Dolly's Bike Blog

April 4: Vanderpool to Kerrville, TX

Didn’t have the best sleep last night: my bed was actually a lumpy daybed, but also there was a metal rattle overhead, I think caused by the wind. We did sleep in some this morning, as it was cold and, due to our location in the hills, it took a while for the sun to appear.

Before starting off, I took this photo of one of the hummingbirds stopping by the feeder on the front porch of the office.

We backtracked to Ranch Road 337, then turned onto to State Road 16. I wasn’t sure if we were doomed for the day, as we didn’t continue to Utopia.

Maybe the hills that lay ahead were our punishment… Steep and winding. This one lasted 1.3 miles.

With the sun shining, the beauty of the trees and hills was so much more vibrant, though the air was cool, and winds in our face.

Check out the horns on these cattle outside Medina.

Linda recommended a stop at The Apple Store in Medina. Enjoy these photos.

I was intrigued by this store and stopped as I was leaving town. These beds are handcrafted from wood found in the Hill Country.

We had been warned that there were big motorcycle activities in the area through this weekend, and noticed a lot of choppers passing us on the road. Check out this campsite area.

Two more big climbs. I visited Granny a lot today, also did some walking as my legs are ready for a day of rest.

You can tell Kerr County has more money by the road surface – and by the fancy ranches.

I especially liked this gate, which reads: Before the breathin’ air is gone, Before the sun is just a bright spot in the night time, Out where the rivers like to run, I stand alone and take back somethin’ worth rememberin’.

Managed to enter Kerrville close to 4 pm as traffic was picking up, and stiff winds were still in my face.

We are staying at the YO Resort; dinner tonight was at the Branding Iron Restaurant in the hotel. Son Tim arrived from Indianapolis, by way of Houston, just in time for dinner.

Looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow, including haircut, massage and chiropractor.

Total 52 miles today, average 9.7 mph. (Max on downhill 37.9!)

April 3: Camp Wood to Vanderpool, TX

After dinner last night, we were treated to quite a sky show, thunder, lightning, and plenty of rain. The skies were threatening this morning, but the weather report suggested we would not have a storm. We did get a few drops shortly after we left town, but the roads were not too wet.

Carol warned us of the climbs, so I decided to take the day slow and easy. Due to the overcast skies, the photos do not reflect the beautiful scenery.

At mile 8, the climbing began – these signs warned us.

Also enjoyed passing this ranch.

For a break in the climbs, we stopped in Leakey.

Most of our group stopped at Ella Purl’s, where they could get hot coffee and/or soup.

I looked at the customers and discovered Brian Champagne wearing a Carmel Greyhounds sweatshirt. He actually is from Houston, but Kamberly Bebo, who was with him is from Carmel. Her daughter Adeline Bebo is an award-winning baton twirler, who performs with the Carmel High School band. I rode down the street to the high school where she was practicing in the pavilion- small world.

As I left Leakey, long after others had gone, I discovered a front flat tire. I calmly changed it and was back on the road, with more climbing ahead.

Just after the last big climb, we moved into Bandera County.

More beautiful views, including the Sabinal River.

We are staying at the Fox Fire Cabins; my cabinmates are Leilani and Pat Calchina.

Linda fixed pot roast for dinner, luckily indoors with a nice fire, followed by s’mores.

Total 40 miles today; average 8.6 mph.
GPS readings over 3,500 feet of climbing, some 8-10%, at least one over 11%.

April 2: Fort Clark Springs to Camp Wood, TX

On the road by 8 am today, as it was suggested we make Camp Wood before 2 pm when the local cafe closes. Still not enjoying the chip seal of Kinney County, though the surface of Ranch Road 334 did not seem as rough as US 90 did yesterday. We did have the benefit of overcast skies, so no glaring sun at all today; even some light rain after 4 pm this afternoon.

This photo at Las Moras Creek was taken as we left Fort Clark Springs. Donna and I were both too tired yesterday afternoon to take the picture as we entered the fort. Either way, our sins have been washed away.

Since we didn’t actually see downtown Brackettville, I stopped to take this picture of the County Courthouse.

During our ride, we passed numerous farms, some with high fences; we think some are for wildlife conservation, others are hunting preserves, for deer, turkey, and pheasant. Also saw signs for Angus cows, Quarter horses, and goats.

The landscape changed as well; fewer cacti and more trees, some in bloom. I did notice this cactus also starting to bloom.

At mile 23, we entered Uvalde County, with no improvement in road surface (at least it didn’t get worse).

After dealing with a headwind all morning, at mile 30, we turned north and enjoyed the tailwind pushing us to the Nueces River and Camp Wood.

A mile or two before town, we entered Real County, again no improvement in road surface. Made it to Casa Falcon for lunch about 1:30 pm, then wandered in town.

Along the Main Street of Camp Wood, we stopped in Dolores’ Unique Designs, owned by Dolores Vernor. She has designed distinguished mohair fashions for First Lady Hillary Clinton, Former Governor Ann Richards, and numerous Miss Rodeo Texas.

We are staying at the Woodbine Motel, comfortable, but definitely of another era.

My roommate tonight is Flo Bathia. We may have begun the second round of roommates now.

Total 49 miles tonight, average 10.2 mph.