Description: Finished the 57 mile ride in Bastrop TX around 3 pm. I considered this a rest day due to the low miles. Tomorrow, I hope to ride to Burton - wind permitting as they will be high again.
I was real lazy today and slept in until almost 7:30 as the down pillows, soft comforter, and warm fireplace made it hard to get up. Breakfast at the Inn was at 8:30 and I was hungry. They served a nice spinach and brie quiche with baked pears, fresh fruit, homemade granola cereal, pumpkin/nut bread, hand squeezed OJ, and fresh coffee. It was a little better than the 3 Pop Tarts I had a few days ago while camping. Have I told everyone that this Inn (http://www.innaboveonioncreek.com/) was awesome yet? Knowing this would be my last day with my Sherpa parents, I took my time loading up and did not get on my bike until 9:40. In fact, I got a call during breakfast from my father-in-law in Staunton VA who was concerned that I was not on the road yet. My in-laws (Joe and Maria) have been religiously tracking me and frequently calling me for personal updates. They are having as much fun on this trip as me. Well, I hit the road on a warm sunny morning (shorts and no jacket) but was quickly greeted with guess what? The angry wind gods. There was a major wind advisory in effect all day with 15-25 mph sustained winds with gusts over 35. I rode through the town Kyle, then flat lands with lots of cotton farms. The winds for the first 25 miles were unbelievable and at times, I could hardly move forward. My parents were looking at their watches and wondering why I was taking soo long. My parents flight was heading out of San Antonio in the late afternoon and they were hoping we would all make it to Bastrop to say our goodbyes. Then my Mom had a great idea. She suggested them driving 25 miles ahead to grab a room for me and drop my bags so that I could travel light and go after those Dam winds. Just before they took off, we pulled through Lockhart which has the coolest (see photo album) city hall with a Santa out front taking pictures on an old red fire truck. Of course, Mom snapped a picture of me with Santa. After feeding me some peanut butter cookies, the Sherpas blasted off to secure my lodging. Then great news as my route turned to more of a NW direction and I finally picked up some tail winds. The route also became very hilly again but I did not care as I was riding the wind now. An hour later, my parents came back and had grabbed a room for me in Bastrop. We exchanged our final hugs and goodbyes and then the Sherpas were off to the races to catch their flight. I chugged on knowing I was on my own again with only Wilson to chat with. Then the road turned SE for the last 5 miles and that Dam wind fought me all the way in. Once in town, I stopped at Quiznos for a Meatball Sub to recover some calories. I checked into my motel, grabbed some local Shiner Bock, and then relaxed in the hotel room. Finally, I ordered and ate a medium pizza from Dominos to top off my fuel tank. However, I did find a way for some dessert - Mom's homemade peanut butter cookies!
Good night
Weather: Warm, sunny, and extremely windy. Some clouds moved in after lunch. A great day for riding.
Performance Metrics:
Miles: 57 Trip: 1,673
Total travel time: 5:30 Trip: 167:00
Bike Riding time: 4:20 Trip: 134:34
Avg speed: 13.21 Trip: 12.74
Max speed: 28.53 Trip: 41.87
Total ascent (ft): 1,576 Trip: 44,777
Avg pedal RPMs: 82 Trip: 87
Avg heart rate: 104 Trip: 115
Max heart rate: 135 Trip: 195
Calories burned: 3,320 Trip: 97,789
Weather Statistics:
High temp 72 Trip: 75
Low temp: 55 Trip: 28
Hours of rain: 0 Trip: 8
Hours of snow: 0 Trip: 0
Total days of rain/snow: 1
Wind factor: mostly against - brutal at times!
Total good wind days: 8
Total bad wind days: 14
Misc. Stats:
Flat tires: 0 Trip: 8
Mechanical failures: 0
Hotel or camping today: hotel - Motel-8
Total hotel nights: 20
Total camping nights: 2
Cups of coffee: 3 Trip: 73
Pints: 2 Trip: 32
Mood rating (1-10): 9.25 - a little let down as my Sherpas are gone but I am now well rested!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
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:30.1047
Longitude:-97.2909
Nearest Location: Industrial Blvd, Bastrop, TX, US
Distance: 0 km(s)
Time:12/13/2008 13:05:41 (US/Pacific)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=30.1047,-97.2909&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
ESN:0-7458562
Latitude:30.1047
Longitude:-97.2909
Nearest Location: Industrial Blvd, Bastrop, TX, US
Distance: 0 km(s)
Time:12/13/2008 13:05:41 (US/Pacific)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=30.1047,-97.2909&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
Day 21 - Friday, December 12
Description: Finished the challenging 105 mile ride just West of Kyle TX at an awesome B&B called The Inn Above Onion Creek. Tomorrow, I am planning to sleep in late and then take a light recovery 50 mile ride to Bastrop TX where I will say goodbye to my Sherpas (parents).
First, I need to set the record straight on a couple of things being debated with recent posts. I have not drafted the rental car but the rental car has drafted off of me. I have ridden the whole way and not been towed. I have not been in a golf cart in months. Aliens have not abducted me for any period of time during my trek. I must admit that Texas is a little bigger than Wake County. I see nothing wrong with being pampered while hammering on my bike with hot meals, homemade cookies, and Starbucks coffee.
Now for today's write-up. My parents and I started stirring around 6:30 this morning and then hit the buffet breakfast at 7 sharp. I pounded it with a big Spanish omelet, hash browns, sausage, biscuits with gravy, yogurt, OJ, coffee and a big piece of carrot and walnut cake for dessert (eat your heart out F). I then loaded the Mean Green Machine up and started rolling at 8:30 for the planned 88 mile ride. It was chilly but the winds were calm. My parents stayed to check out and then stock up on lunch items as we were heading into the deep country. I made great time and flew the first 20 miles through the towns of Center Point and Comfort. From there I crossed under I-10 and hit the back woods towns of Waring and Sisterdale which is where the serious rolling hills began. My parents caught up with me (they got lost trying to find me) in Sisterdale at the Sister Creek Vineyard for a huge fiest. We dined on roast chicken, macaroni salad, a Subway sub, homemade peanut butter criss-cross cookies, and a Starbucks Double-Shot to wash it down. I could hardly move. I rolled on as my parents stayed to sample the local wine. From there, my mom kept a close eye on me (like a mother hen) as she would go to the top of each hill or around corners and then wait to ensure I made it safely. Then my Sherpas rolled forward to Blanco which was 65 miles into the ride to find some bottled water and a good place to rest and eat more cookies. At this point, we discussed the possibility of extending the ride beyond Wimberley and onto Kyle which was another 20 miles. I could hear the muffled voice of Wilson in the car trunk yelling to go for Kyle and seize the miles and the glory. Against my mother's wishes, I decided to race the sun (which I love to do) to our new targeted lodging in Kyle. As my Sherpas raced forward to check out Wimberley (fallback lodging) and to our new target resting point of Kyle, I put the hammer down as I had another 40 miles to cover in a little over 2 hours. The traffic picked up big time, there were no road shoulders, the hills were brutal, the sun was setting, and the wind was killing me. I knew Wilson was counting on me to beat the sun so I pressed on at break-neck pace (as if Dayn were chasing me). As I was nearing Kyle at a 20 mph pace, I saw my parents on the side of the road flagging me down. To our surprise, they found no lodging in Kyle but they did find an awesome Inn right here 4 miles short of town. We took the last room and boy is this place deluxe and plush! My dad talked then down to a great rate and we quickly checked in before they changed their mind. A quick shower and then some homemade coconut cranberry and chocolate cookies (desserts all day F ha!) from the Inn's kitchen kept my hunger at bay until my dad arrived back with a Mexican fiest from a local cantina. This might have moved into my number 1 slot for Mexican meals as the chicken burrito, enchaladas, chips, and red hot salsa was simply outstanding. We then settled down next to the fire and enjoyed the pictures taken over the last few days. I will tell you that if I could train on these rolling hills with 100 mile days (like today) for a few weeks, I would be ready for Lance who also trains in these parts.
Weather: Awesome day with cool temps early and then warm sunshine and Carolina blue skies. The wind picked up as the day went on and was a factor.
Performance Metrics:
Miles: 105 Trip: 1616
Total travel time: 9:00 Trip: 161:30
Bike Riding time: 6:59 Trip: 130:14
Avg speed: 15.01 Trip: 12.72
Max speed: 38.22 Trip: 41.87
Total ascent (ft): 3,837 Trip: 43,201 - now that was a lot of little cutting hills today.
Avg pedal RPMs: 90 Trip: 87
Avg heart rate: 116 Trip: 116
Max heart rate: 164 Trip: 195
Calories burned: 6,558 Trip: 94,469
Weather Statistics:
High temp: 64 Trip: 75
Low temp: 48 Trip: 28
Hours of rain: 0 Trip: 8
Hours of snow: 0 Trip: 0
Total days of rain/snow: 1
Wind factor: Mostly against - strong side winds and some straight on
Total good wind days: 8
Total bad wind days: 13
Misc. Stats:
Flat tires: 0 Trip: 8
Mechanical failures: 0
Hotel or camping today: hotel - The Inn Above Onion Creek
Total hotel nights: 19
Total camping nights: 2
Cups of coffee: 4 Trip: 70
Pints: 0 Trip: 31 - the Inn is "dry" - grrrr
Mood rating (1-10): 10 - Momma was happy today and when Momma is happy, everyone is happy. A perfect day!
First, I need to set the record straight on a couple of things being debated with recent posts. I have not drafted the rental car but the rental car has drafted off of me. I have ridden the whole way and not been towed. I have not been in a golf cart in months. Aliens have not abducted me for any period of time during my trek. I must admit that Texas is a little bigger than Wake County. I see nothing wrong with being pampered while hammering on my bike with hot meals, homemade cookies, and Starbucks coffee.
Now for today's write-up. My parents and I started stirring around 6:30 this morning and then hit the buffet breakfast at 7 sharp. I pounded it with a big Spanish omelet, hash browns, sausage, biscuits with gravy, yogurt, OJ, coffee and a big piece of carrot and walnut cake for dessert (eat your heart out F). I then loaded the Mean Green Machine up and started rolling at 8:30 for the planned 88 mile ride. It was chilly but the winds were calm. My parents stayed to check out and then stock up on lunch items as we were heading into the deep country. I made great time and flew the first 20 miles through the towns of Center Point and Comfort. From there I crossed under I-10 and hit the back woods towns of Waring and Sisterdale which is where the serious rolling hills began. My parents caught up with me (they got lost trying to find me) in Sisterdale at the Sister Creek Vineyard for a huge fiest. We dined on roast chicken, macaroni salad, a Subway sub, homemade peanut butter criss-cross cookies, and a Starbucks Double-Shot to wash it down. I could hardly move. I rolled on as my parents stayed to sample the local wine. From there, my mom kept a close eye on me (like a mother hen) as she would go to the top of each hill or around corners and then wait to ensure I made it safely. Then my Sherpas rolled forward to Blanco which was 65 miles into the ride to find some bottled water and a good place to rest and eat more cookies. At this point, we discussed the possibility of extending the ride beyond Wimberley and onto Kyle which was another 20 miles. I could hear the muffled voice of Wilson in the car trunk yelling to go for Kyle and seize the miles and the glory. Against my mother's wishes, I decided to race the sun (which I love to do) to our new targeted lodging in Kyle. As my Sherpas raced forward to check out Wimberley (fallback lodging) and to our new target resting point of Kyle, I put the hammer down as I had another 40 miles to cover in a little over 2 hours. The traffic picked up big time, there were no road shoulders, the hills were brutal, the sun was setting, and the wind was killing me. I knew Wilson was counting on me to beat the sun so I pressed on at break-neck pace (as if Dayn were chasing me). As I was nearing Kyle at a 20 mph pace, I saw my parents on the side of the road flagging me down. To our surprise, they found no lodging in Kyle but they did find an awesome Inn right here 4 miles short of town. We took the last room and boy is this place deluxe and plush! My dad talked then down to a great rate and we quickly checked in before they changed their mind. A quick shower and then some homemade coconut cranberry and chocolate cookies (desserts all day F ha!) from the Inn's kitchen kept my hunger at bay until my dad arrived back with a Mexican fiest from a local cantina. This might have moved into my number 1 slot for Mexican meals as the chicken burrito, enchaladas, chips, and red hot salsa was simply outstanding. We then settled down next to the fire and enjoyed the pictures taken over the last few days. I will tell you that if I could train on these rolling hills with 100 mile days (like today) for a few weeks, I would be ready for Lance who also trains in these parts.
Weather: Awesome day with cool temps early and then warm sunshine and Carolina blue skies. The wind picked up as the day went on and was a factor.
Performance Metrics:
Miles: 105 Trip: 1616
Total travel time: 9:00 Trip: 161:30
Bike Riding time: 6:59 Trip: 130:14
Avg speed: 15.01 Trip: 12.72
Max speed: 38.22 Trip: 41.87
Total ascent (ft): 3,837 Trip: 43,201 - now that was a lot of little cutting hills today.
Avg pedal RPMs: 90 Trip: 87
Avg heart rate: 116 Trip: 116
Max heart rate: 164 Trip: 195
Calories burned: 6,558 Trip: 94,469
Weather Statistics:
High temp: 64 Trip: 75
Low temp: 48 Trip: 28
Hours of rain: 0 Trip: 8
Hours of snow: 0 Trip: 0
Total days of rain/snow: 1
Wind factor: Mostly against - strong side winds and some straight on
Total good wind days: 8
Total bad wind days: 13
Misc. Stats:
Flat tires: 0 Trip: 8
Mechanical failures: 0
Hotel or camping today: hotel - The Inn Above Onion Creek
Total hotel nights: 19
Total camping nights: 2
Cups of coffee: 4 Trip: 70
Pints: 0 Trip: 31 - the Inn is "dry" - grrrr
Mood rating (1-10): 10 - Momma was happy today and when Momma is happy, everyone is happy. A perfect day!
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