Sanderson, TX to Comstock, TX
My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of the fires in Northern California. I am speechless to hear of the widespread devastation, and wish I could be there to provide some sort of support.
This morning we left Sanderson at dawn's first light. I rode with Eileen for 60 miles, from Sanderson to Langtry, where everyone was to regroup so that we could carry groceries for the next 20 miles to our destination at Seminole Canyon State Park. Unfortunately, the grocery store was permanently closed, as the owner passed away about a year ago.
We could not stay at the state park with no food, so great minds got together and resolved that we ride on to the next town, Comstock, only eight miles further than the park. We all agreed, especially because that comes with a stay in a hotel, instead of tents, and dining out, since again there was no store, but there was a cafe.
The ride from Sanderson was uneventful. We made great time, with the wind on our back, and another day of a slight downward slope (overall). At mile 20, we were engulfed in low fog, with visibility about 50 yards. I had to remove my sunglasses (and the attached rear view mirror) because they were so wet with mist. The fog lasted about 30 miles, during which time I could not ride in the traffic lane, as I could not see what was coming behind me. Not to worry, riding in the traffic lane was perfectly safe, normally. There was very little traffic on US 90. The moist fog was cold, but soon we were climbing to Langtry, where it warmed up quickly.
After regrouping and learning that we had almost 30 miles to go, instead of 20, Eileen, Eric, and I took a side trip to the Judge Roy Bean museum. In the late 1800's, Judge Bean dispensed his own brand of justice, and named the town after the woman he loved, but had never met, Lilly Langtry (it is a much more twisted and distorted story, so that is the simplified, one-sentence version!
After the museum stop, Eileen and Eric decided to stop at the state park to take a tour of the pictographs. I forged ahead, riding on my own. I came across Ken, our ride leader, and we rode together for the last eight miles. By this time, it was very hot, about 98 degrees. About four miles outside of Comstock, I desperately needed a break for food and water, in the shade. As I coasted to a stop on the paved shoulder, I rode onto the adjacent gravel. My wheel tried to get back on the pavement, but there was a 2" vertical lip. The bike stopped, and I went down on my left side. Isn't it amazing how fast we jump up, telling those around us "I'm okay, really!" That is exactly what I did. Had a gash on my elbow, and blood all over my panniers, but truly the only thing hurt was my ego! No one wants anyone else to witness a fall, especially one caused by an error in judgement. My judgement was clouded due to exhaustion and the heat.
Long story short, I rested, ate, drank, and jumped back on the bike. A bit later, having reached. Comstock, I stopped at the convenience store across from the hotel and immediately downed two large gatorades and a lemonade. Off to the showers, fixed up the elbow, then out to dinner at J & P Saloon, the only place for dinner in this town of 400 residents.
Dianne was waiting all day for me to call. When I did, she gave me the bad news about my truck. During high winds on Sunday evening, a branch fell from the pine tree in the driveway, smashing the cab of the truck. Dianne is a very special woman, as she had already called the insurance company, and had taken the truck to the body shop in Placerville. No messing around! The good news is that the truck is repairable!
No comments:
Post a Comment