Day 21 Camp Wood, TX to Ingram, TX

March 20, 2021

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Margery GassIs this known to be the toughest leg of the entire trip? I hope so for your sake.
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3 years ago

Francie GassI hope so, but I'm not convinced. We asked Dennis repeatedly and he did not answer with a convincing yes in my opinion. I'm nervous about today. Only 37 miles but more hills. So glad we have a rest day tomorrow.
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3 years ago

Joe NoltingWow, that’s some serious climbing! I’m glad it’s behind you.
Thanks for the great pictures.
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3 years ago

Ken GassThank you, Joe. I can't believe we are now over half-way across the Southern Tier. After our day off here in Fredericksburg, the ride E to Austin will be our last 80+ mile ride with nearly 4,000 ft of climbing. Of course a ride with only 1,000 ft of climb, all at 8-12%, would be a little harsh. I better have a look at the upcoming elevation profiles:)
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3 years ago

OMG, one of the hardest days yet AND OMG, Ken is back to his strong riding self!

We knew this was going to be hard from looking at the elevation map, so we requested an early start. We took off from Camp Wood at 8. In the first 40 miles, we climbed 4 monstrous hills... I don't know how to describe them except to say they were steep! The grade ranged from 4-15%. For those of you who aren't cyclists, highways' steepest grade is 6%. We are SO proud of ourselves. My quads are sore as can be. Everyone else is tired, but not particularly sore. We were on the "Texas Hill Country Trail ". Wind was light enough today to not really be a factor (nice change!)

Rocio after the first big hill, these are just rolling hills in between the steeper ones.

So much greener in the hill country and some trees are blooming.

I used to hate S curves, but now I realize the grade is less steep. The fourth steep hill was straight up (no pic)

We are so appreciative of Dennis and Tom. They stay behind the last rider(s) which often is us - at least when there are uphills (our momentum carries us very fast downhill). We had to stop to rest on two of the steep hills and we needed one of them to give us a push uphill so that we had enough momentum to stay upright!

We completed the 4th steep hill - fatigued and so happy.

Around mile 60 we entered Hunt, TX and its surrounds. There were beautiful houses along the Guadalupe River which is a slow moving bucolic river.

Ingram, TX doesn't have much to recommend it, but our hotel is adequate and dinner at the Lakehouse in neighboring Kerrville was superb.

Today's ride: 80 miles (129 km)
Total: 1,475 miles (2,374 km)

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Krista GordonOMG! 15%!!! That is Tour de France steep! I'm impressed!
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3 years ago

Francie GassYes! Krista, Lance Armstrong trained in this area!
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3 years ago

Katie GassProud of you guys! That is super duper steep. Quad killer!
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3 years ago

Francie GassDefinitely. Though, I seem to be the only one with killed quads. : )
So happy that Dad is back to his usual. We have really encouraged each other. Quite wonderful.
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3 years ago

Joann JohnsonWow! I am so impressed with the endurance this adventure is requiring. I was getting worried about Ken and bam....he's back! I am sure your legs have never been put to such work in your life!!! The hill country looks very nice! So enjoying keeping track! Hugs to you both!
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3 years ago