More from Texas!
Greetings,Well, not a whole lot has happened recently that would be considered exciting. We have been riding along the old Highway 90 and will do our best to get around Houston today. However, several things have occurred to me while riding my bike through Texas. For example, the Texans have by far been the most courteous drivers. Often times they will slow down, change lanes, and do whatever is necessary to give us as much room as possible. We cannot tell you how much we appreciate this... Earlier in this trip (Southern California), we felt more like a target than an obstacle. It's been a nice change.
Additionally, because of the water towers, you always know where the next town is. Each city is usually small and equally spaced about 10 miles apart. This is nice compared to Western Texas where cities are up to 100 miles apart, and the nearest bike shop is 400 miles away.
Another cool thing about Texas are armadillos. I have already ranted and raved about road runners, but armadillos are pretty cool too. Unfortunately, the only time we have seen them is shortly after they have been struck by a vehicle. The armor plating of armadillos is unfortunately not strong enough to protect it from a high velocity Ford diesel truck...
One final observation for the day. Almost all animals hate us, especially dogs... Besides the cool cows in Western Texas (the ones that ran beside us), almost always do animals run away from us. The one exception, as earlier noted, are dogs. Generally they bark at us and chase us down the road. I cannot explain to you how many times dogs have nearly gotten us. I want to know why this is, do we look strange to them? Do we smell? Do we intimidate them? It is a mystery that is yet to be solved. We will continue to theorize the origin of dog's hatred for bicyclists...
Until then, take care. We will update you as soon as possible, hopefully from Louisiana!
Kevin
PS. Here are some pictures from the last couple of days...
In the picture with the Hondo roadsign, don't you think that Alex looks like a Village Person? I can just imagine head band singing YMCA right now...
posted by KevinDean @ 7:14 AM
4 Comments:
Phi Alpha and great work. If you guys make it the Atlanta, GA area, look me up.
Phi Alpha,
J. Goodwin 88
Hi guys--
We rode the Southern Tier in 2002 and agree that San Antonio is the halfway point across. Congratulations on your trip so far! You are probably finding by now that you are in the more crowded eastern U.S. From our experience with the Southern Tier and other cross-country bike trips we would advise you to stick with the Adventure Cycling route. On our trip we talked to cyclists from Houston who had driven up to Bastrop to ride there because the only place they'll ride in Houston is the park! There's just too many roads in the East to choose from without knowing the area.
Karen and John Poole
Salem, OR
P.S. If you want a shower every night in camp, carry a solar shower and use your cookstove to heat water if necessary.
P.P.S. The strange piggie things are javelina.
hey guys, looks like the trip is going well. Glad you guys are havin fun. I love reading your posts keep up the good work!!!
Wes, Alex, Kevin
I enjoy your comments and photos. Was that the three of you standing on the River Walk in S.A.?
You seem to be making great progress, meeting some pretty interesting people, and having some wonderful experiences.
Matt and I are doing some training with the ORGAMMA Pledges Sunday and know that you will be talked about, held up as what it really means to be a loyal son of Minerva, and used as a model for these new members to follow.
Phi Alpha,
Rob
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