Thought I would start off by running through my morning routine:
0630 Alarm
0700 Get up and start stretching and pack car
0730 Breakfast (depends on the motel, usually toast, porridge and cakes)
Medical prep: painkillers, heat roll on, suntan screen and vaseline
0800 Roll out
Well today was the last day in Texas and if honest I was quite happy to see the back of it. Texas has been more than a third of this ride and certainly has been a state of two halves, the first being dry, arid and big country the second being green, temperate and American.
It was a hot one the clouds had gone and by 10am it was 80 degrees and climbing. The route should have been quite simple but a sequence of events and communication breakdown led to the first hour being not as productive as it should have been. After a ten minute review of our procedures and contingencies the day started again.
The route was flat with a nice southerly wind from the west assisting me, being a the weekend there was a lot happening in every town we went through all family orientated which was nice to see - Yard sales, BBQs , walks and a fire station open day. We had lunch in Buna just off the highway, i find my best cycling comes after being fed. Caroline was having a bit of a nightmare with the map today but in her defence there were some dubious road markings, however no excuse for taking me over a road that was fit for mountain bikes and tracked vehicles, fortunately it was only 2 miles long. Important note is not to go off the main roads, especially in the back end of Texas.
Louisiana was on the horizon, I for one was happy to see different road signs and just that little bit nearer. As i pulled up to the State line, Caroline was talking to two cyclists who were doing East to West. Jack and Jerry were travelling unsupported and were doing it in aid of American cancer Support. Like us a cause very close to home. We traded cards, tips and had a photo and onwards into Louisiana. Meeting Jack and Jerry made our day its always good to speak to fellow cyclists on route. I wish them all a safe journey.
What's changed from Texas to Louisiana? Roads are the same, its even more humid and pretty swampy and therefore - mozzies!
Stats: Through 4 States
Miles 1867
Another Best Western and the coffee machine doesn't work, improvement on yesterday I suppose.
Lessons learnt today:
Switch radios on!
Always check the map before turning
If in doubt stay on the same route always go back to the place you last saw each other.
Locals seem nice in Louisiana
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