Looks like a slight warming trend, but fortunately, I’ll be going into the hill country.
The ride today was easier than I thought it would be. It did not include the steep hill, which is actually tomorrow. Today was a constant push into headwind, but with overcast skies. It seemed quick, and I didn’t even use a full bottle of water, but it took 5 hours to go 34 miles to Brackettville.
About 20 miles into the day, there was a picnic area. Kyle was there, so I dropped by to say hello. Turns out that this former Marine was going on a tour himself, in the opposite direction – from Tampa, FL to Sequoia National Park, CA. He was taking a month off work to do it, and had his truck all outfitted so that he could sleep in the back if he wanted.Kyle had to get to Del Rio to turn in a paper (online), but before he left, he gave me a Praline from Florida. It looks like peanut brittle, but he said it was kind of like caramel. I gave him my last package of dried Jack (fish). From here on out, I’ll be using the local beef jerky as my emergency protein source.A couple miles from Brackettville. The altitude has not changed much, but I must now be on the windward side of the mountains. There is a lot more water, meaning green grass, and taller trees.In Brackettville, I had lunch at Ziggy’s Roadside BBQ.Combo #1 was a brisket sandwich, chips, and drink for $8. It was really good. Thanks for the advice, Bill.Across the street was historic Fort Clark, which had both motel rooms and an RV park on site. There were several reunions, so the motel was full. I got a tent site for $12. I oriented my tent so that the wind will blow through it. Although the temperature was in the 90’s in the afternoon, I have confidence that it will cool by evening.In some ways, this RV park is better than a motel. There is wi-fi, and a large air-conditioned day room with tables that are better for working than the typical motel room. There are also bathrooms and showers.I went back into town to get dinner at Stripes gas station. I got the Chicken Fajita plate for $4.69, which included 2 sides. There were flies throughout the store, and few landing on the food, lending that authentic 3rd world feel to the place. I also had a small cup of fruit from the fruit bar.
When I changed tires yesterday, I put the front wheel on backwards, so the cyclometer wasn’t working. Also, I haven’t yet calibrated to the 700×35 tires, which should have a larger circumference than the previous 700×32.
