Fort Davis Cyclfest

Fort Davis Cyclefest

Fort Davis, Texas

September 18, 2021

Line up time was 7:45 for an 8:00 start.

The cyclefest is not an official race so line up is helter skelter.

Entrace to Prude Ranch where the start/finish line is found.

Christine all bundled up in the chilly temp--for us--58 degrees F.

 I was almost the last to start, so I had to pass a lot of riders to finally catch up with Christine and Dorothy who loves her E mountain bike.

I rode with them for a while but their pace of 18-20 mph was not my definition of a nice, easy Saturday ride.

So I eased off and just enjoyed the scenery.

Blue Mountain Trail marks the Rest Stop 1 location.

My kind of ride. We had gone only 14 miles, but it was fun to stop, eat cookies, and just relax. The real treat was the fresh PBJ's which were consumed as fast as the volunteer could make them.

After Rest Stop 1, I rode with Brian for a while until he dropped me, too.

The "Rock Pile."  Nice little pull off for tourist sight-seeing.

First of umpteen cattle guards. No matter what saddle one has, it is still a rumble seat.

Start of the 3 or so mile decline culminating at Rest Stop 2.

It may not look much at this point because I only let loose of the handle bar when it is realitivly safe to do so.

Rest Stop 2.

For the ones going 54 miles, this is the turn around point. (editor's note: I don't care how far they said is supposed to be...the distance was 57.8 miles!) Those going 75 miles, go straight ahead.

Since we know that if we enjoyed a 3 mile decline, we must have a 3 mile incline coming up so just enjoy the scenery while it lasts.

Inclines/declines never look dramatic taken from the bike.

But trust me, if you are pedaling up the hill, you are working.

Eventually we hit level terrain and discovered the wind direction had changed. 

You guessed it, in our face again.

Christine and Brian "allow" me to ride with them for a short distance--then dropped me. So, for the next few pictures, it will correctly depict that I am riding solo.

The wind wasn't dramatic for most folks. The sun warned us very plesantly. The air was still beautifully cool. And we learned again that, even though we were in the Texas "mountains" in September, we still needed sun screen. We were moderately sun-burned at the end of the ride.

Back on the main highway into town.

Not a good shot, but this is the Hotel Limpia where we stay. It is "rustic" and has a long history.

Fort Davis main street drag.

Starting the last 10 miles through the canyon.

Nearing Prude Ranch and refreshment time. They had great hamburgers, chips. cookies, and beverages for the riders.

  

And a live band.This was an after-thought photo so a lousy picture of the band on the porch. Despite the aches, pains, threat of muscle cramps, and complete exhaustion--we made reservations for next year. We are gluttons for punishment as it is a great ride with great scenery.