Austin, Texas Home of Lance

Had such a long lie this morning that I missed the guys going for breakfast, so all I had was a biscuit and some orange juice. I was in a foul mood as I had been looking forward to that 'pancake stack' all week. Anyway, about 10 o'clock we set off to visit as many bike shops in Austin as we could, what is it with men and their toys. We went to Lance Armstrong's shop  'Mellow Johney's' so called because it is his nickname, a play on the french words for 'yellow jersey'. Apparently, he calls in about once a month but not today. Bought a strappy cycling top for the Gulf States coming up. Well, I had to buy something, you understand Ross, don't you? In the afternoon visited Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum. Saw replica of the Oval Office as it was in his day, slightly dated, especially the technology.His ranch and family roots are not far from here. There is so much to see and do in Austin, a day is not long enough. Returned to the Motel and gave Spike a clean and lube. Hope he will stop groaning now.  Had a lovely Tex Mex meal tonight, salad and chicken with iced tea. We all feel more tired after a day off than when cycling. Ready to roll tomorrow, Texas has been a revelation....absolutely loving it... 

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Flat List

Should have mentioned the flat list. Poor Jon bought a pack of tubes and they have proven to be dudes, values leaking etc. He is now over ten flats and the list has been extended to accommodate him. Lol. I am still at 3 but shouldn't tempt fate. Going out for a day sight seeing in Austin now. Had a good nights sleep in a comfy bed. Bliss.

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Raring to Go Again - Austin 66.9 miles.

Taking it easy yesterday paid off, or maybe it was that ice-cream, but I knew whenever I got up that my energy had returned. It was a warm, misty morning making for some lovely scenes as we set off. More rolling hills similiar to yesterday. Man, do Americans like their elections, there are posters everywhere inviting you to vote for a Sheriff,  a County Commissoner, a District Judge and a State Senater. They must be exhausted. At lunchtime, I  sat by the roadside to eat my sandwich and on leaving noticed the front wheel was very loose. I could move it 1/2 " either way. I was trying to correct this when 'two roadies' passed going in the opposite direction. They quickly did a loop and came to my assistance. Bike was quickly sorted and off I went. They were amazed to hear my story, they were just out of Austin ( Lance Armstrong territory) for a quick spin. Spike has been squeaking for a few days so when I reached Austin took him to a bike shop for some attention. Think it is the Brooks leather saddle groaning under the strain. Cycled over the Congress Bridge with the Texas State Capital Building in the background. Very impressive. Day off tomorrow and boy do I need it. Plan to do some sight seeing, maybe State Capitol and LBJ Library and Museum....this is the life... still loving it...

A Misty Morning, Two Long Horn, Lunch by the Roadside,Austin Texas x 2, the Flat List with Jon a Clear Winner.

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Photos on the Road to Blanco

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Short Day to Blanco - 42.9 miles

There was a change of plan today. Supposed to stay at Wimberley tonight but campsite not suitable, so short day to beautiful Blanco, by the river, and long day to Austin tomorrow. Quite a few rolling hills today, Todd said we climbed over 2000 ft. Lovely winding narrow roads, ACA keep us off the main roads where possible. Saw jersey cows, 2 small herds of gizelles, an armidillo ( but dead on the road ) and a lizard.  People leave their old rusting vehicles artistically grouped together, some just look like junk yards but others are quite impressive. Also, noticed an old covered wagon, bet it could tell a few tales, and a broken aeroplane in someones back  garden ?? In the middle of no-where there appeared a well attended cemetary. I made this a slow relaxing day, left after 8.00am and just took my time. Arrived in Blanco at lunchtime so treated myself to a proper lunch- lentil soup, salad and a 'hot' tea not the usual iced tea. When you have finished your tea, you can ask for another one and you get it on the house. Robert C had 4 glasses of iced tea for the price of one. Can you imagine trying that in Glasgow.   Lars and Todd cooked Spag/Bol. tonight followed by Apple and Cherry Pie. Mmm. I then walked, with Todd and Jon, to a 'Dairy Queen' and had a huge carmel and vanilla ice-cream.  Well, a gals got to keep her strength up. Tonight, we were visited again by 3 medical students, 2 girls and a boy, who have taken a few months off from their studies to cycle the Southern Tier route. They are carrying all their gear and full of energy and fun. Sometimes they wild camp and wash when they can. One more day then a well earned day off.. wonder what I will do ... still loving it... 

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Texas Continues To Amaze Me. Real Neat...

Had a restless night, forgot to stretch out and after the hard day yesterday, suffered for it. Rose in good time though, bags packed,sleeping bag stuffed, mat rolled. Bags flung into trailer, breakfast made, lunch made, Spike prepared for the road and off we go, as you can see I have got into quite a settled routine. Pleased to see the blisters on my arm had disappeared. Put plenty sunscreen on today as we have another long day of 70.4 miles. Turned onto the main road, went about 100 yards and the road went straight up, and in the distance I could see poor Robert C walking. Oh no, my muscles hadn't even warmed up. Anyway, plodded on but legs felt really heavy and sluggish. West Texas is not what I expected at all, it is so lush, fertile and green, it could be Scotland. Prosperous ranchland stretch in all directions. The ranches have huge imposing entrances called 'Heaven's Gate', 'World's End' and the more common 'Diamond' or 'South Fork'. Passed fences with old cowboy boots put on the posts. Real neat. We passed through our halfway point at Hunt today, can't quite believe I have been on the road 29 days, but my butt sure knows it. Staying at a RV Park in the aptly named town of 'Comfort'. To celebrate our halfway mark we all went out for a meal, I had a cheeseburger, french fries and salad. Alsolutely delicious. This is a great group, we have such a laugh about our aches and pains, ups and downs but always helping and supporting each other. They still don't understand me most of the time but know me well enough now to say' sorry Janice, I didn't understand a word of that'.Feel better tonight, more rested, just two more days till a day off, wonderful....still loving it...