cyberhobo

Lost Maples, TX to Del Rio, TX I expect a tough, hilly morning and I get it, but I also have fun. The road twists, climbs, and dives over the wrinkled land. I’m only a bit exhausted as I swoop down into Leakey. Suddenly the temperature drops, a bitter wind rises, and I scramble in…

Blanco, TX to Lost Maples, TX 10598 mi Another cold, cloudy, windy morning. It’s right back into the hill country out of Blanco. I throw myself into the task. These hills are tough. They’re getting more barren now – more rock, more prickly pear, and fewer junipers and other scrubby trees. Finally I start a…

Bastrop, TX to Blanco, TX 10493 mi The morning starts cold and gets colder. The wind comes up. It’s cloudy. By the time I reach Martindale I’m pretty miserable. It comes out in my phone calls to Mom and Dad. I’m outside on a payphone in the wind, and can’t pay attention. Then between Martindale…

William Penn, TX to Bastrop, TX 10411 mi William Penn and Independence are tiny, almost unnoticable farm and ranch towns. I see many grandiose ranch houses on hilltops, adorned with pillars and balconies. I go all the way to Burton before I find food. The Burton Cafe has been here forever and never changes. While…

Livingston, TX to William Penn, TX 10314 mi I take a short, cold ride to Onalaska on Lake Livingston, where I eat in a hot little shack on the shore. I’m lured into the library in Huntsville to answer a few emails, then I head for Novasota. The country opens up a little with ranches,…

Bon Weir, TX to Livingston, TX 10211 mi Newton offers no good breakfast prospects, so I continue to Jasper. Lots of logging going on here, but I like riding through the bright green pine forests in the sun. In Jasper I supplement my groceries. The stores here have no hummus or tuna salad so I…

Prarie Rhonde, LA to Bon Weir, TX 10128 mi I find my map is gone in the morning – must have lost it yesterday. I’m on my own to Navasota. I talk to some folks in Mamou where I eat a greasy breakfast. The cajun accent is great. When I tell an old guy in…

Baton Rouge, LA to Prarie Rhonde, LA 10025 mi I feel much better, even though I have to start the day in my rain gear. I can now think back fondly on New Orleans, whereas yesterday I was too tired and depressed. I ride 190. The bridge over the big muddy is a bit narrow,…

New Orleans, LA to Baton Rouge, LA 9948 mi The bike is waiting for me in the fenced lot, safe and sound. I put her together and set off, but can’t resist stopping to say goodby to Laura. Of all the folks I’ve met I have an especially warm spot for her, I don’t know…