Van Horn TX to Fort Davis TX
May 3, 2015
Trike-45 miles/Bike 36 miles
Today's ride was a great day to take the Trikes out for a ride. Flat is generally better for the trikes. Our route took us on Hwy 90 out of Van Horn. Royce and I headed out early (duh...right). We did our usual Terry keeps going forward and Royce goes back. The morning was nice with little wind and a nice temperature. It was a Sunday morning so the traffic was light. I doubt that there is much traffic on the road Sunday morning or not. We cut over on Ranch Road 505 to Hwy 166. Texas labels their rural roads "Ranch Road". They all seem to be nice paved roads from what I have seen. We had lunch at the Ranch Road intersection with Hwy 90. Royce road up to the 505 and Hwy 166 intersection with me. The area we were riding into was the Davis mountains and beyond that was the Big Bend National Park. We could not actually see the National Park, but it is all the rage in this area. When we got to the 505/166 intersection we met a couple from Tennessee, who were on their motorcycles. They had come to ride on the dirt roads around Big Bend. They were fun to talk to and it is always fun to see how people recreate. We laugh that people trailer motorcycles so far to ride on dry dusty dirt roads. People think we are crazy for riding our bikes across the country when you could simply drive your car or fly.
As I rode up Hwy 166 I saw some thunder clouds building. I did not give it much thought as I recognized them as not too ominous looking. Then I thought, while I understand and know the behavior of cumulus build ups in California...I am in Texas. I have know idea what to expect from these clouds. They have tornadoes here and golf ball size hail. I do not know about tornadoes. I continued my ride keeping a vigilant watch on the cloud formations. Royce came by me in the car when I was about 15 miles out. I waved him off from stopping. He continued on and I continued pedaling. It was nearing 4 pm and I thought if I could get in within the next hour I should be safe from any weather problems. It was shortly after that, that I saw a down strike 40 or 50 miles out in my direction of travel. The skies were getting darker and I pedaled harder. Fortunately all the variables were in my favor, a slight downhill and wind shifting around me, but coming from the back on occasion. I made it into Fort Davis safely and dry.
Fort Davis was a great little town with a lot of character. We walked down to the one place open for dinner. It had a very cool soda fountain and bar. When we got back to our room we checked the weather for the next day. There were all kinds of warnings in place that would effect tomorrows ride. Severe thunderstorms,with large hail,tornadoes and flooding were possible. After checking every possible weather source we made the decision to head to our next destination of Sanderson TX early tomorrow morning.
May 3, 2015
Trike-45 miles/Bike 36 miles
Today's ride was a great day to take the Trikes out for a ride. Flat is generally better for the trikes. Our route took us on Hwy 90 out of Van Horn. Royce and I headed out early (duh...right). We did our usual Terry keeps going forward and Royce goes back. The morning was nice with little wind and a nice temperature. It was a Sunday morning so the traffic was light. I doubt that there is much traffic on the road Sunday morning or not. We cut over on Ranch Road 505 to Hwy 166. Texas labels their rural roads "Ranch Road". They all seem to be nice paved roads from what I have seen. We had lunch at the Ranch Road intersection with Hwy 90. Royce road up to the 505 and Hwy 166 intersection with me. The area we were riding into was the Davis mountains and beyond that was the Big Bend National Park. We could not actually see the National Park, but it is all the rage in this area. When we got to the 505/166 intersection we met a couple from Tennessee, who were on their motorcycles. They had come to ride on the dirt roads around Big Bend. They were fun to talk to and it is always fun to see how people recreate. We laugh that people trailer motorcycles so far to ride on dry dusty dirt roads. People think we are crazy for riding our bikes across the country when you could simply drive your car or fly. As I rode up Hwy 166 I saw some thunder clouds building. I did not give it much thought as I recognized them as not too ominous looking. Then I thought, while I understand and know the behavior of cumulus build ups in California...I am in Texas. I have know idea what to expect from these clouds. They have tornadoes here and golf ball size hail. I do not know about tornadoes. I continued my ride keeping a vigilant watch on the cloud formations. Royce came by me in the car when I was about 15 miles out. I waved him off from stopping. He continued on and I continued pedaling. It was nearing 4 pm and I thought if I could get in within the next hour I should be safe from any weather problems. It was shortly after that, that I saw a down strike 40 or 50 miles out in my direction of travel. The skies were getting darker and I pedaled harder. Fortunately all the variables were in my favor, a slight downhill and wind shifting around me, but coming from the back on occasion. I made it into Fort Davis safely and dry.
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| Ranch Road 505 and clouds forming on the horizons |
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