NB-GR 30+ New Route

https://youtu.be/BA5ttSXncIA

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New route and I like it. As with most things, there's a direct route and the long way. This was the long way. A few weeks ago a friend of my daughter began to need a ride to school. Getting to her house gave me the idea of A NEW CYCLING ROUTE. Thank you kiddos😊

Taking a complete back route increased my usual miles but also opened up more climbing along the way to Gruene. From my place to FM1044 is a nice way to get out of the neighborhood to head south or to my kids school. In miles it's longer but fewer traffic lights so less stopping. The only traffic light is a right turn with a yield sign and on a Saturday before 7am, there's nothing to yield to. Loop 337 goes past the high school and eventual crosses Common and other streets that lead to Gruene. I made a loop around Gruene (the 4 mile Gruene loop mentioned in a previous post) and on the second loop I shot a little hand held phone video of downtown. If you watch the video, just know from noon till evening, that little downtown can get crowded with people and cars. After the downtown video I took River Rd through Hueco Springs and Hwy 46 Which turns into Walnut Rd and back to my neighborhood. But? that's too direct. I wanted to make a cafe stop at a really nice place I'll have to share at another time but? Remember the name Gainz Bakery. Outdoor seating and call ahead curbside pickup. There's seating outside in front and behind the bakery AND? Plenty of KETO & VEGAN Non dairy selections. And the keto stuff is GOOD. I went earlier in the week but today I should have checked the hours as they were still closed when I rode up. 😒

So?  No problem. I'll make my own when I get home.

I actually know how

https://youtu.be/cw3ysjggrnw

Back onto Walnut to Landa then a little rest on the Faust Street Bridge. I got to witness a dog and his human starting off in a canoe in the river (see video) and just sit a bit to enjoy the scenery. This ride was not without its issues. Mainly I did not have that energized feeling I like to have when I'm leaving. And? I felt some of the hills a lot more than usual. I rode with another rider and chatted a bit till he rode on ahead. In my mind I knew I could keep up and even maintained his pace but 50yds or so back.  I didn't want to make the effort to catch up because I knew the climbs on Hueco Springs were coming and we were taking different routes at the Hueco Springs River Road intersection. I hope to see him again when I'm feeling better. I'm not sick by any means just not properly fueled from the night before. Last night the family went to our sons first Football game. This lead to a late fast food dinner and late getting to sleep. This doesn't prepare me for a ride the next day. I knew when the alarm rang I would be dragging a55 today. I didn't have to walk my bike on any climbs but I was not setting records or KOM's. After Faust Street, I took my usual route towards home but made a stop in Fischer Park. I took the direct climb off McQueeny that has kicked my butt in the past (I fell over) to the top of the park. Once to the top I was huffing and puffing enough to make a lady look in my direction with concern. No problem,🤷‍♂️ just a step climb and especially the finish. At the top I could hear loud Salsa music only to see what appeared to be a Zumba style exercise group doing their thing. A few photos (OF ME) and on my way for the last 1.5 miles.

I haven't had my coffee yet nor have I showered but I will do both REALLY soon.

*MOTORIST* Be kind to cyclist. When you see us with our bikes upside down on the side of the road,  we possibly took a nail just so you wouldn't have to.

It's already a great day. Be blessed and RIDE ON!

About to leave the house

Loop 337 near Walnut with the sun about to rise

Faust St Bridge facing the sun behind the clouds

Faust St Bridge with the rising sun behind me

Me on the bridge facing the rising sun

Me on the bridge with the sun behind me

Posing the horse

Relaxing with 1.5 miles to go

NB-GR-LOOP X's 3

https://www.relive.cc/view/vE6Jm814gxO

61 degrees sunshine and a bicycle is what's know as heaven on earth.

So my kids and wife tell me they're off today because this weekend there's a town fair. C19 has canceled the fair but New Braunfels and some of the surrounding towns still took the day off for their schools. This means one really good thing.

"LIGHT MORNING TRAFFIC"

This simply means I have an extra light traffic morning to ride. Up and out before 8am I did a light ride out to Gruene. Gruene Rd- Hunter Rd-FM306- Common St makes an almost 4 mile loop around the little town of Gruene. This loop goes from smooth to lightly rough to buttery smooth roads. Traffic is heaviest on FM306 but there's an obvious bike lane. The other 3 roads that make the loop have generally light traffic depending on the time of day. Downtown Gruene being the heaviest as it's a local and tourist attraction area but? Even in downtown Gruene the traffic is slow and you'll mostly have to watch for people crossing the street going from shop to shop and parking lots to restaurants. On a warm no school summer afternoon or warm weekend you may see people in shorts to semi casual dressed, and even a bathing suit or three as people make their way with tubes to ride the river. Gruene Hall is possibly the most famous spot you'll pass and next to Gruene Hall is The Gristmill restaurant. The onion rings are a must and its reasonably priced. From Day Spas to shops, restaurants and the old time photo booth WITH PROPS AND COSTUMES, Gruene's downtown area can get pretty busy. If you plan to just cycle through watch out for vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

If there's anything I'm really liking about what seems to be this entire area of CST (Central South Texas) is this. I can ride and hear multiple dogs racing toward me knowing they're all behind a fence in area. Secondly, the vehicle traffic is forgiving. Not that I make cycling traffic violations but there's been so many times I've gone out for a ride and cars will give me the right of way. It's not always perfect but it is good.

Going out today I crossed the Faust Street Bridge but returned crossing the river on the Common St Bridge. The Bridge on Common isn't historic or as pretty as Faust Street but the view of the river at the Tube Chute is as pretty as the view from Faust. Overall a really nice ride and a really good start to the day. I'm glad I went early while it was 61 when I left. It's 82 and rising now at 1315 (1:15 just in case) which is isn't the blistering 95+ but the heat is present in the air. I hope everyone gets a ride in today.

Be blessed and RIDE ON! 

Playing on the tracks

Common St Tube Chute Panorama 

Common St Bridge over the river

Weather at the start

NB-GR 25 0092420

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Today is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad while riding in 67 degrees. Yes! Cooler but not cold morning temps have arrived in the South Texas town of New Braunfels. After A difficult night's sleep knowing I wanted to ride in the morning,  I got up and got out on the bike for a nice ride to Gruene and back. One short but nice side trip through Landa Park then onto my usual route to Gruene. I got there with only one hitch which was actually a guy trying to be nice. I'm approaching a left turn with my hand out to signal and a vehicle is approaching the same intersection opposite me with his right blinker on. The vehicle is also closer to the intersection so I'm figuring he'll go ahead and make his right turn. NOPE! He was giving me the opportunity to make my left turn ahead of him. Not realizing this and with my intention of following after his turn I slightly passed the intersection and then he turned. His thoughts obviously were he was giving me the right of way although because he was closer to the intersection and turning right (a physically shorter & quicker turn) he had the right of way. After that turn its about 25yds to a RR Crossing with the shoulder of the road narrowing right up to the tracks. Had I gone first, even though it's a short distance he would have had to follow me at a slower than the posted speed limit pace. By letting him go first, I know he'll just pull away from me instead of having to slowly trail behind me. In any case, this was two people being nice to each other. I made it to and through Gruene (the first time) and circled back to make a coffee stop at "Kora Kora" in the village. 4 cars on line then me patiently waiting sitting in my top tube scooting ahead as the cars ahead of me got their orders. A little rest on my now usual bench and my coffee was hot but not the Cosmo Kramer scorching the skin hot. I finished and remounted my steed and continued my second lap through Gruene, Hwy 306, Common then back the way I came.

Riding for me clears the mind and gets the body in motion. In some way, most every ride takes me back to my childhood when my bike was my only other than mom wheeled transportation. On days when I can get up to less than 87 degrees and climbing temps it's like icing on the cake. This was only my second ride through Landa Park and it seems to be one of a few morning activity hot spots in town. Many people were walking dogs or just themselves solo or in pairs and a couple of ladies doing their workout on the "Dance Slab". Fishing the rivers here seems to be another favorite activity and I've rarely have gone for a ride and have not seen people fishing at one place or more along my route. On my return I made my way through Fischer Park and it's more of the same. People stretching, walking and working out in one way or another. Fischer has a REALLY nice hilltop view and is one of those places where you can go and pretty much have a view of the town laid out in front of you. Another good thing about Fischer Park is their public restrooms are large enough to bring your bike right into the stall. So when the coffee kicks in and you have to make a TCB stop, you can do so without worrying about your bike. Back home and showered, now there's only the sound of the birds, a few folks working in the neighborhood and a random plane going by. It's already a great day folks. Have Fun,  Ride Bikes, be blessed and RIDE ON! 

NB-GR-306-STLR-RR

Good morning cycling enthusiast and others. What a difference a week can make? This is the ride I wanted to do last week. Last week I was halted  by heavy rains but this week I pushed through ok temperatures but high humidity. 77 degrees at 0600 with a humidity that slapped me in the face as I excited my house. I made my way to the usual route crossing the Faust St Bridge then on the bike route to Gruene. Going through downtown Gruene early, there's little to no traffic and just a few runners out. Wave after wave, hi after hi and good morning after good morning I saw many friendly folks along the way. On the other side of Gruene is Hwy 306 and my road to Sattler. For whatever reason, today there was more car traffic then I've seen on this part of the tour than before including one 18 wheeler that passed by closer than the other vehicles even though there was space to move over in the form of a second "empty" lane. But? I'm still here. He didn't cross his line into my shoulder lane but still was closer than giving me that space of feeling safe. Plenty of climbing on that  road which means plenty of descents. Years ago my wife hated going too fast on descents. Now? I'm the one feathering my brakes and being extra careful. Once in Sattler, there's a small downtown then a left turn onto River Road.

River Road is bike friendly only because the people that frequent that area are used to cyclist being out there. The road has ZERO shoulder/bike lane and if you go off the side, you're in the river or a ditch, but? If you get out there early it's 85% or more shaded. From my house I could feel the humidity but once I was on RR/River Road, theres a noticeable drop in the temperature and humidity. The trees canopy most of the street and the early morning sun hasn't risen above the high hillsides. Really nice scenery and today lots of other cyclist but going in the opposite directing than me. The road rolls with light hills and 4 river crossings then you come to the climb out of the river side road. I made my second rest stop at the Ice House before taking on Hueco Springs. A little fluid and a little protein bar, then on my way. Today was one of those really good days where everything felt easier and shorter than before. After Hueco Springs and Kruger Canyon I made my last stop at Puppy Playland then my last push on home. From Facebook messenger I can see some of my valley friends also got out to ride. I Wish everyone the best. Be blessed and RIDE ON! 

My Austin First

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...But not my last.  So a couple of days ago I got a private message from Ben of City Cruisers to go riding in Austin.  It's been a few months since my last CC ride because of me moving out of the RGV (Rio Grande Valley) and the C19 virus that shut down a lot of group riding.  Originally I planned to ride with my friend John who was going to be about the same distance away but south instead of north of where I'm staying. After talking to John, it was the Austin ride that was going to happen for me. I met Ben at the hotel where he was staying, Adriana showed up a little after to give us the route for the ride, and we were off. We headed down the access road of hwy 290 then onto the SW PKWY.  We missed our turn to Barton Creek Blvd due to Ben overtaking Adriana (ride leader) as we were FLYING downhill at the time. If it's a downhill, Ben the BEAST will try to go as fast as he can.  This was a good missed turn because it allowed Ben and I to see a Porcupine about 3 feet just off the shoulder in the grass minding its own business.  We got to a cut in the road and made a turn around and a left onto Barton Creek. I thought the SW PKWY had nice scenery but Barton Creek was even nicer.  I told Ben and Adriana that if I was on this ride alone, I would have to stop every mile or two for photos. Another thing about this road was? It was full of hills and not easy climbers. My one proud moment came when Ben stopped towards the end of a climb to walk the remainder of the hill.  I stopped and caught my breath then completed that hill.  This would be my last moment of pride since the rest of the way, he and Adriana seemed to easily stay ahead of me and sometimes by a large distance. We turned onto Bee Cave Rd to get to hwy 360/Capital of Texas Hwy. That was our longest stretch of road on our way to a nice rest stop at a Whole Foods store just off the hwy.  If you're reading this and thinking, "He keeps saying hwy, are they crazy?" Well if so, that would also include many...many other cyclists that were on that same road riding in either direction. After a taco, some energy infused water and a really good pistachio cannoli, (and a potty break) we chatted briefly then hit the same road in the opposite direction. Many hills to climb and descend on the return with me playing catch up the entire way. A brief trip through the Barton Creek Greenbelt and we were on the access road of the dreaded MOPAC, then hwy 290 one way, then 290 the other way and back to our start at the hotel. 

Epic rides don't come often but this was one of them. Great company, great scenery, a cafe stop, and get this...NOT ONE ROUGH ROAD! There was a little debris here and there but smooth roads for 44 miles helps make for a really good ride.  I WILL return to Austin for another ride on this route. Thanks to Ben for the invite and Thanks to Adriana for the great route.  I'm sorry you both had to slow down for me over and over but I did have a really good time.  I'm predicting a massage in my near future.  Friends, it's already a great day.  Make the most of it, be blessed and 

RIDE ON!

NB-GR-SM-SG-GR-NB 60+

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"An early rise to an early start gets the best of roads and weather"

-Sizer, based on the early worm.

After hitting the alarm once I got up around 0615 and out of the house before 7. I made my typical route to Gruene with a thought about people driving cars. "If there's two lanes in the same direction and one is occupied, are car drivers educated to simply go into the TOTALLY EMPTY LANE?" Just a thought.

Anyway, after riding through Gruene, I came out on Hunter Road which goes all the way to San Marcos. An ok to crappy to ok to finally a really nice road. Few other cyclist were on the route I was riding but were all going opposite me. From Hunter & Wonder World in San Marcos, a right turn took me under I 35 and to Hwy 123. This was mostly a nice road that led me to Seguin and most of the photos I took today. I saw a small white church off to my right then my next right turn onto Cordova Road. Just after that turn I was able to go into a small historic area with the donated buildings pictured. Back on Cordova this two lane decent road took me to Hwy 46 then back under I35 to Gruene and back home. This ride was about 61 miles in total which was what I planned. Mostly these Road either had 2 lanes in both directions or one lane in either direction with a good shoulder. A few places had no shoulder or 2nd same directing lane but those spots had very little traffic. I only consumed one protein bar and one bottle of water during this ride because I filled up just fine last night. With the temp right around 70 when I started, I just didn't have the need to go through bottle after bottle of water. But? If I had a riding partner I would have stopped for food, water and a potty break. Most of the climbs on this route were gradual and the descents were the same. A better sweeping of the road sides would have made it better but other than company that's about it. I hope everyone gets out and enjoys this great day. Be blessed and RIDE ON!

TDC 091920

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Last week I happened to see a Facebook ad for the Tour of Castroville. Scheduled for April 2020, it was canceled due to the C19 bug. I thought I'd give it a go then later in the week decided not to go. Then last night my wife Julia brought it to my attention so I said to myself, eh why not?

This morning I set out early for the hour drive to the start with one thing in mind. I'll need to go to the bathroom at the first rest stop. Just another typical morning where my body won't go when I first got up and I'm still at home, but once on the road, baby baby I got that feeling. No breakfast or coffee just get there, get going and go when you can. The ride started very timely with every one in a parade formation. 6 feet from each other in two single file lines. Basically in pairs. Once we were out of the staging area in the park we were free to ride how we wanted. I spotted James, who I rode with earlier in the month and we rode together for a short while and chatted a little. One of the first turns we came to had a person there that never said a word so many of us kept going straight until someone realized it and turned us around. Now back on the right road I saw the first rest stop and rode right by. Around mile 18 the wind kicked up 10-15kts. Enough to feel it but nothing for my Harlingen and valley riding friends. Mile 20 or so...REST STOP! OCCUPIED!!

It was a small event so I waited my turn and TCB..."Took Care of Business". A really Tiny

port-o-potty but enough for me to remove my jersey to let my bib shorts down to go. Ahhhh, Soo much better. A few snacks and water and on my way. Finally after passing a corn field near the airport I see a sign for the 60 milers to repeat the loop. Oh, K.

So onto my second time around Castroville. 80% of this ride for me was solo. The only guy I knew there I'd only ridden with once and he was doing a shorter distance and it wasn't the 200 plus big rides I'm used to. C19 is just just evil. Any way. I finished fine, got my tshirt and Medal and my brisket lunch plate and made my way home. Over 3000 calories burned, another new ride done and resting. Does daddy need a foot or full body massage or just a pedi? These questions and more are on my mind.

Be blessed and RIDE ON!

WPNB 092020

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Today is the day the Lord has truly made because? It was a glorious 65 degrees at the start of my little ride for World Peace. I made my usual route to Gruene with a new coffee stop. "Kora Kora Coffee" in Gruene Lake Village in Gruene (just say green, there you got it right) is a nice place for good coffee and other caffeinated drinks hot or cold and some light eats. The food isn't on the main menu but when you get to the window you'll see a list for muffins, scones and breakfast tacos. What makes them a friendly place? Well they open at 0730 but served me earlier than their opening time. They take walk up orders but you'll need to knock. If you drive up, your car will activate the bell to let them know you're there. I'm not sure if my server was one of the Kora's but she was very accommodating in taking my order prior to opening, and I really like "GOOD" customer service. I took a few minutes to sit on a nearby bench and drink my coffee then was on my way through Gruene and back through downtown New Braunfels then home for a nice peaceful 18 miles. I missed the actual sunrise over the horizon so I could sit with my coffee and Cranberry Orange Scone.

New Braunfels is a really nice place for riding, parks, coffee stops and other outdoor activities. It's already a great day folks.

Be blessed and RIDE ON!