Day 21- The Rolling Hills of Texas

Departure: Fredericksburg, TX Finish: Austin, TX

Distance: 87.4 miles

Elevation gain: 5,161 feet

Winds: N at 3 to 5 mph (not a factor)

Weather: Clear. Cool. Departed at 41 degrees. Arrived with 68 degrees.

On bike duration: 5 hrs, 54 minutes.

Average speed: 14.8 mph

Total Accumulated Miles: 1,579.3

I have now had my fill of rolling hills! Today’s route offered almost no level surface; only a roller coaster. There were some really fun descents, but there were also grueling climbs - 15% climb at the end of the day.

We were on back country roads all day, until we entered the suburbs of Austin. Very beautiful. Turns out, the Blue Bonnets and Paintbrush were in full bloom. Once again there is no way to capture the landscape with a camera phone, but I tried.

Valerie leaves tomorrow morning. What a blessing it has been for us to be together for three days. I will see her next when we arrive at the Atlantic Ocean.

I have a relative living in Austin - Matt Henry, the son of my first cousin Nancy Henry. While we were in town Valerie and I contacted Matt and were delighted to have dinner with him. He picked a great new Italian spot, just down the street from his apartment, called Poeta. Great conversation. Great food.

Tonight, we are staying at the East Austin Hotel. It’s in the VERY hip - and young - part of Austin, east of I-35. We took an urban bike route to get here. I expect an equally urban experience as we depart tomorrow.