2019 Best Roads Winner

Paluxy Pedal

Glen Rose, Texas

Best Roads

 From start

To finish

Paluxy Pedal had the smoothest roads of the tours that we took in 2019. 

Christine agrees and not because of her Thudbuster. I think the company should hire her as she sings their praises to all she can get to listen. 

 Well maintained roads and smooth even when patched.

 

 When one is traveling on smooth roads it gives the impression that you are traveling faster (happier) than when on a rough road. 

 However, whether going uphill or down, I completed the 52 miles in 3 hours without trying.

 

 And they do have some good hills. 

 And good rest stops.

 I just couldn't get over the smooth roads. Such a great ride. Until-- 

 The "high light" of the ride is mastering "The Beast."

 Starts off reasonably enough...6-8% grades...that go on forever. 

And then we hit the 19% grade, and a few found it easier to push their bikes up the grade.

 At the crest, a group of well-wishers gave out proof-of-accomplishment patches.

Wall...Beast...take your pick. The website compromises and states "The Wall is a beast". 

But the road was smooth.

Even the backwoods lanes are well maintained. 

 Above and following roads might be the roughest we went over, but still in the ruts, it was better than any of our local roads.

 The extra wide shoulder--you guessed it. It was great.

 And 52 miles later, we finished on still a great stretch of road. 

 Whereas Paluxy wins the best roads hands down, it would be hard to say that it is the best ride of Texas as there are so many good ones. Each has its pros and cons, but Glen Rose can be proud of the city/county roads. Thanks for a smooth ride.

Fort Davis Cyclefest

Fort Davis Cyclefest

Fort Davis, Texas

September 21, 2019

Line up time for one of our favorite rides. (Yes, this is late and the Sunday Mt. Locke race has already been posted but can't leave out the Saturday tour).

Brian and David behind him.

Christine

David and Bill from San Angelo.

Dark picture as rain was forecast.

This was taken as I was playing catch up.

Right after we began the ride, it started raining. I, ever prepared for every thing, had a disposable rain coat in my saddle bag. So I stopped to put it on.

The rain coat had been exposed to extreme heat in my saddle bag plus the wind was blowing like mad.

It took me at least 20 minutes to get the thing on.

And it had stopped raining by the time I got to the first rest stop so it took some additional time to get the thing off.

Everybody that I knew had toughed it out and continued riding in the rain.

Whereas I was dry, I was about 30 minutes behind the San Angelo group. So, I had to ride all alone. Poor me. Not sure the rain coat was worth the effort since it was a relatively short rain.

Davis mountains in the distance, but the shorter 50 mile route did not get into the mountains.

One can enjoy the scenery though.

Left over evidence of a passing shower.

Sky was still threatening but no rain on the rest of the ride.

The fun part of the 50 mile ride. About 3 miles of varying degrees of downhill.

Even when there is a slight incline, the momentum eliminates the need to pedal.

Brian, David, and Bill on the return leg. Uphill for 3 miles.

Turn around rest stop. Met up with Christine here and we returned together.

Part of the return uphill.

Near the Point of Rocks.

Ride ended. After some great hamburgers and lottery prizes, it was time to head back to the hotel. And to eat at the Fort Davis drugstore and milk shakes that compete with Steak N Shake. Had to have my recovery drink to get ready for the big race on Sunday which was published a few posts ago.