Fort Davis Cyclefest

Fort Davis Cyclefest

September 15, 2018

Fort Davis, Texas

The Prude Ranch is the traditional starting point for the Cyclefest.

At line up time it was a little chilly.

Chilly or not, well over a hundred riders prepared for a 55 or 75 mile ride.

From San Angelo, Marlon looking cold, but he is cool.

Joy, a dedicated supporter of Marlon. Attends his events and is always cheerful while rooting for him and others.

 Brian in this year's Cyclefest jersey. Good design, good colors.   

 The start always goes through a canyon. In the shady parts, it was quite cold.

 But the temperature was off set by the scenery--and mostly downhill.

 Entering Fort Davis, the large rock outcropping is impressive. It is just behind the Fort Davis National Park.

 Brian led the way into Fort Davis proper.

 Courthouse on the plaza. They have fixed the dome clock.

 Leaving Fort Davis, we began a 10 mile false flat of 1-2% grade. 

 The constant "climb" is offset by the foothills scenery. 

 

 David, front, caught up to us. He missed the start by having to go back to his room to get his sunglasses. 

 Rest stop 1. Thanks to the volunteers.  

 The false flat continues and the mountain range is still way off in the distance.

 Coming up on the rock pile. And note the sky. It was forecast for rain almost all day.  

 The rock pile is a scenic picnic area. If one has extra time, the stop will not be regretted. 

 Hills getting closer.

 

 

 David continues toward the hills. We thought the wind was against us, but when we turned around we found that we had been going with the wind. I guess the false flats were getting to us. 

 But for a respite, this is the start of a three mile downhill ride with the decline ranging from 3-5%. No thoughts of the return trip until--

 Rest stop 2. It cuts into the decline. Which means that when I turned around, I was still in my large chain ring, and starting off was interesting. Rest stop 2 is the decision point. Turn around for the 55 mile ride or continue for the 75 mile loop. Brian and Marlon continued. David and I (and Jeffri) turned around. 

 Starting back up the long incline. 2, maybe 3% grade at this point. And as we found out, into the wind.

 If it was a long decline, it stood to reason that it was going to be a long incline. Scenery can offset the struggle a little. 

 Nearing the rock pile on the return trip. Reminded me of the Yosemite bald mountain in miniature.

 Rock pile from reverse.

 Clouds continued to build.

 Will we make it back before the forecasted rain or 

 in Texas, just wait a minute and the weather will change.

 Having gone through Fort Davis again, we headed back to Prude Ranch.

 

   

 Good thing for a nice downhill before the Fort Davis State Park as it gets pretty steep at the crest. 

 After a nice lunch at the Prude Ranch, it was time for some to pack up and head back home.

However, Marlon, Brian, Rick, and I stayed over for the Mt. Locke race the next day.