Colorado River Bikefest

Ballinger, Texas

April 23, 2016

 Line up of San Angelo riders: Jerry

 Marlon

Kathy

Christine

Loyd

Joy--spectator and avid supporter

David 

 Registration--thanks to the volunteers 

 Bill

 Brian

Bill, Dorothy, and Christine 

 And we are off 

 Note that the above and here riders prefer not to ride on the shoulder. A little rough over there.

 Not bluebonnets but there were some healthy stands of wild flowers.

 And what probably should be the Texas official tree--the Mesquite.

 One should not get the idea that the tour is flat, there were plenty of hills to keep our interest. 

 Evidence of recent rains.

 I know, pictures should be divided into thirds, but shooting on the move is sometimes hard to line up.

 Finally remembered to shoot an incline, even if it was way off in the distance.

 Just a peaceful country shot.

 Maybe the ride is mostly flat?

       Lowake Restaurant on left had a very tempting aroma. One could smell    

steaks cooking from this distance. 

 Ride coming to a close in the friendly town of Ballinger. The finish line is at the building on the right.

 David, Kathy, Joy, and Marlon patiently awaiting the rest of us to finish.

Brian looks a little disappointed. He must have only averaged 20 mph. Wait until next year.

Willow City Loop

 Willow City Loop

Saturday May 21, 2016

Day Trip, Just Outside of Fredericksburg, Tx.  

Rick, Christine, and Brian.

 The bike bar in "downtown" Willow City. They were kind enough to let us park in their back area.

 The Willow City ride is part of the now defunct Pedal Power Wildflower Ride.

 We had planned to ride back in April, but the weekend we had free was rainy.

 Even though it was past the bluebonnet prime time we were determined to make the ride anyway.

 Leaving Willow City is fairly flat heading toward Highway 16.

 As the ride is scenic, most of the ride does not require comment or explanation.

 

Just before the great downhill on Highway 16, Brian and Rick (below) held up waiting for Christine and me to catch up.

And then we started the decent.

One of those great rides. After a good decline--

--We would start on another.

This went on for 2-3 miles.

Just before the turnoff to Willow City we regrouped again.

Willow City Loop Road

Yes, there were frequent stops just to take in the scenery.

And more stops. This ride was not about speed.

Hence the cattle guard as shown above.

Even dead trees were pretty.

The approach to the dreaded hill.

I do not know if the hill has a printable name, but it is a tough one.

I think I recall seeing 14% at one point.

Christine and I were so slow, Rick came back to see if we were all right.

This is a shot back down from where Rick met us.

After the big climb, it levels off for a short time and then hits you with another up.

Luckily, more scenery allowed us to rest with dignity.

Getting close to "civilization".

Out skirts of Willow City. Population 75.

Just beyond this point is the bike bar and our cars. Ride time short. Lapse time long. Fun time immeasurable.