First, I would like to thank the Lone Star Randonneurs and the other supporting Texas Clubs for running just an outstanding 1200K ride. George Evans did a fantastic job with all the organization and I appreciate the effort it takes to put on huge ride like this. I greatly appreciated the neutral SAG that made sure we were safe and making our way down the road. Charlie and Patricia were the greatest at all the controls with giving us water and snacks if needed.
We started on the road from Columbia, Missouri on Monday and picked up Spencer Klaassen in Kansas City. Although a long drive it went quickly and we were able to get into Waxahachie in the early evening. Time to get some sleep and then tour around Waxahachie on Tuesday before the program got started. The courthouse was impressive. During the bike check I was told by the person checking the lights he didn’t like using the battery operated lights I had on my bike. He indicated that the batteries tend to lose contact inside over time on the road. I indicated that I had never had any problems but little did I understand the vibration I was going to experience with the Texas Chip & Seal roads for four straight days. Now I understand! Still trying to get the numbness out of my hands after a full week of recovery. The evening before the start George Evans gave a welcome, discussed the route and gave advice for the ride. Dan Driscoll indicated that we must push hard the first two days (ride was really front loaded) and then the ride would be much better the last two days. Got it! Ride tough for two days and the rest was in the bag. Little did we realize what the first two days had in store for us! We ate dinner and got to bed early to get up at 3 am.
Day 1:
At 4 am, a lot of riders were up and eating breakfast. The meals provided by the Texas clubs at the hotels throughout the ride were always well done with plenty to eat. Riders were all prepared to go outside the hotel at 5 am.
George gave a few words of encouragement and we were off at the shot of the pistol. I knew that some would be taking off hard and wanted to just settle in a large group to avoid being alone riding into the south wind. There was a nice group that formed as we rode out of town and I worked hard to stay in the group. For me it became hard to keep up with the group after about 15–20 miles. At times the pace was fine but I assume when others moved forward they pushed the pace. I felt like I was almost racing in the back. When I am expending more energy than I feel is sustainable I know to drop off. My friend Spencer (rides a fix gear) handled the pace well (at least longer than me) but I was done with this and was hoping to find another group to get into. However, there were just a few other riders behind me. Oh well, push ahead as best I can.
Spencer’s Fixie! I am always in Awe!!!!
A group of three riders came around and I hooked up with them. Little did I know at that time I would become good riding friends with the two guys with maple leafs on their vests. We got into Hillsboro and found a gas station that others were getting water and food. I was very happy to see Spencer waiting for me. After Spencer asked what happen to me with a smile we were on the bikes riding to the first Control.
First day was windy but the cloud cover kept the temperature down.
Our pace was good and I felt a lot better about not blowing up on the first 30 miles. We rode along with a group of recumbent riders. They were always in good spirits and would flat out kick us on the down hills and flats.
We crossed a dam which the road was under construction and after a short wait crossed all together. Another portion of construction came up later and this had dirt work which you needed to navigate the soft spots. All went well and we arrived in the Valley Mills Control about 10:30 am. Neutral SAG was there to sign our cards and we took a short break to eat and get water. Back on the bike Spencer and I rode some really nice roads with rolling hills for a number of miles. I did like the rollers in Texas. The ride to the next control went without any problems. Wind was pretty much a crosswind or in our face which meant we earned each mile today. The recumbent’s joined us and it was good to have more company on the road. As we rode two riders were coming back towards us. It was sad that they already decided they had enough of the wind and were riding back. This was probably better since the ride and day did not get any easier. I was glad that the temps were cool with the cloud cover which really made a huge difference handling the wind today. The ride went through Gatesville, TX where it was evident that a lot of bad people live here (LOL).
Gatesville must have 4 different prisons. Never seen so many in one place!
We continued on to Lampasas with Canadians Carey and Dick.
Nice rollers along the way!
As we approached Lampasas at 4:30 pm you could see the sky darkening.
Just was we made it to the control the rain opened up. Everyone ahead of us was at the station and I mean everyone. Rando’s everywhere!
Lampasas Control the sky opens up!
They were standing outside deciding what to do, eating food inside, and sleeping in front of the drink dispenser on the little carpet that was there.
It was quite a sight. The leaders of the pack were all checking the weather report and waiting for the storm to pass (Hopefully). Spencer and I took time to get some food and relax a little. My wife Sue was SAGing for us so we had the ability to change into different clothes when needed and she carried extra wheels in case a major mechanical occurred. Little did we know that this would be a life saver later on during the ride. The large group of riders took off when the rain decreased and we followed a few minutes later. The rain continued but was not as heavy so riding was not so bad. We continued on to Jonestown on wet roads. When we got to the Control in Jonestown about 9:30 pm riders were again eating and looking at the weather report. Checking my iphone it was clear that another major storm was moving through the region. Although it was tough with the rain at least the region was getting rain since they have been in a drought since at least last September. The group decided to take off with the police escort to block the road for the riders. That was really nice. We took time for the storm to at least move on and get some hot soup to eat from the microwave. Later heard that the group got into some heavy rain and hail so certainly glad we waited. There really is not much for hot food in the stores like we have in the Casey’s in Missouri (have a better opinion about Casey’s now). We grouped and started the last leg to Marble Springs. This section had some large rollers which would have been nice to see if it was not in the middle of the night. The recumbent’s were with us and it was helpful to have so many lights to see the road. One thing about recumbent’s is they really have a lot of rear lights to clearly make it easy to see them. However when tired and your eyes are having difficulty focusing, it really does crazy things in your head. I had to either not get directly behind them (no wheel suck for sure) or off to the side. They are a great group to ride with and I enjoyed my time working our way to the hotel. We reached Marble Falls just before 1 am. Once we came into the hotel there were people immediately jumping up to help us. Get your bags to the room; take your bike and then a great spaghetti meal before bed. Fantastic service that I was not expecting, but greatly appreciated. You guys ROCK!!! Spencer and I decided that we would leave at 5 am for the second day (oops it’s already Day 2).
Day 2:
Got up and ate a big breakfast in the hotel lobby. The thundering herd of Dan Driscoll was pulling together but we took off just before 5 am. It was nice that the wind dropped when we came into Marbles Falls last night and was still down early in the morning. After a few turns we entered a stretch of a gravel road. Interesting, made for a different kind of ride. I actually thought this was a real cool add on to the ride.
Nice rollers on Day 2
There was some nice scenery along this stretch and then we got a surprise with a drop down to a river bridge which had a pretty steep grade to climb up. All in all this was one of the most scenic days of the ride to Dripping Springs which we arrive just after 8:20 am. At Dripping Springs there not only huge numbers of Rando’s but ranchers enjoying their morning coffee. Discussions were of course concerning the weather and whether they got rain or not. The weather projection looked like it was going to be good for the ranchers but not so much for us. In Oklahoma we have 3 inch rains, which is the distance between one drop of rain to the next on the sidewalk. Sorry, just a little Okie humor! We got back on the road and worked our way to Canyon City where about 10 miles out we suddenly were hit with a cold wind and knew it wasn’t going to be good.
The weather is starting to look cold and wet!
We were standing under tree to decide what to do when it started raining and lighting flashes began striking in the area. As I looked back I saw an abandoned house with a porch about 50 yards behind us. Spencer and I rode back and just got on the porch as the rain, winds and lighting hit. Looking at the iPhone indicated a pretty good cell was coming through. We decided to wait it out. As we rested the thundering herd came through on the road. I yelled that we were in a good spot but only one rider came back as the rest motored on. All the best wishes I thought as we were in the middle of high winds, rain and lighting at this time. When the storm lessen, we got on our way and made it to Canyon City which the rain had started to stop. A large group (the herd) was at the store getting refueled. A number were clearly shaking from the cold rain and trying to get their body temperature back to normal. I was certainly glad we had waited for the storm to pass.
Beautiful scenery on Day 2
We were only about 10 to 15 minutes behind the group and much better for wear. When we headed out Spencer flatten on the hills leaving Canyon City. He could not find the puncher from the traffic roaring by us but he changed the tube and we headed on. In a few miles Spencer flatten again. This time he could find the problem which was a piece of imbedded glass difficult to see. He fixed the tire and we were on our way again. The ride along the Guadalupe River was stunning. Lots of houses with many options for rafters. Glad that it was not a busy weekend as there was no traffic on the road at this time. We arrive at New Braunfels about 3 pm where Sue was waiting. Spencer was able to switch tires from the car so he was good to continue on down the road. Took time to eat a hamburger and drink a malt with Sue which hit the spot. Spencer was certainly glad Sue was there with extra wheels on this ride for sure. We pushed on to Lockhart and we could feel the drain of the day on us. Finally reached Lockhart before 6:30 pm and enjoyed another burger and malt. We continued on to La Grange and arrived about 11:30 pm.
Sunset on the ride to La Grange. Road was not in the best of shape but at least it wasn’t Chip & Seal.
Spencer indicated he was having trouble staying awake. When we came into La Grange, the control store was closed but Sue was there and indicated she had been given permission to sign cards. The two Canadian’s Dick Felton and Carey Chappelle were there and had the same thoughts that Spencer had! Stay the night here and then ride to Sealy in the early morning. That certainly beat sleeping in a post office when we got tired so I was all in. We rode about a mile and got hotel rooms which gave us a nice hot shower and about 3 hours sleep. This was a learning experience for me. Nice move to get some sleep and head out early. I would not have thought to do this.
Day 3:
Spencer, Dick, Carey and I were up early and rode on to Sealy about 4 am.
Great morning with low wind and no hills.
As we rode we came upon a number of other riders heading into Sealy. There were signs along the road to encourage all the rando’s as we got closer to Sealy. One indicated it was only a few more miles (In Rando terms that means 10 to 15 more miles!) or just around the corner (means you only got a 5 mile stretch!) I felt much better with the short sleep we got and we all managed to pull into the Sealy control about 7:30 am. Many riders were just getting up and others still sleeping as far as I could tell. We continued to ride on knowing we were doing 200 miles today. We got a little turned around when we arrived in Magnolia trying to find the control. That can be a little frustrating but finally saw another rider heading in the right direction and followed. After that was sorted out, took some time to eat again and then move through the heavy traffic out towards Huntsville. This was the first time that I know the Chip & Seal was starting to get to me. With the wind, rough road surface and now just a little warmer (90 degrees) it was taking a lot more effort. I am thankful to my friend Spencer who can really power on always waited for me at the turns. It was greatly appreciated. This region provided more farm land as scenery. It was cool to see some flood rice fields and well as a variety of other crops.
Rice Field north of Sealy
As we rode along Spencer indicated that his rear wheel rim had cracked. I am sure a victim of the brutal Chip & Seal. Not good since he is riding a fix gear. Looked as if he could get to the next control so it was good that Sue would be waiting there for us to switch out the rim. I was still struggling with the wind and dealing with the Chip & Seal and was always dropped off Spencer’s wheel. Then along came the Thundering Herd. Pam Wright was whipping the herd along and I heard Spencer say jump on and Pam yelled the same. What a change! It was like having new life within the group. Not only was it great to have support from the wind but got to meet a lot more riders. Nice change of pace and the time went by quickly.
Saved by the Thundering Herd
Dave Minter from England pulled up beside me and asked what ground control was saying. I smiled and took my ipod out of my ear. Really had a great conversation and he was more than just encouraging. Many thanks Dave! Dan Driscoll was keeping the group together and the pace was perfect for me. We stayed with the herd for the remainder of the day. We got to Huntsville in great shape and Sue was there to help get us food and Spencer switched out his rear wheel.
Cracked rear fixie wheel! Thank goodness for Sue!
Quick meal and we were back on the road. The herd really worked together and was careful not to leave anyone behind. I feel I should have moved forward to do a pull but was struggling just to stay even in the group. We rode along and had a stop at little store to get the last chance for water and food. Everyone iced down and we were off again. There were a couple of mechanicals which we all put a foot down (Pam’s favorite phrase) and when the bike was fixed got back at it. We moved along well and I again enjoyed the company as did Spencer. It was nice to be with the group as we rode through the Sam Houston National Forest. The trees really helped block the wind as well it was a beautiful stretch.
Riding through the Sam Houston National Forest
Later during the evening I dropped back and rode a little with Charlie Fenske who is a very strong rider. After talking with him we realized that both of us had been at Oklahoma State at one time. It is a small world. Great person who was always pulling those who dropped off back up to the group. We did get some water and food along the road from a neutral SAG late at night which was really nice when we getting closer to Crockett. The group arrived in Crockett about 11 pm. When we came into the hotel, a group was out front to cheer us and get us into our rooms. Lots of snacks and food was already in our rooms. Again, the people taking care of us were just fantastic. I cannot thank them enough. Spencer and I decided to leave at 4 am to get a head start on the day.
Day 4:
We saw Dick and Carey again as they were getting ready to leave in the morning. We headed out and stopped to get a quick breakfast. As we rode along we caught up with Bill Olsen and a friend. We rode with them for a while then headed on.
Beautiful Last Day!
A lot more Chip & Seal roads which was just taking a toll and really starting to just beat us up. Again, the wind had turned against us so there was not really any help. I had a laugh as we rode by one country house which had a sign that read “If you can read this, YOUR IN RANGE”. I did pick up my pace a little. We caught up with Dick and Carey at Palestine and I rode with them to the finish. As we worked our way to the next Control, it was actually a nice day with the exception of the wind. We stopped at a store in Tennessee Colony where the people were just super nice. Spencer rode over to get some barbecue supporting a youth program and we on our way again.
Uphill to Tennessee Colony
We hit a long flat stretch which was 20 miles that seem to go on forever with the wind hitting us. Pam came by in a car and of course with the Texas yell encouraged us onward.
Dick, Carey and me on the long windy stretch to the Lake.
We finally came to the lake and crossed the dam where there was a great café to get some food. This café was just fantastic as they even served breakfast at noon so could get eggs and pancakes. My eyes were bigger than my stomach but I tried to consume as much as possible.
Fantastic Café at the end of the Dam!
The herd also arrived about 10 minutes after us and was ready to go about the time we were too as well. Spencer asked me if I want to go with them I decided I wanted to stay with Dick and Carey. Spencer went with the group and I cannot say how much I appreciated his help on this ride. We picked up another rider and the four of us went on to Corsicana. As we approached Corsicana there was an air show going on at the airport. It was really cool to see the planes and the show as we rode down the road. Unfortunately, the show ended as we were coming in and the traffic picked up. We arrived at our last control where the herd and a lot of other riders were eating and getting ready to leave.
Corsicana Control – the end is in sight (after ice cream)!
We took a short break and then headed through the brick streets of Corsicana to complete the last leg of the 1200K. The ride went well and it was great to have a neutral SAG give us cold pop to help finish the last 18 miles of the ride. The roads were busy coming into Waxahachie and we did get a toothless cowboy telling us to get off “his” road. All the riding and we got one idiot on the last 5 miles. Go Figure! It was nice to see the end and we worked our way into the city. We did manage to make one last wrong turn on the last mile but quickly corrected and could see the hotel. Dick, Carey and I rode in with guns blazing and got a well deserved reception.
Dick, me and Carey have Finished!!!!!!!
It was nice to finish with new friends who worked hard to complete this ride. Pictures were taken, beer was downed quickly and a well deserved dinner rapidly consumed.
Dick, Spencer, me and Carey
Forever Friends!
Thanks to the Texas Randonneurs for putting this event on. I will remember my first 1200K forever. The Chip & Seal certainly will be hard to forget.
Chip & Seal to the end but what about my rear end. HTFU!!!!!!!!!!!!!