Ok. Today it wasn't the hills, although we climbed 3000 ft. It wasn't the distance although we cycled 90.3 miles. It was the strong, gusty, swirling wind that caused difficulty. Anyway, back to the beginning - rose too early and was ready to go, bags and tent etc all packed before sunrise. Think it was the hour change from yesterday that confused me. Left with Robert M just as sun came over the Texan horizon. Wondrous sight - see photos. Had a great tailwind for the first 38 miles and was flying along the 'service road' next to Interstate 10. This service road is a mystery, as it is well maintained and the size of A roads in the UK, with a metre wide hard shoulder each side but no-one is allowed to use it. Great for cyclists. We turned sharp right at the village of Kent and that is when everything changed - strong head wind and starting to climb. Took me about the same time to cover 10 miles as it did the previous 38. Sean, leader, was waiting at the top of a hill with drinks, watermelon, crisps, choc bars, more fruit etc. I got a great cheer when I rolled in. Still more climbing and with the wind blowing you off course very demanding. It is a strain holding the bike at an angle against the wind. After about 76 miles it seemed to level out and the McDonald Observatory came into view. I would have loved to look round but just didn't have the energy. Had a lovely downhill run with a few ups to Fort Davis. At 88 miles I seemed to get very sleepy and had to force myself to stay alert. It had been a long day day 8.26 hours in the saddle. Some of the men were in before me and the rest trickled in after. We all agreed it had been a hard day. Lisa elected not to ride and Dave pulled Robert C off the ride at the drinks station. He thought he would not cope with the hills. Robert C is not a happy camper. Staying at the Stone Village Camper Motel, sharing a room with Liza, washing all done. Bliss, rest day tomorrow. Quote of the day from Todd, when talking about the receptionist at the Observatory, whom he thought was not the full shilling, 'she has a photographic memory but the film is missing'. Had a look round Fort Davis tonight, named after Jefferson Davis, and found it an interesting and quirky Texan town. More tomorrow after a rest in a lovely bed....Still loving it...
