Day 28 - Halftime

Today we left Johnson City knowing we'd hit the halfway point of our amazing adventure somewhere on the road to Austin. We started the day at a Mexican restaurant as usual. I love Mexican food but I'm ready for some down home Southern cooking. 

The early morning ride to rest stop one took us back up into the hills. We were hoping for some flat riding but it never appeared. We rolled or climbed 63 hills, 4,000 feet of hard peddling. This does not mean we're at an elevation of 4,000 feet because these are rolling hills where we also get a break on the descend. Usually you climb out of a creek valley to a high point and then back to another small creek that meanders around the bottom of the hill. 

The road to our second stop was not very safe for bikes. There was very little road shoulder and a multitude of cars. The Texas drivers have been great to us so far and really drive carefully around us.  

It was at the second stop where Shanon greeted and informed us that we had just hit the halfway point of our endeavor. 

The last leg of the ride lead us into Austin. Going into a major city is always a challenge and we don't always take the direct route but we do take the safest. This means winding around side streets where it's easy to get lost if you wander off course. The detailed map that is provided is essential. Austin is a very progressive city and there was quite a bit of construction. A new library and arts center was being erected. The streets had dedicated bike lanes and many of the people were navigating the city on bicycles. We felt comfortable here. Not all of the large cities we've ridden though feel this way. 

Once I arrived at the hotel I was again greeted by Cindy. Cindy rented a Dodge Caravan so we can shuttle people around the city. Bike repairs and shopping for personal incidentals are the priority for most of us. We'll fit some nap time in and maybe pool time. We all need a day to rest and heal.