October 18 - Big Oak River CG to Lost Maples SP

October 18 - Tuesday; Big Oak River CG (near Montell) to Lost Maples SP, TX; 45 miles.
The local forecast for last night was wind from the north at up to 60 mph. While that did not quite materialize, it was none the less very windy when we got up. We decided we would ride to Camp Wood which was only five miles down the road and just keep going for as long as we could. It took almost an hour over flat ground with a 25-30 mph headwind to make the five miles to Camp Wood – very tough going! We ate breakfast then the route headed east for a while so we headed for Leakey 21 miles away. The going was tough but got a little better since the wind wasn’t a direct headwind but more of a crosswind though still with a headwind component. To get to Leaky involved two significant 1,000’ climbs; steep at 6% grade and relatively long, though not like a mountain pass. I struggled on the first climb but noticed a different pedaling technique used by a couple of the other riders. I tried it and it seemed to help me climb faster – though I think in the end it is mental as much as physical; you just have to bear down and CRANK! The descent into Leakey was fast, curvy and very fun. The first place we came to was a very nice Harley store with a small restaurant where we ate lunch. This is definitely motorcycle country – if I had one, I’d want to ride it here. When you see them pass you on the steep climbs you wish it was as easy as just twisting the throttle a little bit (instead of burning your quads). From Leakey we all met up at a small store near Vanderpool to purchase groceries and haul them the last 4 miles to the campground. There was another rider stopped at the store (Dan I think his name was)  who started about the same time we did from St. Augustine, FL traveling the ST route to San Diego. He was only 27 and was riding what appeared to be a carbon frame bike (with a pretty good load). He had clocked a number of 100+ miles days but was now entering the mountains. On the last part of the ride to the campground I saw one of the funniest things so far on the trip. The headwind was strong and we were riding slightly uphill; Vicky, Gary, me and Ray in a line. Gary decided he should give Vicky a break from leading and pulled out to go to the front. At the same time, the wind gusted to probably 30-35 mph and there was Gary to the left of Vicky GIVING IT HELL but not making any progress towards getting even with her much less taking the lead. He eventually got in front and was a hero for leading the last few miles into a fierce wind to the campground. The forecast for tomorrow is for wind, but in the 10-15 mph range. We have one final 7% grade, 1,000’ climb almost immediately out of the campground. I’ll see what my legs have left after changing technique and muscles for the last half of today. It is supposed to get down into the 30s tonight – a little cold for the gear I have.