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!