Richards, TX to Shepherd, TX
Rain last night! I woke at around 0230 just as the rain started, although it was very light. I closed my rain fly, and settled back to sleep. The rain was not unexpected, but it was much lighter than what was forecast. No problem, I thought. The drizzle soon stopped, and I knew that my tent would be dry by morning, for easy packing. NOT! I woke again at 0545 to the sound of my alarm, and a few minutes later, the wind came up, and it tried to collapse my tent! The rain returned with gusto, then the lightning and thunder! I had no choice but to get dressed and go to breakfast, and get wet in the process. Then we waited for the rain to dissipate. And we waited some more! It let up a little, so I emptied the tent, and stashed all my belongings under the covered patio at the ranch, and left my tent for later. Later came and went, and it was still raining. Finally, I braved the elements, and broke camp, stuffed my wet tent into its bag, and loaded my bike. Then I waited some more, as I certainly did not want to ride in the rain.
Finally, at 1015, the weather dissipated enough to hit the road. I rode alone for the day, riding through forested rolling terrain, then into Sam Houston National Forest. The terrain and landscape reminds me of when I lived in North Carolina for six months in 1970, where across the street from our house was a thick forest with lots of water. Some might call it a swamp. Yes, as I said yesterday, we are now in the south! But I like it!
While yesterday was hot and humid, today was cool, due to this storm, and for the first time on this trip, I had two layers over my cycling jersey - a long sleeve shirt and my rain jacket. I shed the rain jacket after about 15 miles, at my first snack break, but kept the long sleeve shirt on until mile 52. After yesterday's heat and humidity, several in ou group had issues with muscle cramps, and/or expressed concern that it was a tough day. I did not find yesterday's ride to be tough - just wish my allergic reaction was not flaring up with my eye. We think the muscle cramps were due to not enough hydration, but who really knows for sure? The only time I had muscle issues was on the very first day out of San Diego, when I got in the pool in Alpine. The sudden change in temperature caused my muscles to contract, and I ALMOST had cramps, but was able to send them to the bottom of the pool by stretching out. The pool did feel good, though!
Coming into the town of New Waverly, I was eagerly anticipating a good meal at a mom and pop restaurant, but alas, none were to be found. The taco place at the supermarket was closed due to it being Sunday, so I settled for a Gatorade, then went to the donut shop next door, and found that they had no donuts! Go figure! So, I settled again, this time for a bacon and cheese croissant sandwich. Now I had enough fuel to get me t the next town, Coldspring.
By the time I got to Coldspring, there was only 11 more miles to go, so I did not stop, and forged ahead. After about 2.5 miles, I thought "Why do I have this strong headwind? I should have a tailwind." I looked up, and saw the roadsign. I was riding on FM 1514 North. Hmmm.... wrong road. I should be on TX 150 East. Turned around, and rode back to Coldspring. I had not even noticed all the additional climbing I had done! Back in Coldspring, I was was now ready for that Gatorade and my ham sandwich that I had packed earlier in the morning, and r moved my second layer.
After the short break, and after kicking myself for missing the turn, I headed east on TX 150. The road was super smooth, with a 12' shoulder, mostly downhill, and I had a tailwind! I averaged over 20 mph during the 11miles from Coldspring to Shepherd. Once in Shepherd, I checked Google for directions to our accommodations at Shepherd Sanctuary, and was surprised to see that I still had 4.6 miles to go. Ugh! Off I went, holding my phone in my right hand so that I could hear the turn by turn instructions. Little did I know that three miles of the instructions were still on the mapped out route! Bad day for route finding!
Once at the Shepherd Sanctuary, I found lodging in a king size bed in a very large bunkhouse, unpacked my tent and hung it out to dry, then sat down and had a cold adult beverage! A while later, our hostess, Peach, announced that dinner was served. Outstanding smoked pork loins, tossed salad, bread, and goey cheesy rice. And what a venue she has! Whimsical art all over the place, and she is decorating for the odd Halloween party, which only happens in odd years. She hosts 150 adult guests, and decorates to the nines.
After a nice hot shower, time to relax and let everyone know the stories of the day!
I also need to thank our hosts at the Mountain Hill Ranch last night, Ernie and Doris. Ernie spent 30 years in Germany, first in the military, then as a DoD employee. He married a frauline from Germany, Doris, and they have been married for 25 years. They run the ranch together, including Checkpoint Harley, where we stayed. Doris had to excuse herself just before dinner to go milk the cow! Cute!
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