Trans America Cycling Day 30 - Navisota, TX to Cleveland, TX

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 the riders recharge.
Sagging at the SAG stop
Fully recharged at the SAG stop

The pasture had a considerable number of longhorns in all shapes and sizes.
Hey, do you know a bodyshop in the
neighborhood?  I am not sure 
if my left can be repaired!
Them is some longhorns, y'all!



At lunch in New Waverly John taught the proprietors of Honey's Coffee and Biscuits how to brew a proper cappuccino.  They were amused by the escapade.
A proper cuppa cappuccino

After the route meeting Jim celebrated his 72nd birthday.  For his present he asked Chuck to sing Rocky Top, the University of Tennessee Volunteers fight song, accompanied by the Osborne Brothers rendition played on Ahnie's bicycle sound system, which is load and clear.  Chuck being from near the University of Arkansas should hate Rocky Top, since when he hears it it could mean that the Volunteers made a touchdown or some other noteworthy play against the Arkansas Razorbacks.  Following Rocky Top, Jim asked Barry, our Navy veteran, to sing the Air Force Song.  Cake followed, thanks to a cake that Merry Ann had made at a bakery near Cleveland and shuttled to the party.  There was a graphic of Jim's Cannondale bicycle on the cake and a note to veterans.


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