Eating, Drinking before Exercise

by   October 26, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

I’m just home from a running class as I write this. Our class topic tonight was sports nutrition and its always interesting to hear the opinion of anyone new to exercise. This topic should always be addressed quickly because meals and snacks that supply energy without upsetting the stomach are keys to a positive result. Having success in the first few weeks is likely to keep the new runner going. Each successful week helps develop a long-term habit. Runners in our class are building miles on the way to running their first 5K.

Eating before exercise is important. Eating properly prevents hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and symptoms of lightheadedness and fatigue. Eating helps to settle the stomach, absorb some of the gastric juices and ward off hunger. Eating also helps us to exercise harder and burn more calories. Just knowing that a pre-exercise body is properly fueled helps to pacify the mind. Fuel the muscles and feed the brain!

Eating before exercise is also tricky, both with timing and content. I’m never surprised when any new runner tells me that they have not eaten for many hours and aren’t sure when they had their last bottle of water. Then they wonder why any exercise is a struggle. Here are some suggestions on what to eat and drink before a normal training run of anything less than one hour.

Any successful workout begins with hydration. Drink fluids during the day and within an hour of exercise. Water works best, don’t fall for the hype of sports and energy drinks, especially the high-sugar ones. Heavy sugar can upset the stomach during exercise and derail any good workout or competition. How much water is enough? Divide you body weight in half and drink that many ounces during the day. A 200-pound person needs 100 ounces of water daily. Any other color of urine other than clear or very pale-yellow means dehydration. Drink up! You can’t wait until just before exercise begins to start drinking.

Don’t eat anything heavy within four hours of exercise and longer if the exercise is very intense or of longer duration. But do consume a carbohydrate-rich snack or light meal to top off muscle stores. Include small amounts of protein to aid in muscle rebuilding after exercise. Choose foods that are low in fat and fiber to ensure optimal digestion and tolerance. Liquid meal replacements and various sports bars may be better tolerated than whole foods. They can also optimize digestion and energy availability.

Everything mentioned here should include lots of experimentation. Over the years, I have tried lots of things for my own pre-workout fueling. I have become prone to easily digestible things like peanut butter and honey on bread, a bagel, fruit, crackers, cookies and certain yogurts several hours before the workout other than early morning ones. Early morning runs gets just water and certain sports bars, plus a small amount of honey. Again, begin to experiment with what works for you. It won’t take long to figure out some good options.

Bottom line — eat something light and manage hydration. Don’t show up for your workout hungry! Or too full either. The most uncomfortable runs are on an overfed stomach. Don’t experiment during a race or hard training run.

Races are back! The Spooky Sprint 5K Run/Walk and fun run, plus a costume contest on Halloween Day at Catawba College. That’s five good reasons to join us at 2 p.m on Oct. 31 for major fun. The Clean Water 5K follows on Nov. 13 at Grace Lutheran Church. The biggest 5K in Salisbury follows on Thanksgiving Day at the Forum with the Butterball 5K.

Go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org for more information on these and other upcoming events. 

Mental Benefits of Exercise

by   October 19, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

I have been home for just about a month now and most of that time has been wonderful. But every day at home seems to bring more news of rising prices and shortages of goods. This past week, the talk among runners and walkers includes the challenges of finding your favorite running shoe. Why does this matter as much as the rising costs of gasoline, home heating and groceries? Because the mental benefits of exercise help us deal with concerns and issues that seem overwhelming otherwise. I thought today was perfect to visit the reasons why exercise helps.

Exercise is not just about aerobic capacity and muscle size. Sure, exercise can improve your physical health and your physique, trim your waistline, improve your sex life, and even add years to your life. But that’s not what motivates most people to stay active.

People who exercise regularly tend to do so because it gives them an enormous sense of well-being. They feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. And it’s also a powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges.

This is by far the most important reason that I run. I tell people almost daily that I need it, not for the physical benefits but for the sense of well-being. I read last week that as many as 20% of everyone who reads this has a prescription for mood-altering drugs.

Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety and ADHD. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. And you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise can make a real difference. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to deal with mental health problems, improve your energy and outlook, and get more out of life.

Studies show that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication — but without the side effects, of course. As one example, a recent study done by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%.

Exercise is a powerful depression fighter for several reasons. Most importantly, it promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. Exercise can also serve as a distraction, allowing you to find some quiet time to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression.

Exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety and depression treatment. It relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being through the release of endorphins, powerful brain chemicals that make us feel good.  Physical activity helps to relax the muscles and relieve tension in the body. Since the body and mind are so closely linked, when your body feels better so, too, will your mind.

When faced with mental or emotional challenges in life, exercise can help you build resilience and cope in a healthy way, instead of resorting to alcohol, drugs, or other negative behaviors that ultimately only make your symptoms worse. Regular exercise can also help boost your immune system and reduce the impact of stress.

You don’t need to devote hours out of your busy day to reap all the physical and mental health benefits of exercise. Just 30-minutes of moderate exercise five times a week is enough. And even that can be broken down into two 15-minute or even three 10-minute exercise sessions if that’s easier.

If you don’t already exercise, or not enough to meet these guidelines, consider doing it. But get your shoes right away!

Racing is back! Locally, we have the Spooky Sprint 5K, fun run and costume contest at Catawba College on Halloween afternoon, Oct. 31. Check it plus five more 2021 events coming soon at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.

Running is Nothing New

by   October 12, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

I met Salisbury Police Sgt. Jennifer Moreau when she took our beginning runners class. The police department has been partnering with SRR and Salisbury Parks and Rec to offer the most recent classes, and Moreau took advantage of the opportunity. She is also part of the committee that approves our local race permits.

But running wasn’t new to Moreau.

“I was active duty Air Force, serving at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert. The fitness test had just changed from the old ‘bike test’ to pushups, situps, running 1.5 miles, and body composition measurements,” she said. “I was 22 years old. Most bases didn’t have any running tracks yet.”

That was how Moreau got started, but more importantly she expressed great reasons to continue, “Partly because I am still in the Air National Guard and have annual testing, but mostly for my health and my family. I want to be around for my daughter, but I also want to be able to move around! My grandmother had a blood clot in her 70s that got into her lung and she kept saying “I can’t because of my lung.” She lived to be 88, but why stop there? How would her quality of life been if she had said “It’s hard, but I’m going to try?”

At the PD, she’s been busy.

“I was on patrol for a few years, as well as the street crimes unit where I did gang investigations. Now I am in the Administration Bureau where I manage a lot of programs such as permits, the vehicle fleet, School Resource Officers, the evidence section, new recruit training, events & permits, and all our equipment,” Moreau said.

For hobbies and other interests, Moreau said, “I love being outdoors, beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers. I am a supporter of true camping — in a tent, fish for your dinner, campfires and marshmallows. Trail running keeps me from being bored and I have run a small portion of the Appalachian Trail in NC. I love to cook and do front step container gardening so I have herbs to use in cooking almost year round. I’m always taking classes and reading. I like to kayak and explore, as well as finding those obscure places like the last-in-the-world clamshell-shaped gas station from Shell Oil, which is in Winston-Salem, NC! I enjoy participating in all forms of art, from window painting, murals, sketching and I even do calligraphy. It is as soothing/calming as yoga and has many other benefits. I started calligraphy in high school, learning about the transcription of the U.S. Constitution, and it taught me patience — which most people wouldn’t think was related to something like fancy writing!”

Moreau’s family, including her dad, stepmom and older brother, all live in Rhode Island. Here, she’s at home with daughter, Alexia, who’s in high school. They also have two dogs and cat. Moreau added, “I constantly nag Alexia to come run with me.”

Moreau is currently getting back on track after having COVID. Her best moments in running so far include reducing her pace to an 11-minute mile after past injuries like a broken tailbone, two sprained ankles and more military related issues, plus turning 45.

When asked about how she arrived in Salisbury, Moreau said, “I have lived all over due to military life. When I decided to switch to the Air National Guard in October 2006, I stayed with a friend in Canton, N.C., while I searched for the best place to settle down. After six months, I found Salisbury and the perfect home to raise Alexia. We have lived here ever since.”

The fall will be busy for races locally. Saturday October 9th has the T-Man’s 5K in Mooresville, benefitting teen suicide prevention. On Sunday October 31st, the Spooky Sprint 5K takes place at Catawba College, complete with the popular Halloween costume contest while benefitting Rotary projects.

Other upcoming events are at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Everyone Can Do Pushups

by   October 5, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

I am a pushup nut. I love doing them, and normally will challenge myself each morning, right after my run, to reach a certain number completed properly.

We all need to maintain a certain level of strength, especially if not involved in regular physical work. The two best ways, in my opinion, to maintain acceptable arm strength are planks and pushups. I’ve written about planks recently, and today we’ll cover pushups.

Pushups are for everybody. No equipment needed, except comfortable clothes. Honestly you can do pushups in about anything. I wear shoes instead of doing them barefoot.

Here is what makes a proper pushup. With your arms straight, glutes clenched, and abs braced, steadily lower yourself until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle or less. Try to keep your elbows relatively close to your body and keep note of when they start to flare out as you get tired. Once your chest (or nose/chin) touches the floor (or your arms go down to a 90-degree angle), pause slightly and then push back up until you’re at the starting position. I count the pushup to be complete at the 90 degree angle of the arms, but pushing below that is even a better workout.

Admittedly, many folks can’t do a proper pushup from the floor. Here is a plan where almost anyone can do progressive pushups to strengthen their arms. Even at the minimum level, strength will improve and your arms will look better too. Your balance will improve too.

Beginners with little arm strength should start with a wall push up. Stand next to a wall, place both hands flat with palms open against a wall. Start with feet shoulder width apart, about two to three feet from the wall. Lean forward, resting with your hands against the wall and then push your shoulder away from the wall. Try to do 10 reps, 3-4 sets of each.

Counter level: Try a counter pushup. Find a solid counter or shelf at or just above waist height. Back away from the counter or shelf and try the 10 reps, 3-4 sets at this level.

Bench level: Use a solid or anchored piece of furniture and follow the same routine.

Knee pushups: Hold yourself up on your hands and knees, with the body in a straight line from shoulders to knees. Lower down to the ground before pushing back up.

The goal of this progression of pushups is to get your body closer and more prone with the ground. Here is an estimated percentage of body weight lifted at each level.

• 4-foot elevated pushup (wall): 9%

• 3-foot elevated pushup (countertop): 20%

• 2-foot elevated pushup (bench):  36-41%

• Knee pushup: 49%

• Regular push-up: 64%

Do these pushup workouts every other day, with a rest day in between. It will be normal for a little upper arm and chest soreness to develop. That just means you are waking up muscles, either seldom used or under used. Be consistent and be committed. Progress to the next level when you can do 3 sets of 10 reps each. Good luck, you are on the way to your best possible level of pushups and increased arm strength!

Races are just ahead. We have the T-Man’s 5K race in Mooresville on Oct. 9 and the Spooky Sprint 5K at Catawba College on Oct. 31. The Butterball 5K at the Forum on Thanksgiving Day is on, as well. Currently, we have two December races with more details later. Complete details at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Three of the nation’s most popular marathons are happening live. The Chicago Marathon on Oct. 10, the Boston Marathon on Oct. 11 and the Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 31.

Day 43 Splash Down!

by   October 1, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

   We’ve done it again! Another adventure of a lifetime!


    Another big notch gets carved in my gunbelt! Ranking as one of the two hardest solo cycling adventures yet, right there with Alaska. 

     I left the Sleep Inn at first light and rode 31 miles through Palatka, East Palatka, Hastings and then on into Crescent Beach, arriving just before 10am. Roads used were SR 20, 13 over the Johns River Bridge, then 207 and 206 on into the beach. Photographer Karen Leonard had me practice the arrival photos once before she shot them. I told her I had already practiced this part plenty. Then, we got official trip ending wheel dipping photos, assisted by an enthusiastic group from Salt Life Church in Gainesville. Another thing to like about that city!


   There are some things to do! I have got to start cutting down on the massive amounts of food. Actually, I think that started yesterday. My hydration just needs to be better always! There are some things that must be done to catch up my duties in other places, but I’m looking forward to seeing people around the county again. 


     I’ve started to reminisce about all that happened over the last 43 days. It’s amazing how many things I can forget quickly from one, two or especially five or six weeks ago. I will pull all the notes together and add plenty more from memory to make another book.


    Here are a few things that jump out quickly. None of my other trips have had the endless climbing of the first four weeks, most of it in extreme heat. The long periods between supplies kept the bike load heavy and often the water hot. I was so happy to dump the hot and replace it with ice-filled super cold liquid. I now appreciate ice more than ever. Shade too! What I will remember from the trip across the desert in 114 degree heat won’t be as a bad as it was.


     There were lots of encounters with law enforcement along the way. I will skip mentioning the over zealous state troopers, and remember with happinesses and professionalism the deputies and other officers, including the border patrol agents. I’ve saved their contact info and will remember each of them with a book once it’s done.


    I was excited from the start about seeing the border and learned a lot from the area residents. The border is in a terrible mess. That was the paper’s goal when we first talked about this trip.


    Speaking of residents, meeting them along the way was the top reward of the whole adventure, just ahead of the interaction with readers. I picked up some new followers from other areas and valued everyone who provided input.


     As always, people are always asking what is next, what is on my bucket list? One thing that I want to do is actually spend some time on the Mississippi or Ohio Rivers, possibly on one of those riverboats. Big rivers amaze me! The next bike ride, that is another story. I have taken trips now that have framed the country, more or less, with several more through the middle in various directions. I’ll be working on it.


     The Salisbury Post and a host of sponsors made this trip possible. Frank and Janis Ramsay, Father and Son Produce, Dick and Jean Richards, Gear for Races, Vac and Dash, Mindi Fires, The Trophy House, David Post, Wayne Cobb, Leonard Wood, Accelerate Therapy and Performance and Skinny Wheels. Thank them when you can and hopefully it won’t be long till we get together again. Rayna Gardner, longtime planner and business manager of my trips, gets a lot of credit too. Andy Mooney and Paris Goodnight from the Post put the updates together in the Post and are always a pleasure to work with.


     Biggest of all, thank you all for the prayers and support, but the best boost to me is to feel that Rowan and an even bigger surrounding area are riding along as I go. One thing that starts now, we can talk about this adventure for a long time. I hope we do as I see you around! We didn’t meet a Grizzly this time, but we met a hurricane and barely staggered out of the desert on another day.


      This adventure is dedicated to Ollie McKnight and Patsy McBride, both big supporters previously but who watched this one from heaven. 


    And last but not least, as requested, the Good Lord did ride with me, every single day! I wouldn’t be here if He didn’t and I am especially humbled by the whole experience. 

Day 41

by   September 28, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

  Another strong day leaves just two remaining!


  For the first time, I slept from the time I lay down last night until the 5:15 alarm this morning. And my eyes didn’t want to pop open like they usually do. Yesterday just didn’t want to end but it finally did just before midnight. It was still a nice night at the Deerwood Inn, especially after meeting Celina and Josh.


    I considered jumping on the interstate at daybreak, figuring there wouldn’t be much traffic. I rode up the ramp and saw the sign that ended the internal debate. Essentially the same as what we have in NC. No bikes or pedestrians!


      I rode back to Madison on SR 53, then rejoined US 90 East and struggled with road choice early. US Bicycle Routes stayed with 90 and I did too as long as possible. It was the coolest morning probably since San Diego. I rode through Lee, a town that bills itself as “Little, but Proud”. Two stores made up the town, a convenience store and a Family Dollar.


Next came Live Oak, and Welborn, just before I left US 90 behind for now.


    I turned onto County Road 137 for 20 of the best miles since that first day in San Diego. All of it was lightly traveled,  nearly flat and just plain beautiful through mostly farming country. Next came SR 71 for the final ride of the day through Fort White and into High Springs, where I am tonight at the High Springs Country Inn.


    One highlight of today’s travel involved me pedaling along that good 20 mile road. Not another vehicle in sight, but the one behind me blows his horn. I motion in an agitated way to go on around, and am surprised to find that it was a Florida Highway Patrolman.


    I finally found the perfect overnight lodging. Here’s why. The room is great, spacious, priced right, comes with WiFi and plenty of ice, and is within about a tenth of a mile of a grocery, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Subway and a big enough convenience store. For the first time, I am not particularly hungry, even after 85 miles. I will still finish a quart and a half of strawberry though since the Y Service Club is paying for it.


    As an added benefit, there is an outdoor concert across the road. I am going to miss this life on the road!


    Here is the plan. I will have another usual day on Sunday as I head toward the St. Augustine Beach. Part of the day’s ride will include passing through Gainesville, a large Florida city. Then, if all goes well, I will actually dip the back tire Monday late morning in the Atlantic Ocean to officially end the adventure. I will get all the required photos, and head toward home. Good weather is still on tap through the period.


    There is still fun remaining! See you back here tomorrow, when I hope to be sleeping 20 miles out of the oldest city in the United States.

Day 36

by   September 21, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Hoping to ride tomorrow!


  I am still safe in the Western Motel at Lucedale, Mississippi. The overwhelming rain and the ever-present tornado threats have kept everyone tense. We had at least three local tornadoes and the fire department responded about 2am. At one time, the local Walmart just 2/10ths of a mile away, disappeared from sight during the heavy rain.


    Still pouring and blowing early, I knew couldn’t ride today. So I have over-planned everything and think I know how to make a big positive move tomorrow. Rain is still in the forecast, even as Ida heads off to drench the Carolinas on Wednesday. I know you guys need some rain and this area doesn’t.


      My goal is to cross into Alabama mid-morning tomorrow. I will pass through Mobile and see some areas from the Underground Railroad adventure. I know nothing about what to expect with road conditions but note that the flooding could get worse. I will probably battle the wind some tomorrow but better weather conditions should resume for the rest of the week.


      Depending on where I make it to, I can estimate tomorrow night how many miles are left to complete this incredible adventure. But one thing that is sure, all those who have and are suffering with this major storm and mostly farther south and west of me, need your prayers!


      I hope to see you back here tomorrow with real progress if at all possible. Knowing you are there pushes me forward. Thanks again!

Day 31

by   September 14, 2021 with No Comments

David Freeze

  A great start, then a poor ending


  I had a wonderful evening on the False River in New Roads, all except for one thing. I was concerned about the route for today and the weather forecast. I wanted a decent route to where I could cover some miles, see some things and be inside for tonight if the predicted rainy forecast came true.


    So, I tweaked the planned route and decided to finish in Amite City. That is pronounced A-meet which seemed odd to me and Siri. Anyway, I didn’t think I could do near 100 miles and was going to settle for 71, especially since some rolling climbing was set for today.


    I took SR 10 for the first 12 miles or so and crossed the Mississippi River on the beautiful Audubon Bridge. Then my route included SR’s 61, 954, 964, 412, 959, 63 and 16. That last one is where the trouble started. I had earlier had a couple of light showers and the temperature had cooled considerably. SR 16 was my final road for the day as earlier planned, but I was rolling pretty well and kicked around the idea of going to Franklinton and a 97 mile day.


    SR 16 had a wonderful asphalt road, but the bike and breakdown lane was terrible. They use a reddish brown pavement and rough is the best way to describe it. But still, I was pretty sure I could make Franklinton and still get tonight’s story in on time. I noticed a thumping on the rear tire and it became worse even on the smooth cement pavement near bridges. I stopped and saw immediately that the back tire was again going flat.


  I fixed the tire or thought I did, but then it blew again. Plus, I had struggled to get the gearing working and had trouble with it. After 90 minutes and running out of good light, I tried Uber with no luck. No taxis either, and finally I decided to see if the PD or Sheriff’s Department would get me to the nearby motel so I could work on it there.


    And they did just that. Deputy Nolan Bryant came first, but we couldn’t get the bike in his car even with the front tire off. Alex from the fire rescue brought a truck and took me and the dissembled bike to the motel. I got some food, wolfed it down and went right to work on this update.


  I am going to start on the bike in a few minutes and see what I can do. If not, I will call Eric from Skinny Wheels and discuss the problem. Either way, it looks like another late night. There are no bike shops on the route till Mobile, Alabama. Plus the gulf hurricane scenario is being discussed today, especially by Nolan and Alex. I need to be making miles to the east quickly.


    I am anxious to get started on the bike, but will take time to thank new sponsors Mindi Fires and Wayne Cobb. If things weren’t already interesting enough, several scenarios are ramping up. Let’s get together

tomorrow and see how it all works out! And send those prayers! They are always appreciated!

Day 26

by   September 7, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Finally leaving the Texas hills!


  The day started in Navasota, just a little later than I planned. My red flashing light chose this morning to need new batteries. I had packed up everything, then dug out the batteries and got it going. The fantastic room was wonderful! Just hold that thought for a few minutes.


    I headed east on State Road 90 to Anderson, then turned on State Road 149 for some climbing practice, although I am sure I don’t need any more. During a flatter lull, I stopped at the community of Richards. A local guy named Matt Nichols held the door for me, then asked about my trip. We ended up talking for 10 minutes about the state of world, and clearly were on the same page. Matt said, “But all we can really do is know where we’re going when our life ends.” We laughed about my daughters and their different approaches to my bike rides. Matt owns a ranch and says he loves it in Richards which might have 100 residents. He also said, “When I get on that horse each morning, I don’t know for sure what will happen.” Same for me when I get on the bike.


    I crossed Lake Conroe and entered Sam Houston National Forest. For a while, I was on the Texas Forest Trail with thick woods on both sides of the road. I passed through New Waverly on State Road 1375, then turned on State Road 150 for the rest of the day. Punkin and Evergreen were small crossroads, but Coldspring was a bigger town at a little over 800 residents. Finally, I had a steady headwind for a ride into Shepherd where I am spending the night. Each road through the day got a little flatter,  making me happy.


    I called last night and got an amazing rate for the night at Hometowner Inn and Suites. That quickly, I got the best room for the trip, just one night after it’s predecessor. Tonight, I am writing this while sitting on my own couch in a huge room. I have already thanked the owner for the great deal. Even better,  there is a Subway and a convenience store on the same property. I have already eaten a pint of Blue Bunny Double Strawberry and a foot long Subway Veggie Delight. Another pint of Cherry Vanilla awaits.


  Today’s ride was 78 miles during a mid-90’s day. It was another good one, with just enough to see and the meetings with Matt and the motel owners.


  I have already scoped out tomorrow’s route if all goes well. I plan to head for Kirbyville, one of the last towns in Texas. I’m excited to see that the train tracks will be beside me all day. Also, I need to mention that I have not been harassed by flies in East Texas, but the loose dogs have started chasing the bike. The Adventure Cycling maps said they would.


    More little towns with services are showing up, and that means more people. And there will be lots of water ahead. Matt mentioned too that I will have to know how to get through the bayous, so during that part I will follow the Adventure Cycling maps. I will admit to making my own route several times in the last week. Nearly every map route segment shows me heading east now.


    Thanks again for your support and comments! I am hoping for another good day tomorrow to keep the fun going. Come back tomorrow and I’ll let you know how it goes!

Day 21

by   August 31, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

  A lot of hard riding with more false summits


  Last night, after I had submitted Saturday’s update, I happened to check the tires on the bike for proper inflation. First time I have done that late at night. The back tire was going flat. So with the giant room, I unloaded everything and changed the tube. Changing the back tire tube is much harder for me than the front one, because all the parts have to fit back together on the chain and brakes. I got it done and still hit the bed about 11:30pm.


    Up at 5:45, I was out the door before 7, grabbed two egg, potato and cheese tacos, then started the long journey from Brackettville to Camp Wood. That is about 50 miles with no supply points in between. Very light traffic on a gradual climb, all good except for the gravely road. This type of road is common in this area, leaving me searching for a smoother section. Usually it is where the car and truck tires have worn the rocky surface down some. Nearly all of this was on SR 334.


      At Camp Wood, the grocery store and convenience store were combined into one. I got a few supplies, some ice and headed toward Leakey on SR 337. Again, very light traffic and not much unusual to see. Just a bunch of false summits, thinking I had made the top when I hadn’t.


      With about 10 miles to go, another storm looked ready to unload on the area and I rode hard toward Leakey to beat the rain. I made it, grabbed a few things at the local grocery and was disappointed that they didn’t have bananas. All this while my room was made ready at the Historic Leakey Inn. I have a great cyclist’s price in a room with interior rock work and a real wood ceiling. The original building was constructed in 1929 and lots of the old construction is still around. Leakey has a population of about 425.


    I will be headed north tomorrow on US 83 toward Kerrville. Today’s ride was 72 miles,  most of it still challenging. This Texas hill country wouldn’t be so bad if the roads were better.


    I just added things up and it looks like we’ll hit halfway tomorrow in Kerrville. After tomorrow, about 350 more miles to Louisiana. I will be ready for flatter ground.


  And finally, something unusual from this morning. I noticed a canvas day pack, like a hiker would use, lying in the grass near the road. Then noticed a second one, both very nice packs and full of random stuff. Nothing I could use to contact anyone. I left them there, hoping that the owners would come get them.


  Join me for ‘Halfway Day’ tomorrow. As always, thanks for riding along.

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