Cycling Ellen

66.8 miles today
1508 total

The first 50 miles of today’s ride had all the elements of a perfect bike ride. It was a bit chilly to start but the day warmed up into a beautiful, full blue-sky day. Temps didn’t get into the 80’s until the middle of the afternoon. Wind wasn’t much of an issue. Even the roads during the first part were quite smooth (for Texas).

So what makes a perfect day besides the weather? First, we were on backroads winding along the Guadaloupe River. We passed small farms, baby goats and an old cemetery (it actually felt a lot like the River Road ride from Greenfield). The first stop was in Comfort where there was a bakery with too many good choices. I shared a perfect apple puff pastry with Jane and bought a couple of cookies to enjoy later in the day. The town was picturesque with lots of old buildings and little shops. There was also a book sale put on by the library. I did look but keeping in mind the carrying problem refrained from buying anything (really, Janie!).

After Comfort, we paralleled the interstate briefly where we could see the beginning of Indian paintbrush, in a gorgeous pink, and bluebonnets. I suspect these flowers are part of the Lady Bird Johnson highway beautification project I learned about in elementary school. We turned onto more side roads for another stop in Waring where there was an old general store. The fudge advertised on the cue sheet wasn’t available but I had a fruity ice cream pop that hit the spot and made it to the little post office before they closed. I also got the last seven post card stamps in town.

On we went past fields of sheep and goats and cattle winding along more back roads. The next stop was a winery (see what I mean about a perfect day!) with free samples and a self-guided tour. Several of us did the tasting at the Sisters Creek Vineyard (appropriately in Sisterdale). There was an award-winning Chardonnay and a delicious Merlot. Since carrying again was a problem and they won’t ship out of state, we had to move on down the road empty handed.

After the sag stop on RD 473, we knew we were still in hill country. The rollers were quite big here; great fun on the downhills, over little creeks (usually dry) and then up and up over the bumpy roads. I’m not really complaining but the hills were much more numerous than I would have allowed on a perfect day, especially after a visit to the vineyard.

We have taken over the two motels in Blanco. When I arrived, I heard that the BBQ place here was outstanding so Jane and I headed back into town to split a brisket sandwich. Add to the perfection list – it was delicious and they had devilled eggs too!

Rumor has it that we may be able to access the internet outside the local library down the road. If this is posted on time today, I was successful!