Texas Hill Country River Region Classic Report 10/11/08

So far this has been the craziest ride I have done so far. The main reason I wanted to do this ride is because it takes off from Garner State Park. I had never been to Garner before but everybody I know that has been there say it is very beautiful and they were right.

I picked up Ruben at his office and loaded up his bike and gear. We left McAllen about 5pm Friday. Heading into Concan I could see the outlines of the large hills in the area. They were more like mountains. The cool jeweled moon lingered above shining its light on these mountains reminiscent of night time vistas like those seen in New Mexico. I really wished I had remembered to pick up some batteries for the camera when we filled up in Castroville. I remembered the 16oz can of Budweiser though.

We arrived at Garner around 11:30 and quickly set up our tents. I climbed in my tent and opened my beer. I pulled the tab and heard a crisp pshh that echoed through out our campsite. Enter sandman.

Woke up, got dressed and headed towards the registration area to check in. The morning was cool with overcast skies. We lined up and headed out on our 52 mile challenge. The plan was for me and Ruben to work together but Ruben is way too fast and a much better rider than I am. That was ok though, I wanted to enjoy the scenery and I was still going at a good pace pacing some riders and some riders passed me.

The first 10 miles were nice with gently rolling hills. With the weather and terrain I thought this was going to be a breeze. Boy was I wrong. I stopped off at the first rest stop in Leakey and got some food and gatorade not having eaten anything before the ride. A light shower started to fall on us and thats when I noticed my front tire, the same front tire Ruben had pointed out before the ride, starting to look really funny.

I pressed on and soon found myself huffing and puffing up the first climb. I made it, it was tough but the reward going downhill was awesome. Then came the next climb. It looked bad but at least it didn't look that long. As soon as I turned and thought I was going to bask in downhill heaven again, there was more climbing to conquer. Then another turn then another climb, then another, then another. The climbs just kept on coming. Then finally the downhill portion came flying down fast wet twisty roads at 45 mph was a blast. That was the best part of the ride. But there was more climbing that needed to be done.

About 4 and a half hours later I pull into the park past the finish line to where they were having a spaghetti dinner for all the riders and packet pick up. As soon as I get off the bike, the tire and tube explode. Sounded like somebody fired a gun. Scared the hell out of everyone including myself. Thank God it happened there and not on one of those downhills going almost 50mph! That would've been the story of me. Thank God for tire liners.

Walked back to the campsite. Met up with Ruben. Ate one of the best spaghetti plates I had ever eaten. Thought to myself how crazy all of us are for attempting stuff like this. Showered. Drank a beer. Drove back. I did buy some batteries after all at the park store.