Today started out 10 degrees warmer than yesterday. And the hills were at the start of the ride and they weren’t as bad as yesterday. The wind was not as kind the second half of the day and slowed the pace back down. We came into blue bonnet territory and they made just beautiful blue carpets. So far, I haven’t taken too many photos of them as the traffic was too busy to stop along the side of the road. We had lunch at the Texas Pie Company in Kyle, TX. Their pies were delicious and one the size of a pot pie made a great lunch – I had raspberry! Janet’s friend Tim, that she hasn’t seen since high school, biked down from Austin for a quick visit at the pie shop. We finished the ride at the Lockhart State Park. And shortly after I pulled in, so did Todd, Jill, Adam and Charlotte. Now “that” made my trip! We celebrated Todd’s birthday at Smitty’s BBQ. Black’s the most famous BBQ in Texas had long lines, so we avoided those, and it paid off for other reasons. In line at the restaurant was Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top and Charlotte and I got a picture with him. You just never know who you will run into at a BBQ joint in Texas!! Back at the campground, Charlotte stole a few hearts and Bubba gave her a 2 dollar bill for good luck. It was bittersweet when they had to leave to go home.
Stats from the day:
Start city: Blanco, TX
End city: Lockhart, TX
Miles: 62.71
Total miles to date: 1596.49
Pedaling time: 4 hours, 49 minutes
Avg. speed: 13.0
Feet climbed: 1,985
Fatigue factor: 6 out of 10 (10 is the worst);
Wind: start: S 10 mph; end S 15 mph (gusts to 28)
Road condition: 3 out of 5 (1 is the worst)
Temperature extremes: 60 at ride start, 77 at ride finish
Got some
The hills were still here. That is Janet and Queenie in front of me, and then I didn't see them for 12 more miles. I am much slower up the hills.
A herd of deer in a field of blue bonnets. Does nature get any better?
Gorgeous court house in Lockhart.
Charlotte and I
And because one picture was not enough!
Wood and the smoker behind the restaurant.
Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top was gracious enough to allow us to snap this photo.
Charlotte enjoying the swings at the state park.
Our "see you later" photo.
