Day 25: Bastrop, TX. 43 miles

We had a nice start to our day by finding a coffee shop--I think I've said before that lattes are hard to find in this area. They also made a great breakfast sandwich for Ron, oatmeal for Sharon and scones for both.

The weather was over 70° when we started so we were shorts and short sleeve from the start. It was a very scenic ride the first 25 miles.

Our route took us through a state park which cost three dollars each to ride through. We debated--not so much for the cost but because often those routes are much more difficult than the main road. If only we had gone with our gut feeling. The 12 miles we rode in the park were very difficult with steep grades. Twice we had to walk our bikes because of the grade (for only a short distance is but that is unusual for us).

But we made it safely and now have about 35 miles to Austin. The predicted weather is a storm warning with temperatures in the 20s and 30s tomorrow morning. We will just wait and see.

Day 24: La Grange, TX. 65 miles

We did not make it by the 4 o'clock deadline for the quilt Museum--but we made it safe and sound.  It was nine hours of difficult riding--rough roads, winds, hills and heavy truck traffic. We had one flat tire but that was when we arrived at our motel.  It was a wet foggy day but warm (in the 50's when we left). After the fog burned off at noon it got warmer and when we arrived it was 73°.

It was a new experience to be stopped by a policeman. When I heard the siren and saw the lights I wasn't sure what the problem was. I asked him if I was speeding!  He had seen something fall out of my pack and stopped and got it. It was our riding map so we were glad to have it returned.  The deputy was pleasant and even took our picture.

You know you're in rural Texas when the population of the town is 90.

We were about 3 miles from our motel when we stopped and ate our biggest meal of the day. It was good barbecue & we were starved!

We have two days to ride before we reach Austin. Each of those days should be about 40 miles.  We are looking forward to spending a couple of days with Bob and Laura (sharon's brother and his wife).

Day 23: Navasota TX, 35 miles

We Expected more rain today so we planned a shorter day.  It was cool riding weather but no rain.  

We made a stop for WD-40 because we had some rust on our chains from the rain.  (The oil we brought had spilled.)

We had a good lunch once we reached town. Here are some pictures of their menu items that I would not recommend for nutritional value. 

It has been almost  a week with noflat tires!!

We're  staying at a Best Western Motel. The only entrance was off the freeway exit ramp. Since we avoid freeways we had to use the grass field entrance.

 There was a steakhouse nearby and we had a take out dinner that we shared of grilled chicken,baked potato, rolls and salad that we shared.

Tomorrow  our goal is LaGrange which is about 66 miles. There is a quilt Museum

In that town so Sharon is hoping to make it before their 4 o'clock closing time

Day 22: Montgomery Texas, 45 miles

There was no sign of the motel continental breakfast when we left this morning 7 AM. Evidently they sleep in on Sunday. So we had microwave coffee and granola bars and took off. It was in the 50s but it was raining. We found a McDonald's at 15 miles. 

There was not much to photograph. We stopped at donut shop to warm up. And said since we were there we just as well have a donut.

Quite a few people talked to us

--I think most thought we were crazy.  The rain was bad and worse at times. we rode through a town which adds to the challenge.

When we reached our motel we asked for rags and cleaned our bikes. Luckily there is guest laundry so we will soon have clean clothes.  Rain is predicted again tomorrow so we are aiming only for Navasota--about 33 miles.  At least the wind was cooperative.  Feel very blessed that we have successfully gone 1158 miles safely. No flats today. 

Or across this street from the Conroe lake

There just happens to be a good Mexican restaurant there.

Day 21: Shepherd, TX, 50 miles

Compared to the night before this was a fabulous motel. Very quiet and comfortable. We left after our continental breakfast about 7:15.

This area is noted for what they call the Big Thicket. To be honest, for Oregonians it was not too impressive. But our route took us on farm roads which were flat and very little traffic.  If this was close to our home it would be a regular bike route for us--a great bike route.

The weather remained cool all day. We had our 50 miles by noon so we get an afternoon rest before starting again tomorrow. We are going off route tomorrow because the only hotel available on route has no vacancies. Our goal is Montgomery which is about 50 miles again.

Day 20: Kountze TX, 41 miles

We started our day with breakfast in our motel room:

Luckily at 15 miles we were able to have a good "second breakfast".

The riding conditions were almost ideal although cold so we had many layers of clothes. Route was flat and the road was smooth with good shoulders. 

We Arrived at our destination town shortly after noon. Since there are no restaurants close to our hotel we ate a large lunch before checking into our room. It was a buffet which encouraged us to sample a lot of good things--including peach cobbler with ice cream.

Tonight we will eat light out of our pannier  "stash".  Tomorrow our planned route is about 50 miles to Shepherd Texas.

Day19: Kirbyville, Texas. 44 miles

We left about 7:30. It was  34° and dry.

We had about 20 miles left of Louisiana.

The part of Texas that we go through is about 1000 miles. 

It stayed cool most of the morning; but about 11 o'clock the sun started to come out.  Just as we came into the town where we are staying we found a home town restaurant.  The new food item for us was black-eyed peas. It was a great meal.

We are now having our destinations and by lodging. Tomorrow our goal is Kountze, TX  which is about 41 miles.