https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37389559
As Jeff and I get ready for the SR600 in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, we also know the anniversary ride is coming up next week. A large group of riders is expected to participate. In order to assure the route is in good shape, we agreed to ride it this week. The weather was expected to be hot and so we started early. I left the house around 5:30 AM to ride over to the Speedy Stop on 51st where I found Jeff waiting for me in the parking lot.
At the start of the ride, the weather cooperated. It was muggy and humid, but we knew it would be worse later. The wind was light, but we got a moderate push from the breeze. We arrived in Taylor with our average speed at just over 15mph. I am no speed demon, but this was pretty fast for me. We had a lovely sunrise which the phone camera hardly does justice to.
We stopped at Gonzalez Tacos where we both ordered Mexican Coca-Cola and tacos. As we sat down to wait for food, we met a man who had a BACA shirt on (Bikers Against Child Abuse). We struck up a conversation and he told us about how the local motorcycle club advocates for children who are abused. It sounds like a very noble calling and we thanked the man for his service to defenseless children.
Continuing on from Taylor, Jeff was wanting to investigate the approach to the church where he hopes to get a group photo next week. It's a rural church with a beautiful stain glassed window in the front. We stopped briefly to look and then headed on towards Lexington. We continued to make good time and Jeff was hoping to find the F'Real machine working at the Cefco when we arrive.
Good news in Lexington, The F'Real machine was working. We both got ice for our bottles. I grabbed chocolate milk, a Dr Pepper, and a bag of Queso Ruffles. Jeff got his F'Real. I thought about the milkshake, but I have been watching my cholesterol and was trying to keep this in mind. The chocolate milk was only 20mg compared to the milkshake at 50mg. The price we pay to stay in good health. At the store, a local man stopped to chat with us. He lived about 2 miles away and says they sometimes ride their bikes to the store for a Gatorade. He said 39 miles is a good ride and we agreed with him.
We left the store heading back towards Taylor. The clouds we had ridden towards as we headed toward Lexington were now behind us. Ahead were clear skies, bright sun, and an increasing wind. The silver lining was the wind acted to keep us cool as we worked. The first few miles out of Lexington have hills that are easier than on the approach. This means you get good descents as a reward. After a bit, you hit a mostly wooded areas. This creates patches of shade along the road and makes the ride more pleasurable on a hot day. Eventually though, you emerge to the open, unprotected area which represents the biggest challenge. There is about 12 miles of pavement with no trees and no place to find shelter if you needed to take a break.
In Taylor we iced the bottles and bought more cold things to help us cool down and fuel up. As is our custom, we took turns visiting the store.
We left the store and headed into the wind. The next 10 miles were hot and gradual climbing. We pedaled a little too hard and I felt my head get that shivering/chill sensation that indicates danger of heat exhaustion. Fortunately, we had planned to stop in the shade at Norman's Crossing. There is a nice area there with large trees and a fence you can lean against. We drank soda we brought with us from Taylor and cooled off before mounting our bikes and riding up the steep hill that was just a mile or so up the road.
We stopped again at the Circle K to get ice for the bottles. No need to make it a death march back to the final control. The store was picked over, but they did have ice which was the most important thing. We continued on slow and steady. There are 2 more hills to climb in the last 8 miles and one of them Garmin labels as a climb. We reached the final control with our average speed at 11.8 (a long way from the 15.3 from earlier in the day). We were glad to be done. Our finish time was 10 hours 29 minutes.
As we rode we enumerated the things to be wary of next week.
The section between Taylor and Lexington has no services. It's only 30 miles, but in the heat - especially on the return - riders should bring as much water as they can carry. A camelback or a 3rd bottle would be advised.
There is construction on a short piece of road just outside Lexington. A temporary traffic signal restricts traffic to one lane in one direction at a time. Not a big deal, but need to be careful.
TX-112 is a mostly quiet road. However, it has no shoulder and traffic does travel at high speed. For 2 riders, this is easy to manage. With mirrors you can easily spot cars approaching and skinny up. With a large group, it is advisable to make sure that riders are single file to avoid any issues with traffic.
On the return, the Taylor control is the M&M Food Mart. We found shade across the street and parked our bikes along the Rojas Tacos building. For safety, advise that someone watch the bikes while others visit the store. Take turns. Don't leave the bikes unattended here as there is a crime risk. The store owner is very friendly and always asks about our ride.
In Norman's Crossing, there is shade near the Little Library. If you need the shade, stop and cool down.
There is also shade at the overpass where Toll Road 130 crosses Cameron. We stopped here and dumped water on our heads and on our sleeves.
There are more stores further along as you get close to Parmer Lane. There are 2 stores at the Parmer intersection and a 7-11 at the end of Giles before you cross US-290. We found the Circle K picked clean yesterday. We did get ice, but they had very little water. I found the last bottle of cheap water and opted for Gatorade (something I typically ignore) as they did have a few choices left.
The 3 biggest climbs are on the return. There is one in Norman's Crossing and another as you get closer to the final control where you climb up from Old Manor Rd to Springdale. There is another steep section as you climb up Bradley back to Gaston Place. Just be ready to climb in the last 8 miles.
It goes without saying, bring sun protection: sleeves, knees, sunscreen. Whatever you are comfortable with that will protect you. Bring it.
All the photos from the ride can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/kiWf9YykJj3raB2H7
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