I am writing this post on my tablet since the charger to my netbook mistakenly went back with Skeets to San Antonio. The charger is being shipped back to me and if all goes right, it and I should re-unite in Boise City, OK. this coming Sunday. In the meantime I will continue to post but probably not with pics or video since the tablet has limited capabilities to transfer photos from the handlebar cam or to compose video.
Day 5 ride was great. The weather has been perfect, clear, 75deg, and with a strong wind at my back. The people I've met have been friendly and every single one of the thousands of motorists that have passed me, considerate. It's easy to be jaded when we hear about all the bad in this country. However I chose to remain positive. For every mean, cruel, stupid, racist, there's 100 or even 1000 wonderful and caring folks out there. I know, because I meet them on the road and on this blog every day.
I am a native Houstonian and long time Hill Country resident and I'm here to tell you that this part of North West Texas is nothing like those places. This place is not so cosmopolitan as Houston or so beautiful as the Hill Country, but it's BIG. I'm not a drill baby drill kind of guy, but being here in the middle of the West Texas oil patch, it's easy to see why so many are. People are working hard. They are dirty and dusty and busy. This is BIG country, that spawn an American president, and that, for better or worse, still defines what people think of when they think of Texas. I would never live here, but understand why hard working men and women might chose to.
It's 2:29am here at the Levelland Motel in Levelland, Texas. I was awaken by a text from my old friend Al in Houston and haven't been able to get back to sleep. Life is simple on the road. All your cares and responsibilities are left behind. There's time to think about stuff. I'm thinking of my buddy Al and the crazy things we did as kids. I'm thinking of my family, my friends, and all of you. Most of all I'm thinking of the fun I'm gonna have on my bike in just a few hours. Good night.
Day 5 ride was great. The weather has been perfect, clear, 75deg, and with a strong wind at my back. The people I've met have been friendly and every single one of the thousands of motorists that have passed me, considerate. It's easy to be jaded when we hear about all the bad in this country. However I chose to remain positive. For every mean, cruel, stupid, racist, there's 100 or even 1000 wonderful and caring folks out there. I know, because I meet them on the road and on this blog every day.
I am a native Houstonian and long time Hill Country resident and I'm here to tell you that this part of North West Texas is nothing like those places. This place is not so cosmopolitan as Houston or so beautiful as the Hill Country, but it's BIG. I'm not a drill baby drill kind of guy, but being here in the middle of the West Texas oil patch, it's easy to see why so many are. People are working hard. They are dirty and dusty and busy. This is BIG country, that spawn an American president, and that, for better or worse, still defines what people think of when they think of Texas. I would never live here, but understand why hard working men and women might chose to.
It's 2:29am here at the Levelland Motel in Levelland, Texas. I was awaken by a text from my old friend Al in Houston and haven't been able to get back to sleep. Life is simple on the road. All your cares and responsibilities are left behind. There's time to think about stuff. I'm thinking of my buddy Al and the crazy things we did as kids. I'm thinking of my family, my friends, and all of you. Most of all I'm thinking of the fun I'm gonna have on my bike in just a few hours. Good night.
Hey, Randy! I'm glad to hear that the temps are moderate for you, and that you're finding friendly folks and motorists along the way. Stay safe!!
ReplyDeletehi randy, glad you are able to full fill your dream. i know you are having fun
ReplyDeletetake care
Hey compadre, Maybe tonight try to get a good sleep. Not good been awake all night to start running in the morning. Take care.
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhhhhh there's nothing like being 'on the road' and feeling like anything is possible. And when your biggest daily concern is what you are going to have for lunch- what a great life! It's so true that being out there in the world restores faith in humanity. In our daily lives we are so inundated with negative media stories, and we get burned out by the grind. But then you start moving, and immediately you are more open, and it's amazing how people respond to that- how generous they are with what they have to offer, whether it be time, words, shelter, food, or the simple act of being considerate to a cyclist on the road. I'm glad you're having a great time. Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're sharing your blog address with the peeps you meet on the road. For your next trip, you should get a shirt with the trip route and your blog address printed on it! I had a friend who did that and it brought him a lot of awesome action!
I think for a lot of people, Texas was defined for them through film, starting with 'Giant' which influenced countless other films and tv shows, and which had a big impact in creating the state's reputation. Bush embodied Jett Rink and his oil-crazed money-hungry (and alcoholic) ways, just further cementing the stereotype that had already been consciously/subconsciously ingrained into minds around the world for over fifty years. If only someone in the Bush family resembled James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, or Rock Hudson those eight years might have been more palatable.
Randy,
ReplyDeleteHope your route has the 8-10 ft of asphalt to the right of the white line all the way, then I feel you will be safe from the cars. Still even with 10 ft you feel the wind from the eight-wheelers, but I don't think the crazies are out on the roads that cyclists choose to tour on, and noticed you by-passed Lubbock and took the rural route and the safest. Enough moon out, and your on an abandoned road or Farm to Market road, Scenery is not to spectacular, temp cool riding at night if you can't sleep. Weather ahead of you looks like it clearing out.
Mark
Today is National Drop Everything and Read Day. I know you are busy riding so I will take care of your share or would you rather I be working? Be careful.
ReplyDeleteME
Don't want you to do anything unusual. Go ahead and read.
Deletegreat blog! cant wait to see more pictures! be careful!
ReplyDeleteGreat commentary on the trip and life in general. Be careful and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteJack B.
Thanks Jack!!!
DeleteRandy, I am so supportive of your trip. It's in so many ways like a long distance backpacking trip I'd take. Please add me to your distribution list so I'll get your updates. Take care. Love, Gail (gdenkhaus@yahoo.com)
ReplyDeleteGail great hear from you. I can see you doing a tour like this. Thanks for you support!!!
DeleteYou are amazing! I am sending this blog to cycling friends in San Antonio to follow you. Keep up the hard effort and be proud of yourself for doing something most of us can't even dream about!
ReplyDeleteMikie, thank you for your kind words.
DeleteHey Road Warrior! I so look forward to reading your blog each day! I am enjoying your descriptions of the terrain, people, thoughts while riding. I so admire you for having the "whiskers" to take the time and effort to follow through with this adventure! What a great story you have to tell! Take care -- keep writing! Rebecca Bootzin
ReplyDeleteThanks Rebecca. Your support means alot to me.
Delete