Dolly's Bike Blog

April 9: La Grange to Navasota, TX

Today may be my most favorite biking day so far, because of the scenery, though the wind was a distraction. We had been warned of a possible storm this evening, so the winds were swirling, and at times quite strong. Of course, we enjoyed the few times it was a tailwind.

I loved seeing this tandem, when we passed it early in the ride. Hopefully Don and I will be riding together in Florida, when my tour is over.

As we rode through Warrenton, there were remnants of the antique shows, which ended over the weekend.

Our first sag, around 16 miles, was in Round Top near Henkel Square.

I noticed this border in the public restroom, which was not an outhouse.

Shortly after the sag, we entered Washington County.

I’ll let the photos highlight the next 20 miles.

Just after Gay Hill, we had a second sag stop at this Friedans Church.

At mile 46, we found sandwiches at the Independence General Store.

Now well nourished, we enjoyed the quiet country roads. Again the photos speak for the beauty.

We only spent 3 miles on Farm Road 912, but certainly didn’t find this a welcoming sign.

About 12 miles from the end of the ride, we were offered the side trip option to visit Washington on the Brazos State Historical Site. I was the only one of the group who wandered off route.

This was the site of the Convention of 1836, which produced the Texas Declaration of Independence, and created the government of the Republic of Texas. I enjoyed learning more about the history.

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I cycled alone into Navasota, crossing the Brazos River, and entering Grimes County.

I passed this display of the six flags over Texas: from right to left: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States of America, United States.

We are staying at the Best Western in Navasota – and looking forward to a day off tomorrow.

71 miles today; average 10.5 mph.

My apologies to loyal readers for my recent negligence in writing. I will try to bring everyone up to date.

As I mentioned, Tim arrived Thursday evening, April 4, and I had a super Rest Day on April 5. I didn’t mention that Tim had borrowed a bike from Houston friend Garth Blackburn, so he planned to ride part of Saturday and Sunday with me.

April 6: Kerrville to Blanco, TX

He arrived at the Y.O. ranch promptly on Saturday morning and we rode together to the first SAG stop at 20 miles.

Just across the street from the SAG stop was this Historical Marker for the Apelt Armadillo Farm (more later).

Tim headed back to Kerrvile to shower, pick up his car and drive to our destination for the day, Blanco. I rode into Comfort, and found that they were celebrating Fruhlingsfest (Spring Festival).
Meet the Festival royalty and the local “characters.”

Doing the Chicken Dance

Comfort is in Kendall County, and was established by German Freethinkers.
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Lunch stop was in Waring at the General Store – delicious hamburger and lots of atmosphere.

Around mile 38, in the town of Sisterdale, is the Armadillo Farm Market. They have some of the armadillo baskets and lamps made at the Apelt Armadillo Farm.

While the hills today were not as steep as going into Kerrvile, they continued as did the headwind.
At mile 55, we entered Blanco County, with no sign in sight. We did begin to see more horses and cows.

Most of us stayed the night at the Blanco County Inn. When some of our group found out Tim had worked in a bike shop, they asked for assistance.

Today’s total 66 miles, average 10.6 mph.

April 7: Blanco to Bastrop, TX

With 90 miles on the cue sheet, I didn’t stop often for many photos.

There was no sign when we exited Blanco County and entered Hays County.

Did pass a ranch with a familiar name; I am not acquainted with any relatives in the area. I certainly know nothing about cows and horses.

In Caldwell County, there was corn in the fields, at least a month earlier than in Indiana.

And the County Courthouse was being restored.

Signs no longer indicated Hill Country, rather Texas Independence Trail.

Also saw my first oil pump (I think). We are not riding through the main oil areas, so I don’t expect huge fields of pumps, as we might see in the Panhandle area.

Just after entering Bastrop County, Tim joined me for the final 15 miles.

When I arrived at our hotel, Radford friend Jacque Ward was waiting (I had set a dinner date for 6 pm, biking in at 5:50 pm). We didn’t hug right away as I was good and sweaty.

We ate at the Bastrop Brewhouse, overlooking the Colorado River (the same one we crossed at the California/Arizona border). It was a wonderful evening with Jacque and Carl.

Total 90 miles, average 11.6 mph.

April 8: Bastrop to La Grange, TX

Today was billed as a recovery day, and my legs were very pleased. I started out slow and never picked up steam.

Before leaving the hotel, we had to say goodbye to Pat Calchina, our 70 year old Eveready Bunny. Yesterday around mile 47, we encountered scraped pavement. She went down and shattered her right elbow. She is headed back to Madison, WI to have surgery. She will be missed for her enthusiasm and candor. Also said goodbye to Tim, who flew home to Indianapolis.

We crossed the Colorado River on this historic bridge and through Old Bastrop.

For the next 15 miles, we rode through Bastrop State Park and Buescher Park. Sadly 96% of Bastrop Park burned in a huge fire in September 2011. The charred trees are all around, but also some signs of life, and newly planted seedlings.

I opted for the hike & bike format (cross-training), walking several hills that had grades of 14-20%!
I did pedal up this hill with the smiley face at the top.

We stopped in Winchester for ice cream (morning snack). The shop is usually closed on Mondays, but opened just for us. Moira decided to purchase a ‘coon skin cap’ with her sundae.

Lots of cows in Fayetteville County.

We are also seeing numerous clumps of blue bonnets and Indian paintbrush, despite the continuing drought.

After entering La Grange, we stopped in the old downtown for a late lunch.

Sadly, the Texas Quilt Museum was not open on Mondays.

Linda served kolaches from local Weikel’s bakery for dessert, yum.

Total 44 miles, average 9.3 mph.