Day 24: April 23, 2009

Day 24 - Lockhart, TX to LaGrange, TX: Into the deep South

Thursday April 23, 2009, 71 miles (114 km) - Total so far: 1,706 miles (2,746 km)

Weather: Temperatures 61-83, winds south 10-25 mph, partly cloudy skies.
Today we saw Spanish moss, lots of pine trees, and deep woods. The air is humid and hot. Feels like home!!!! The ride today featured a 15-mile stretch through two Texas state parks. The park roads were up and down and roller-coaster, and very shaded. There were several steep hills in the park that measured up to 18% grade, but they were very short. Some of the riders got worn down from the constant up and down, but there were no cars and the deep woods made us feel like we we were far from civilization. After leaving the parks we rode through east Texas farm country, right into a strong headwind for the last 10 miles. There is not much in LaGrange, but the town is noted as the site of the "Best Little House in Texas" made famous by the Dolly Parton movie. We are staying at the only motel in town, the Oak Motel, which is run by a very charming couple. They gave us all a bottle of cold water when we checked in. Apparently, this is a regular stop for cross-country cyclers. They have a book containing the names of thousands of cyclers who have stayed at their motel. Some of the group took an excursion this afternoon to the brewery in Shiner, TX., where they make Shiner Boock, thanks to the efforts of Will and Anna Haltiwanger. (I stayed in LaGrange to work on the ride journal).

until later...
Uncle Barry, Flat Stanley, and Share Bear