Tour de Agua

Tour de Agua

Dublin, Texas

June 9, 2018

History: Dublin was "Home of Dr. Pepper" and the family owned business operated 120 years.

That is until they became too popular and Dr. Pepper sued to stop production and distribution in 2012. They are now making a name for themselves for their Dublin Texas Root Beer and other yummy flavors.

Up until about 2012, the bicycle event was "Tour de Dr. Pepper". Now it is Tour de Agua.
The tour is similar to Abilene's Steam N Wheels. If you come in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd; it is a race. If you come in 4th or more, it is a nice tour.

San Angelo participants David and Brian.

Martha and Mel.

The event was well attended. Shown are just the 66 mile participants.

Behind are the 41, 25, and 10 milers.

The big bottle used to be Dr. Pepper. Now it is Texas Root Beer.

The tour directors made a welcome change in bib colors. Red was 66 milers, blue was the 41, yellow 25, and not sure about the 10 milers. Colors were welcome as the 66 milers started 5 minutes ahead of the 41. In the past, if anyone wanted a jump start, just line up with the 66 milers and be 5 or more minutes ahead of the other competitors.

Just to be fair photo. If you listened to anyone telling about their ride, you would hear that it was hill after hill after---.

And it was. Squint and you will see a roller in  the distance.

Brian and David passing one of the participants. By mile 5, we were over taking the back of the 66 milers.

 Looks like a baby hill until you start climbing into the wind.

I am sure the wind was to our back at some time as the course was a loop. Just someone forgot to tell me we were going with the wind.

Although you can not tell by the pictures; Brian, David and I had a nice pace line going which helped out a lot in the wind.

Had to take the shot quickly as upcoming was a nice downhill section. (too dangerous to take a shot while going down hill). But, had to document that the course "generally" had a downhill for every climb.

Flat respite. The roads were good and very little traffic.

Famer had a good crop of hay. Still has time to put in another crop.

 

 

Ho hum. More rollers.

 

 

 

Suddenly, the photos do not show David. At about mile 28, his brand new back tire developed two huge bubbles, and he was out of the running. His first ever SAG, but it can't be counted against him. Tires happen.

Brian chasing (and over-taking) one of the last visible blue bibs.

 Brian did quite well overall and in the top 5 finishers. Good going.

Another highlight of the tour. All the Dublin drinks you desire. BBQ sandwiches and chips hit the spot. The Dublin Bottle Works drug store is just next door. I had a chocolate milk shake with my sandwich and then a Dublin Root Beer float for "dessert." Lunch alone is worth the trip. Oh yes, Christine joined us sporting her sling and wearing a brand new shoulder replacement. Will be out for the rest of the season. And I had her signed up for the 7 mile Mt. Locke race at Fort Davis this fall. Darn.

In the meantime, if you are looking for a challenging yet good ride, consider the Ride for the Change.