Texas Trip Report #3

After a few hard days of riding we decided that we needed a rest day. Rest for cyclists means a bit of easy spinning to keep the legs fresh, but no hard efforts. We all grinned as we talked about this rest day but I do believe that our intentions were pure. Even if the outcome wasn't.

It was also Scott's birthday so a trip to San Antonio to meet up with some of his friends for dinner was also on the agenda. As was more of Scott's favorite food; tacos. First, the ride;

We enjoyed Center Point Road so much that we decided to ride it from Fredericksburg down to Comfort and back. As you'll note if you read the last post, there is an awful lot of climbing on this road. Something that you might try to avoid on a true rest day. Nevertheless, we rolled out of the RV park under heavy skies with expectations of another great ride.

Barry and Scott resting at 24 mph

Since the cattle are free roaming in these parts you always need to be mindful as you speed around the bends. The last thing you need is a collision with a 2,000 pound bull. To keep at least a little control of the beasts the local cowboys put cattle guards on the road every few miles or so to prevent the cattle from one farmer's herd from mingling with cattle from another. These cattle guards are placed across the road and are made up of either steel pipes or old railroad tracks and they're spaced every... Oh, it'll be easier if I just show you. Here, this is The Boss crossing one of the cattle guards;

It may stop cattle, but not The Boss

These guards are tricky to pass safely on the best days and when they get wet they are down right treacherous. Especially as many of them can be found at the bottom of the steepest hills, just as your speed peaks.

Speaking of peaks, we had to climb Center Point Ledge from both directions on today's ride. Look at this profile to see just how gnarly today's route was;

Scott cresting Center Point Ledge

Since any realistic thoughts about an easy ride quickly vanished we decided to take the opportunity to really fly on the long downhill into town. A slight downhill, a slight tailwind and three frisky riders add up to a really terrific time on the bike. The miles just flew by as we zoomed through the beautiful Texas countryside. Rides like this are what makes cycling trips worthwhile. Really, it was fantastic.

No, Barry didn't overdo the BBQ, that's a rain jacket stuffed in his shirt




Another fast and fantastic run into town

After cleaning up we stopped in at a local cafe for some coffee. Check out the selection;

Bubba's Brew is obviously a local favorite

Then we drove into San Antonio. Before meeting up with Scott's friends we strolled around the Alamo. It's a fairly small structure that now sits slap bang in the middle of downtown San Antonio. Nothing about is suggests the wild, wild west. If Davey Crockett were alive today he'd be rolling over in his grave at the crass commercialization. Poor fella never even heard of Starbucks, wax museums or tour guides. Not to mention Walt Disney.

In search of the Alamo basement and Pee Wee's bike



Stunned that there is not a basement at the Alamo

After soaking in all that is the Alamo we met up with Scott's friends and took a stroll along San Antonio's fabulous Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is reminiscent of Venice with it's walkways along the river, the foot bridges overhead and the tour boats gliding noiselessly along the water.

Venice? No, San Antonio.

Restaurants and shops lined the walkways and with such a large selection from which to choose a place for dining it would be a challenge. Especially since many of the establishments had lovely ladies out front hawking the special de jour.

Since it was Scott's birthday we insisted that he choose the dining spot. Believe it or not, he passed up this classy place, with it's come hither staff;

Hey there, Birthday Boy!

He instead choose a more traditional place that specialized in Texas steaks. We settled into our outdoor patio seats just as the sun went down and the lights along the Riverwalk went up. Good friends, good food and an evening just as pretty as you please. All of this tossed in with the Alamo and a great day of cycling and I do believe that Scott had a pretty special birthday. Many more, Scott!