first 10-15 miles. The big pistons were groaning as they were not warmed up yet. After the big climb, I stopped in a small town call Leakey to take a "leak" and grab a real breakfast to stoke the furnace. I was referred to Hill Country Barbecue. I wolfed down a 3 egg omelet, hash browns, toast, and coffee - um um good. Then I rolled on and was looking at 3 major steep climbs over the next 30 miles. The scenery reminded me of the Blue Ridge mountains with tons of steep hills, and mountains all around. Along the entire route, there was one hunting ranch after another. The motel owner gave me the scoop last night. He said that cattle farming was no longer profitable and that deer hunting was. So, the farmers all put up high fences to trap the deer in their property and then feed them growth hormones, tons of food, and even breed them to be larger. Then rich city slickers pay tons of money to basically sit on the front porch of these places and shoot them down. It is like fishing in a barrel (or like fishing up in Canada). I do not get this but am sure Joe M. and his hunting bandits would love it here. Anyway, back to the ride which reminded me of Smit's weekly "attack and recover" rides except Slow Todd was not trying to nip at my heels. After the 3 climbs to Vanderpool, I turned North (dead into the wind) onto RT 187 for a massive 18 mile climb past Lost Maples State Park. About 3 miles into it, I saw a blown down sign on the road that said "Starbucks 1 Mile Ahead" which I thought was strange. Then a second blown down sign said "Free Starbucks 4 Bikers". I was thinking Hmmmmm. Then on the left side of the road in the middle of nowhere was a motorcycle museum and cafe and I figured that was were the coffee was. But, the place was closed for the winter - drats. Then I saw a tan Toyota car with an arm sticking out with a grande can of Starbucks Double-Shot. I thought that this was very very strange but decided to take it. To my shock, it was my mother and father who flew to San Antonio, rented a car, and then set me up with the help of my brother tracking me on my GPS. They really got me good. After chatting for a while, I off-loaded some gear and pedaled on up the massive climb (it was easy) and completed the final 40 miles into the wind while my parents grabbed a hotel. I rolled through some major hills and then along the Guadalupe river which had some very nice lodges, camps, and homes all along this perfectly clear river. I will bet the fishing is awesome here! I rolled into Kerrville and the Inn of the Hills hotel which is very nice. A quick shower and my parents treated me to an awesome Italian supper at a local restaurant. I had spaghetti and meatballs, salad, rolls, and a pint. I then finished off my mom's lasagne. The tank was full with no room for dessert - sorry F.
Weather: Very cold in the morning with no wind. Then sunny but cool and a growing North wind as the day went on.
Performance Metrics:
Miles: 88 Trip: 1511 - half way.
Total travel time: 9:00 Trip: 152:30
Bike Riding time: 7:38 Trip: 123:15
Avg speed: 11.48 Trip: 12.61
Max speed: 36.11 Trip: 41.87
Total ascent (ft): 4,517 Trip: 39,364 - lots of climbing today
Avg pedal RPMs: 86 Trip: 87
Avg heart rate: 113 Trip: 116
Max heart rate: 162 Trip: 195
Calories burned: 5,368 Trip: 87,911
Weather Statistics:
High temp 60 Trip: 75
Low temp: 40 Trip: 28
Hours of rain: 0 Trip: 8
Hours of snow: 0 Trip: 0
Total days of rain/snow: 1
Wind factor: Against mostly
Total good wind days: 8
Total bad wind days: 12
Misc. Stats:
Flat tires: 0 Trip: 8
Mechanical failures: 0
Hotel or camping today: hotel - Inn of the Hill
Total hotel nights: 18
Total camping nights: 2
Cups of coffee: 5 Trip: 66
Pints: 1 Trip: 31
Mood rating (1-10): 10 - got my parents providing support for a couple of days and Starbucks Double-Shots - it does not get better than that!
Description: Finished the 88 mile ride in Kerrville TX. Tomorrow, I am targeting another 88 mile ride to Wimberley which will have tons of short and steep hills - looks like death from a million cuts plus the wind does not look favorable.
A couple of quick answers to important questions. I cary both Snickers and PayDays and feel the chocolate PayDays gave me the most energy but I prefer the taste of Snickers. Also, my heart rate calculations are only when I am on the bike but not necessarily riding. I wear a belt and it sends signals to the GPS so if I am sitting at a stop light, it is recording.
I got up early today knowing it would be another Ironman type of day. No buffet in the small motel so I had 3 Pop Tarts, 2 bananas, and coffee to get jump started. Started rolling at sunrise and it was cold. From the motel door, it was straight up for the first 10-15 miles. The big pistons were groaning as they were not warmed up yet. After the big climb, I stopped in a small town call Leakey to take a "leak" and grab a real breakfast to stoke the furnace. I was referred to Hill Country Barbecue. I wolfed down a 3 egg omelet, hash browns, toast, and coffee - um um good. Then I rolled on and was looking at 3 major steep climbs over the next 30 miles. The scenery reminded me of the Blue Ridge mountains with tons of steep hills, and mountains all around. Along the entire route, there was one hunting ranch after another. The motel owner gave me the scoop last night. He said that cattle farming was no longer profitable and that deer hunting was. So, the farmers all put up high fences to trap the deer in their property and then feed them growth hormones, tons of food, and even breed them to be larger. Then rich city slickers pay tons of money to basically sit on the front porch of these places and shoot them down. It is like fishing in a barrel (or like fishing up in Canada). I do not get this but am sure Joe M. and his hunting bandits would love it here. Anyway, back to the ride which reminded me of Smit's weekly "attack and recover" rides except Slow Todd was not trying to nip at my heels. After the 3 climbs to Vanderpool, I turned North (dead into the wind) onto RT 187 for a massive 18 mile climb past Lost Maples State Park. About 3 miles into it, I saw a blown down sign on the road that said "Starbucks 1 Mile Ahead" which I thought was strange. Then a second blown down sign said "Free Starbucks 4 Bikers". I was thinking Hmmmmm. Then on the left side of the road in the middle of nowhere was a motorcycle museum and cafe and I figured that was were the coffee was. But, the place was closed for the winter - drats. Then I saw a tan Toyota car with an arm sticking out with a grande can of Starbucks Double-Shot. I thought that this was very very strange but decided to take it. To my shock, it was my mother and father who flew to San Antonio, rented a car, and then set me up with the help of my brother tracking me on my GPS. They really got me good. After chatting for a while, I off-loaded some gear and pedaled on up the massive climb (it was easy) and completed the final 40 miles into the wind while my parents grabbed a hotel. I rolled through some major hills and then along the Guadalupe river which had some very nice lodges, camps, and homes all along this perfectly clear river. I will bet the fishing is awesome here! I rolled into Kerrville and the Inn of the Hills hotel which is very nice. A quick shower and my parents treated me to an awesome Italian supper at a local restaurant. I had spaghetti and meatballs, salad, rolls, and a pint. I then finished off my mom's lasagne. The tank was full with no room for dessert - sorry F.
Weather: Very cold in the morning with no wind. Then sunny but cool and a growing North wind as the day went on.
Performance Metrics:
Miles: 88 Trip: 1511 - half way.
Total travel time: 9:00 Trip: 152:30
Bike Riding time: 7:38 Trip: 123:15
Avg speed: 11.48 Trip: 12.61
Max speed: 36.11 Trip: 41.87
Total ascent (ft): 4,517 Trip: 39,364 - lots of climbing today
Avg pedal RPMs: 86 Trip: 87
Avg heart rate: 113 Trip: 116
Max heart rate: 162 Trip: 195
Calories burned: 5,368 Trip: 87,911
Weather Statistics:
High temp 60 Trip: 75
Low temp: 40 Trip: 28
Hours of rain: 0 Trip: 8
Hours of snow: 0 Trip: 0
Total days of rain/snow: 1
Wind factor: Against mostly
Total good wind days: 8
Total bad wind days: 12
Misc. Stats:
Flat tires: 0 Trip: 8
Mechanical failures: 0
Hotel or camping today: hotel - Inn of the Hill
Total hotel nights: 18
Total camping nights: 2
Cups of coffee: 5 Trip: 66
Pints: 1 Trip: 31
Mood rating (1-10): 10 - got my parents providing support for a couple of days and Starbucks Double-Shots - it does not get better than that!
Wow - My parents met me on the road today.....
Did they ever shock me.... They were on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere handing out Starbucks Double-Shots - can you believe that?
More awesome details later tonight on my daily blog write-up after a big Italian feast!!!!!
Steve
More awesome details later tonight on my daily blog write-up after a big Italian feast!!!!!
Steve
OK ESN:0-7458562
This is Steve and I am checking in to let everyone know that I have finished my ride for the day safe and sound.
ESN:0-7458562
Latitude:30.0568
Longitude:-99.1645
Nearest Location: Plaza Dr, Kerrville, TX, US
Distance: 0 km(s)
Time:12/11/2008 15:24:09 (US/Pacific)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=30.0568,-99.1645&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
ESN:0-7458562
Latitude:30.0568
Longitude:-99.1645
Nearest Location: Plaza Dr, Kerrville, TX, US
Distance: 0 km(s)
Time:12/11/2008 15:24:09 (US/Pacific)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=30.0568,-99.1645&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
Day 19 - Wednesday, December 10
Description: Finished the 81 mile ride in Camp Wood TX.
When I went to be bed last night in Del Rio, there was a major storm outside with high winds, heavy rain, and some flurries. All night long, I was awoken by the wind howling which made me nervous. I slept in until 6:30 to let the storm pass and then quickly hit the breakfast buffet for a western omelet, sausages, bacon, biscuits, OJ, and coffee. After breakfast, I bundled up with all of my winter gear and hit the road at 8 sharp to a frosty and windy 38 degrees. The wind was very strong coming out of the NNW which gave me a 3/4 tail wind for the first 30 miles to Brackettville. There was heavy traffic and very little shoulder getting out of Del Rio on RT 90. Just East of town, I passed the Laughlin Air Force base. Then there was nothing until Brackettville where I stopped for a quick coffee and a donut at a gas station. Then I turned North East onto RT 334 which gave me a strong side wind which mostly helped me out but not a lot. On occasion, the road would go north and I would pay the price. I rode on RT 334 for another 32 miles through rolling but mostly uphill roads. There were a lot of ranches and wastelands and I saw my first Armadillo although he was dead on shoulder. Then at mile 62, I took a 90 degree left (straight North) onto RT 55. It was like the wind gods were angry with me as they punished me with an 18 mile climb directly into 20-25 mph winds with no relief! It took at least 4 times the energy to ride the last 18 miles as the first 62 - seriously. The ride went from rolling hills to a mountain climb as I passed through the small town of Montell and then through several campgrounds on the Nueces river. The river was quite large and it looked like Daniels could throw one of his famous rattletraps in there for a couple of quick catches as he is quite lucky. I finally arrived at my motel at the top of the hill in Camp Wood. Other than the last 18 miles, the ride was very easy. I cleaned-up and hit a local restaurant (Sister's - only thing open) to do some re-fueling as I did not eat lunch today. They had the best appetizer I have ever had called Texas Straws which were deep fried Jalepeano and onion strips with a spicy ranch dipping sauce. I followed that up with their fried burrito supreme special and a baked potato with sour cream. Some fresh coffee and an ice cream sandwich completed the meal. The food was excellent and cheap but the service was slow - I was in no rush.
Tomorrow will be a brutal day of climbing to include 5 major steep ascents plus another 4-6 minor bite you in the butt ones. I hope to ride close to 85 miles and finish up in Kerrville TX.
Good night!
Weather: Very windy, cold, but lots of sunshine. It was really quite comfortable in the bike with all of my gear.
Performance Metrics:
Miles: 81 Trip: 1,423
Total travel time: 8:00 Trip: 143:30
Bike Riding time: 6:54 Trip: 115:37
Avg speed: 11.67 Trip: 12.67
Max speed: 26.06 Trip: 41.87
Total ascent (ft): 1,619 Trip: 34,847
Avg pedal RPMs: 87 Trip: 87
Avg heart rate: 115 Trip: 116
Max heart rate: 142 Trip: 195
Calories burned: 4,496 Trip: 82,543
Weather Statistics:
High temp 53 Trip: 75
Low temp: 38 Trip: 28
Hours of rain: 0 Trip: 8
Hours of snow: 0 Trip: 0
Total days of rain/snow: 1
Wind factor: Mostly favorable
Total good wind days: 8
Total bad wind days: 11
Misc. Stats:
Flat tires: 0 Trip: 8
Mechanical failures: 0
Hotel or camping today: hotel - Woodbine Inn
Total hotel nights: 17
Total camping nights: 2
Cups of coffee: 5 Trip: 61
Pints: 1 Trip: 30
Mood rating (1-10): 9.25 - the wind wore me down but the climbs look exciting for tomorrow.
When I went to be bed last night in Del Rio, there was a major storm outside with high winds, heavy rain, and some flurries. All night long, I was awoken by the wind howling which made me nervous. I slept in until 6:30 to let the storm pass and then quickly hit the breakfast buffet for a western omelet, sausages, bacon, biscuits, OJ, and coffee. After breakfast, I bundled up with all of my winter gear and hit the road at 8 sharp to a frosty and windy 38 degrees. The wind was very strong coming out of the NNW which gave me a 3/4 tail wind for the first 30 miles to Brackettville. There was heavy traffic and very little shoulder getting out of Del Rio on RT 90. Just East of town, I passed the Laughlin Air Force base. Then there was nothing until Brackettville where I stopped for a quick coffee and a donut at a gas station. Then I turned North East onto RT 334 which gave me a strong side wind which mostly helped me out but not a lot. On occasion, the road would go north and I would pay the price. I rode on RT 334 for another 32 miles through rolling but mostly uphill roads. There were a lot of ranches and wastelands and I saw my first Armadillo although he was dead on shoulder. Then at mile 62, I took a 90 degree left (straight North) onto RT 55. It was like the wind gods were angry with me as they punished me with an 18 mile climb directly into 20-25 mph winds with no relief! It took at least 4 times the energy to ride the last 18 miles as the first 62 - seriously. The ride went from rolling hills to a mountain climb as I passed through the small town of Montell and then through several campgrounds on the Nueces river. The river was quite large and it looked like Daniels could throw one of his famous rattletraps in there for a couple of quick catches as he is quite lucky. I finally arrived at my motel at the top of the hill in Camp Wood. Other than the last 18 miles, the ride was very easy. I cleaned-up and hit a local restaurant (Sister's - only thing open) to do some re-fueling as I did not eat lunch today. They had the best appetizer I have ever had called Texas Straws which were deep fried Jalepeano and onion strips with a spicy ranch dipping sauce. I followed that up with their fried burrito supreme special and a baked potato with sour cream. Some fresh coffee and an ice cream sandwich completed the meal. The food was excellent and cheap but the service was slow - I was in no rush.
Tomorrow will be a brutal day of climbing to include 5 major steep ascents plus another 4-6 minor bite you in the butt ones. I hope to ride close to 85 miles and finish up in Kerrville TX.
Good night!
Weather: Very windy, cold, but lots of sunshine. It was really quite comfortable in the bike with all of my gear.
Performance Metrics:
Miles: 81 Trip: 1,423
Total travel time: 8:00 Trip: 143:30
Bike Riding time: 6:54 Trip: 115:37
Avg speed: 11.67 Trip: 12.67
Max speed: 26.06 Trip: 41.87
Total ascent (ft): 1,619 Trip: 34,847
Avg pedal RPMs: 87 Trip: 87
Avg heart rate: 115 Trip: 116
Max heart rate: 142 Trip: 195
Calories burned: 4,496 Trip: 82,543
Weather Statistics:
High temp 53 Trip: 75
Low temp: 38 Trip: 28
Hours of rain: 0 Trip: 8
Hours of snow: 0 Trip: 0
Total days of rain/snow: 1
Wind factor: Mostly favorable
Total good wind days: 8
Total bad wind days: 11
Misc. Stats:
Flat tires: 0 Trip: 8
Mechanical failures: 0
Hotel or camping today: hotel - Woodbine Inn
Total hotel nights: 17
Total camping nights: 2
Cups of coffee: 5 Trip: 61
Pints: 1 Trip: 30
Mood rating (1-10): 9.25 - the wind wore me down but the climbs look exciting for tomorrow.
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