Departure: La Grange, TX Finish: Navasota, TX
Distance: 82.8 miles
Elevation gain: 3,316 feet
Winds: SSW at 3 to 6 mph (again, not a factor)
Weather: Bright Sun, almost perfect! 51 to 75 degrees.
On bike duration: 5 hrs, 41 minutes.
Average speed: 14.5 mph
Total Accumulated Miles: 1,740.4
I still love Texas, but I’m really over the rolling hills. As I approached the crest of every hill today, I got a view of the next one in the distance. It was just sitting there; smirking at me, as if to say, “You thought you were done didn’t you? You thought you would be able to coast into your hotel stay tonight, didn’t you? Well, this hill has plenty more sibling hills to challenge your weary legs, you mere mortal!”
That’s almost a direct quote from the hill just east of Independence, Texas. Incidentally, Independence is the site of the original campus for Baylor University. It began as an all female school in 1845. I am guessing they eventually met financial woes and joined Waco College, becoming the co-ed institution we know today. That site is where we dined for our noon-time meal today. Overall, it was another wonderful day, with great temperatures, light breezes, and spectacular scenery. Most of the day, we were on backroads that had never had striping painted on them, had very little traffic - but incessant undulations.
We rolled into Navasota just in time for me to be greeted by Tom Neff, a long time friend from my “Up With People” days in 1977-78. Tom lives in Spring, TX and took me to his favorite BBQ joint, “Rudy’s” in College Station. Another man walked in behind us, and to my surprise, it was Rick Guttenberger! He was also in my “UWP” group, but I had no idea he was coming. I hadn’t seen Rick in several decades. We had a wonderful conversation (and good BBQ). Both Tom and Rick have had very full and rewarding lives. What a great time! Thanks to both of them for making the effort.
By the way, avid readers of this journal (meaning me, and maybe Valerie) will notice that I have some kind of white fungus on my face. I have never worn a beard before. I will not wear a beard after we reach the Atlantic. But, I decided - on a whim - to skip the razor for these six weeks. It’s like the great frontier for me. Another exploration on this epic adventure.
Tonight we are in the Days Inn, conveniently located a foot or two from busy Route 6. The signage isn’t as impressive as it could be. I believe it was a Best Western two weeks ago.
I think you're past the worst hills. Might be some mild rollers for the next day or two, then that's it.
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