Mb2Cb Day 1 & 2

Days 1 and 2 took Skeets and me 120 miles from Acuna to Ozona, Texas. The day 1 ride was spectacular with panoramic West Texas vistas spread out over our handlebars. There is absolutely nothing like viewing the vastness and splendor of Texas from a bicycle. We headed west for the first 30 miles out of Del Rio with Lake Amistad to our port and starboard sides. I was surprised that we did not see many RVs or boats on or near the lake, especially since this is Easter weekend. At Comstock we turned north toward Ozona and Canada. Hwy 163 to Ozona is probably one of the most scenic and isolated roads in Texas. There are no gas stations, towns, stores or even very many people for about 100 miles. About 40 miles from Comstock, you'll cross the Devil's River at Baker's Crossing. Years ago some friends and I canoed the Devil's River. You better be ready to paddle hard if you expect to survive that river. The Devil is probably the most isolated and pristine river in Texas. It's famous for its small mouth bass and was the standard for river water purity in Texas. Sadly the old Bakers Crossing put-in and campground is no longer open. For years West Texas ranchers did everything in their power to limit public access to the Devil. I fear the demise of Bakers Crossing is a consequence of those efforts. I had originally planned to camp at Baker's Crossing but had to make other plans. About 65 miles into the day 1 ride, with an elevation rise of over 1200 feet, we were both very tired and looked for the first, best, stealth campground we could find. Safety and security are foremost concerns (not so much comfort) in stealth camping. You want to get in and out without anyone, good or bad, knowing you are there. I thought we picked a pretty good site but we were too close to a creek bed, and because we were tired, didn't keep looking. Around midnight, out of nowhere (or maybe somewhere but we had no way of knowing), a powerful West Texas gully washer blew in. Lots of wind and heavy rain. I didn't feel secure fearing a flash flood. Skeets had already moved to high ground. I had to move my bicycle, tent, etc in the dark with a driving rain and strong wind. I'm telling you, bicycle touring isn't for wussies. We both got soaking wet and almost froze. Morning  finally broke, we packed up our wet gear, and hit the road. Within  few minutes, the misery of the night before was forgotten, and the adventure started all over again. The ride to Ozona was fairly difficult with a significant elevation increase and a couple of very steep and long hills. Skeets broke a spoke on his rear wheel and also experienced a problem with his rear cassette. Even so, he smoked me for the entire track and was able to complete his ride to Ozona. Sadly Skeets goes back to his job and real world tomorrow. It was a great pleasure riding with Skeets. He is a strong cyclist, a real trooper who finds something positive even in a bad situation, and, as I found out in Del Rio, my future son-in-law. That was a complete surprise to me, and I couldn't be happier!! Tomorrow morning I strike out solo toward Big Lake, Tx and points north. Stay tuned!!