It's that time of the year again, time to "try" and avoid the Texas heat be riding at night. This year LSR is offering up a long 200k route, and a 300k route starting in Italy.
Shellene and I scouted the route last weekend, so we have some good news and some bad news.
Good news:
1. It's hilly. The 200k route has over 3700' of climbing, the 300k gets 2000' more.
2. The roads are smooth (well, smooth for Texas). There is one "bump" that caught us by surprise. It's the bridge after the Brazos on the way out (I'll let you figure out where it will be on the way back).
3. The winds should be out of the south, so it's tailwind on the return.
4. Sharon will be at the 200k turnaround, with supplies (including drop bags).
Bad news:
1. The control in Abbot has redestroyed their entrance, the new one is further up the access road, and has MAJOR holes in it. Take it easy and wide on the way into the parking lot.
2. The control in Valley Mills closes at midnight. Even though Sharon will be there, there will not be a "real" restroom between either Abbot - Abbot or Abbot - Gatevilles, be prepared.
3. There will only be 10 hours between sunrise and sunset.
4. This is probably not an issue, but they are putting down chipseal in Italy. We rode through fresh chipseal on 34 this past weekend. We ride on 77 NOT 34, but chipseal is an evil thing, and it may decide that it wants to be on our route as well.
Here is the 200k route (one way only):
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/320896 Here is the 300k route (one way only):
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/320895 Sharon has requested that all 'bents have reflective gear (belts or vests, ankle straps, etc) and of course lights will be required. There will be a $5 sag fee, and LSR membership is required.