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Day 33 Smithville Texas 53 miles

 If you had asked me at the beginning of the trip which state would have had the steepest climbs, I would not have guessed Texas; however, that seems to be the case. Today I felt right at home.

We had our map meeting this morning at breakfast and all seemed doable. I did one last check with the front desk to see if my absentee ballot had caught up with me. It had not. Greg, your vote will not be canceled by me this year! We headed out through sidestreets to leave Austin, a city I can highly recommend. We traveled bike lanes and bike paths 


out to some rural roads. 

Of course we had to stop for second breakfast burritos!


We were riding in a group of about six when we came up on a stretch of road that had house after house with loose dogs. All of them ran at us. We must’ve made a crazy sounding group. Some of us hollered. Some blasted air horns. Several of us have “dog dazers“ which is a little clicker device that is supposed to repel dogs. I’m not sure how well it really works but no one got bitten so something with successful!

We rode through the city of Bastrop where the traffic was a bit hairy but we managed. We went through the historic district and soon we were cruising through Bastrop State Park.

 It was so nice to ride with through traffic free roads, and the best was that the park road from Bastrop connected to Buescher state park where we are currently camped. The hills were daunting, 15% grade at some times, but reminded me of home. The best thing about climbs is you often get a view at the top and we certainly did.



We’re now bedded down at the camping area. We’re expecting quite a bit of rain in the next 24 hours. We’ll for sure wake up to wet conditions. Some riders opted to stay in a Screenhouse, but the open air group sleeping really doesn’t appeal to me so I set my tent up where I hope I won’t get swamped. In typical fashion I have over thought and obsessed about the placement of said tent. I know, I know. Trust your tent. Maybe. More tomorrow on how Valid my fears were.

Things I learned today:

  • There’s never a bad time for a burrito

Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 28, 2022 at 4:23 AM

    Steepest climb and crazy dogs...you survived and still found the beauty in the ride! Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 28, 2022 at 5:12 AM

    Wonderful descriptions of your adventure! Love you! Joanne

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 28, 2022 at 1:11 PM

    This is so interesting, and I am so impressed! I just had a visitor from Bastrop. I'm going to share the link to your blog with her.

    ReplyDelete
  4. EllenOctober 28, 2022 at 4:18 PM

    I loved this post, especially the part about trusting your tent!! Maybe I should have followed along in my car and set up the tent in the optimal spot, while you soak in the near by stream. Remember the rain flap, it’s important! You’re doing GREAT!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousNovember 2, 2022 at 7:15 PM

      We’ll be in Louisiana for a few more nights. If you leave now you can have my tent ready for me on Thursday or Friday.

      Delete
  5. kateOctober 31, 2022 at 4:37 PM

    I am throughly enjoying this blog and am amazed at you!!!!!

    ReplyDelete

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