We woke up in our Big Agnes tent toasty warm, got out and were greeted by a 30 degree morning that felt like 24 degrees. 🥶 Grabbing our gear and phones, we dashed over to the heated men’s room for bandwidth and to warm up.
It was only five miles to the town of Camp Wood where we planned on getting coffee and breakfast. Oh man, that was a cold five miles on bikes.
When we went to pay for our breakfast we learned the couple sitting next to us already paid for ours. Wow! What a nice bit of trail magic to start our day. The couple was scouting motorcycle routes in the area. That’s his retired gig. How much fun is that? I don’t know if he felt sorry for us that we slept in a tent last night, or that we were peddling up and over some of the three twisted sisters or he was just amazingly kind, but we sure appreciated their thoughtfulness. We didn’t even get their names but will pay it forward.
Today we rode high, not long. It was probably one of the most scenic days with the climbs, overlooks and descents. I looked down at my Garmin and realized we were climbing two to three miles at 9-10% grades, a few times getting up to 11%! And we are each hauling over well over 50 pounds of food, water and gear rolling on mountain bike tires. Couldn’t do that a month ago! I think I’m getting stronger. Tom already was 💪🏻
BTW, Tom’s top speed was 36mph. I like to use my brakes. A lot. 😬
Without cell service or Internet it was a challenge to figure out where to stay and if we should tent or hotel it. Soooo we had to stop at Gypsy Sally’s for lunch in Leakey. Not only were their hamburgs 💯, their tomato basil soup was as 👌🏻. And they had wi-fi. Tom scored another cabin just outside of Vanderpool for the night.
The adventure continues with one last “sister” to climb tomorrow morning.
Click on the image below to view more pics and vids;
Keep Calm and Pedal On 
Yeparoo…..much more scenic.👍
Was that a gender neutral bathroom you were using, Duo? 😂🤠
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Ummmm no. 😬
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How does this ride compare so far to the Great Divide?
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The essential skills as far as what to pack, how to pack it etc. are the same. The ride itself is very different, however in that we are dealing with traffic at times and no off road riding.
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Looks like so far you have not had many or any low elevation days. Seems like you are in mountains or at least hills every day.
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On the GDMBR we averaged 3,072 feet of climb everyday and we’ve not done near that on ST at an average of 1,577 feet. In a sense they are much easier climbs on ST (even is we have to deal with traffic) because the tires can get good traction. And… after we climb we have the pleasure of bombing down the other side whereas on the GDMBR sometimes the road surface wasn’t as conducive. They are pretty different rides – each special in their own way. The main issue that has made ST challenging for us is the weather.
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SRV-loving it!! I still see you guys, and loving every minute.
Checked out the Stava stats – WOW!🚵🏻♀️🚵🏻. U guys b chew’n thru TX. Ride on and b safe!🙏🏻
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Lol Texas is a BIG state! We’re lovin’ it. 🚴🏼♂️❤️🤍💙🚴🏼♀️
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PS. When I heard the ferocious wind & saw the blowing tumbleweed from days ago – playing in my head was : Carry on Wayward Son (Kansas) & Come Sail Away (Styx). Always enjoy hearing your selections of the day!
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Both good tunes… 🌬️🎶🎶
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You guys continue to amaze me. What a great experience. My prayers continue to be with you for safe travels. Love you guys!
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Thank you so much, Jim! Prayers are working… getting stronger everyday. 😘😘
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