First, one would look at the day's elevations, and see that from Bandera to mile 19 is pretty much all uphill. Of course, nothing to compare to the climb to Eagle's Nest, but anything is serious at this stage. The legs are tired but you can tell everyone is stronger.
And, then, there's Joan. 7 turns, there is bound to be trouble. She assured all of us she would stay in the peloton today. And she did, although she tried her best to get our group off track. We made sure someone else was in the lead all the way to the end.
The day started with a flat tire and cool temperatures, 41. But, it doesn't take long to warm up when the sun is shining and you're climbing for 19 miles. And as far as the flat, well that's the good part of a rental. You don't necessarily have to change it yourself, especially a parking lot flat. I think maybe yesterday's chip seal shook all the air out of the tire.
It was a great time at the Flying L Ranch last night.
We had a pasta buffet at the ranch for supper. I know, not very western; but after yesterday's work it really tasted good.
Following supper we were serenaded by singing cowboy Buck Jones. No, not famous, other than at at the Flying L; but entertaining. He performed around a campfire, and we were joined by a group from Austria who were also staying at the ranch. These guys were riding motorcycles, and didn't speak much English. Fortunately, one of our riders, Hilde, is from Germany and was able to communicate with them. They kept asking Buck for "Johnny Cash." Following the musical entertainment, there were self-service s'mores. It was a fabulous last night of the trip.
We're back in San Antonio now. I'm at the airport. Things have changed since I last traveled so much. Free wi-fi used to be impossible to find.
It's been a great ride. This was a good group. Diverse, but really able to support each other.
Thanks for following along, the comments and, of course, the wheely bicycle jokes.
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