Concan, TX

Tomorrow we cycle to Concan,TX.  It seems to be in the edge of the Texas Hill Country.  Looking forward to green and water.  Looks like I'm in luck as rain is in the forecast for Wednesday.  By Thursday, we should reach the half way point.

Lunch is at Odelia's.  Great, big glasses of cold, iced tea!

I had a great finish to NY riding day.  We saw the first two hills upon entering the hill country and off I went.  I knew there were at least 4 riders somewhere on the road ahead of me and that gave me some goals to shoot for.  I told Frances the day before that I was beginning to *find my legs".  I started the attack with a trip average of 15 mph for the 55 miles ridden so far.

The hills were never above 6% but the were strung out consistently over the remainder of the route.  It felt great to feel the muscles burn and my heart pound.  One by one I caught the other riders and ended the ride with a 16 mph average.  I think this was the first time I ever increased my average speed over hilly terrain.

Today is a rest day and we are just a few miles from Utopia, Tx.  I've got some work to do on Frances' bike, but other than that it will be lounging around, reading and goofing off.

I'm so pleased to offer a coda to today's entry.  We were treated to the fiddle playing of Dick Walker tonight.  He literally brought tears to my eyes with his rendition ofSomewhere over the Rainbow as he closed out.  His expression an intonation on the violin was certainly the most profound that I have ever heard.  I'm told his student, Camille Stevens, is the next big thing in country music.  She is currently in the top 20 on one of the billboard charts.  I cannot overstate what a profound musical talent this man has. He had such finesse and expression in his technique that it was impossible not to be pulled in and captivated by his playing.  We were blessed with the highest caliber of musical talent to which I have ever been witness.  It was truly sublime.