It was everything it was advertised to be, but without photo proof and an exact grade measurement, you'll have take my word for it. It was a climb. Short but steep that began at mile 18.7. Fortunately the steepest portion was only .3 miles but the total climb was about a mile. At the steepest portion I had to stand on the pedals in the bail out gear to make the hairpin turn, otherwise I might have tipped over the the side of the hill and rolled all the way back to Kerrville! It was fantastic! Loved it!!
The total route was 45 miles today into Bandera, which is a great, vibrant western community. It has a thriving downtown area that was full of traffic, tricky for a biker but good news for the community.
Most of us did the required 45 miles. However, the Boston representative of the group (Joan) decided (by accident) that bonus miles were in order. Joan decided to go to Center Point, Texas. I'm not sure that community will ever be the same. In my travels I've seen some interesting interactions between folks from the East and folks in the Midwest and West. I can only imagine the conversations between Joan and the folks at the general store in Center Point. Those folks, though, not only gave her water and directions, but one gentleman drove ahead and waited for her to get to the incorrect turn to make sure she got back on track. 81 miles later, the lost was found and the ride leaders were happy again.
The rest of the peloton stopped for lunch and baked goods at Love Creek Orchards store, bakery and cafe at mile 30. This was a wide spot in the road but had this store, an ACE Hardware store, coffee shop and two other small cafes. I only had an apple strudel, but it was very yummy.
We were back into heavy chip seal again today just prior to Love Creek and off and on the rest of the day. I really feel for the area cyclists.
Temperatures were cool at the start of the day but warmed up fairly quickly. We had sunshine and a bit of wind.
It was an incredible day! Great climbing. Great riding.
The overnight was just outside of Bandera at the Flying L Guest Ranch, complete with golf course, water park and tennis courts. I'm afraid, though, things won't be well received by the group -- no hot tub, a tragedy on a bike tour.
Sophia and Natalie's next edition of wheely bike jokes is a video. I have to work on getting it posted here for you. Standby.
Friday is the last day and back to Iowa.
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