Save 22 A Day Trans-America Cycling

The link to today's route and statistics is found here . Today was a hot, muggy day with bad wind, so it was challenging.  The temperature reached 85 F and the humidity 86%.   Drinking enough to stay well hydrated was a key to success.   Wind was more of a crosswind early, but there was considerable 10 to 15 mph headwind in the afternoon.   Early in the tour in the west we had more tailwind than headwind.  Since leaving Sanderson, TX we have had mainly headwind and crosswind, so much so that we believe we have now experienced more headwind than tailwind since the start of the tour. A bit of relief from the wind and heat was provided by riding through the Sam Houston National Forest about 50 miles north of the city of Houston.  Tall trees, pines and deciduous, on both sides of the road provided cooling shade and a block of some wind.   Riding through Sam Houston National Forest Passage through the trees We passed by Lake Conroe Breaks at the SAG stops helped th

The link to today's route and statistics is found here . Today was a pleasant day for riding, but the humidity is starting to become a factor.  The temperature was 68 F when we left La Grange, and when we arrived in Navasota the temperature was 85 F and the humidity 54%.   Today we were privileged to be welcomed to Navasota by the Mayor of Navasota, Mayor William A. Bert Miller, III and the Executive Director of the Navasota Grimes County Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Johnny McNally.  They came to the Best Western Motel in Navasota to recognize our efforts to cycle across America to benefit military veterans and thereby raise awareness of the 22 suicides a day by veterans and active duty military personnel.   Our team of cyclists are most appreciative of their visit and are honored to meet them.  These two gentlemen made our day! From left, Mayor Bert Miller, Mr. Johnny McNally, cyclists, Best Western staff and family Our meeting with the Navasota Mayor and the  Executive

The link to today's route and statistics is found here. We rode across Austin, population of city and suburbs of around a million, this morning, taking a route selected by Trans-America Cycling to avoid heavy traffic.  Because it was Sunday, traffic wasn't heavy.   We now have ridden east into high humidity that we will probably continue to experience in east Texas and following days in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.  Hydration is very important in the high humidity. Yesterday and today Bart Sherwood, the   T rain A D og - S ave A W arrior ( TADSAW) Program Director, met with us in Austin and La Grange.  Bart spoke to cyclists and the TAC staff at the 5:00 pm route meeting in Austin.  Later we made a video of Bart speaking about Medical Alert Service Dogs and TADSAW.  Bart thanked cyclists for their support of veterans and  TADSAW, and to show his gratitude gave each cyclist and TAC staff a TADSAW tee-shirt.  Cyclists thanked him for helping us better und

The link to today's route and statistics is found here . The highlight of the route was a wonderful assortment of medium and long rollers.  There were numerous opportunities to bomb down the front of the roller and power up the back side to the flat beyond.  It was a great way to accumulate 4500 feet of ascent without realizing it. We had our first wet road crossing today, where water is high enough in a stream to run over the road.  Some cycled through, but the risk is slipping on the green growth on the road surface.  The group in the photo dismounted and walked through the ankle deep water with bicycle shoes on. Fording the stream on foot All of the beautiful hill country scenery and wildlife take your mind off of the climbing.  Cycling is one of the best ways to take in nature’s finest.  Driving is too fast to see the fine details, and walking doesn't cover as much territory. Now to some sights. Cattle hanging around shade trees Prickly Pear Cactu

Fredericksburg is a tourist destination in the Texas Hill Country.  For us it’s a rest and recuperation (R & R) destination.  Museums are also available.   We are at the tour halfway mark!  Tour leaders sang a happy halfway ditty to us yesterday.  Some halfway stats and observations * 1500 miles down the road * Temperatures generally cooler than normal * Before the middle of Texas we had more tailwind than headwind.  It appears that in the central region of Texas it is rather common in the spring to have winds out of the east, so we rode pacelines there where we can there to foil the headwind. * One day of rain, on Day 24 was a gully washer * We have ridden over most of the worst chipseal on the journey, but Larry warned of some rough road still ahead of us Last night and today Barry, our retired Navy Command Master Chief, presented everyone with a unique, customized challenge coin.   One side includes the seal for the Navy Special Operations Foundation, the veter

The link to today's route and statistics is found here . Today marked the halfway point of our cycling journey across America.  Trans-America Cycling staff surprised us at breakfast by singing the "Happy Halfway to You" song at the breakfast table. Happy halfway to you Today was a picturesque ride in the Texas Hill Country.  There was one steep hill with a grade measured at 12%.  Once on top there were panoramic views of ranchland with cattle, sheep, goats and alpacas.   Where before Del Rio there were no trees, now trees are everywhere Water in the hills Smooth chip seal made with rounded pebbles made for a very smooth ride. Thanks to Ray from Malta for most of the outstanding photographs of the hill country today. Today we had some of the smoothest chipseal for miles around.  The reality though is that most chipseal is rough.  A Texas cyclist recommended to lowering air pressure  to best deal with the rough chipseal .  He recomm