Day 29: Austin to Johnson City

March 15, 2025

Wire wrapped around axle and cassette. Lucky I was going slow.

Yesterday I had a good nap in the afternoon and then went to Mellow Johny's bike ship, REI, and Target to get some things. At MJ's I bought some Goo, a few single use packets of chamois butter, a light for my helmet (which I lost on the way home), and a new saddle, which I will probably try on the next rest day. At REI I bought some small containers that I thought I had them in my cart on Friday. I want one to put some sunscreen in so I can reapply during the day. I packed everything up except what I needed for the morning and carried all but one of my bags downstairs. I wanted to leave early because headwinds were expected to build during the day.

I went to bed around 10 and woke up around 5:00. I stayed in bed until 6. I ate oatmeal for breakfast and packed a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch. We didn't have the map meeting until 8, which was too bad because of the building winds. I left as soon after as I could, probably 8:15.

The route through Austin was good. We made our way mostly on bike lanes down to a pedestrian path by the river. The biggest problem is that there were lots of joggers. We went over a pedestrian bridge and then made our way out of town on less traveled roads. There was a road closure with a detour that cost me an extra mile and a half. Outside of Austin it was mostly country roads. I stopped at a convenience store at about mile 19 to get a liter of water and eat a cliff bar. I stopped at a coffee shop at mile 30 and had a butter croissant and some water. At about mile 43 I stopped at a trailhead in the park and ate my sandwich and some Fig Newtons. My calf hurt a little so I took a couple ibuprofen to keep it from getting worse. When I got to Johnson City I stopped at a DQ and had a small caramel Sunday. The campground was less than a half mile from that. All in all, it was a hard day but I felt energetic. Tomorrow is 76 miles but with lighter winds, especially early in the day. I will try to get an early start.

We had spaghetti with a meatless tomato sauce and salad. I personally could have used some more protein and will probably be hungry in the morning.

Today's ride: 53 miles (85 km)
Total: 1,404 miles (2,260 km)

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Kelly IniguezAre map meetings usually in the morning? I did several ACA trips decades ago. Map meeting were at night. I usually left camp before everyone else was even awake. I'd make my lunch the night before, and eat cold oatmeal in the morning. That was a taste sensation. The early cyclist beats the heat, wind, and RV's. For the most part, I'm still an early morning rider.
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1 month ago

Eric FreyTo Kelly IniguezThis map meeting was in the morning because the previous evening was on a day off. Right now it is hard to leave too early because it is still dark. However, what you say is a good idea.
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1 month ago