Smithville, TX

I left Rockyhill Ranch driving into the town of Smithville. Spending the night on the square, stealing electricity from the lighted Gingerbread cutout. One of the first people I was introduced to was Rob Remlinger. He is a cyclist and owner of the best restraunt around these parts. Backdoor Cafe has fresh salads and seafood. He closes down during the summer months and goes to Northern CA to run a place during the Texas hot weather. I have only been out to dinner one time other then tonight. His number one, is a very nice gentleman named Izzy. He has a fetish for all bikes. Also, the only bike mechanic in these parts. I really can stumble into the best situations.

I had a great time at the Ranch and met some great people. None better then R.B. and his wife Karen(pictured). We had some nice evenings in the saloon, where they showed me the finer points about saloon running. LOL. R. B. just got back a clean bill of health. He won a long battle for his life. Karma paying him back! I wish them all the best in the comming years. Also the owners of the ranch and their kids. Grey, Pam, Rebecca and Trey. They were all terrific, Grey can cook some mean greens! And a big shout out to Oscar who provided the firewood. Thanks everyone!

I did get a extra project done right before I left. The bike wash needed to be upgraded, found some extra wood and a pole. 2 bags of concrete. What a sight! The reroute never got finished, but something to look forward to someday. Replaced the battery isolator again!! Think it is right now. Pulling the trigger on solar panels next week. My friend Garry is a great teacher. He has already been through it, why reinvent the wheel.

Leaving in the morning and driving to Harlengen, TX. Staying at the Elks club. $8.00 nightly, down by South Padre Island.

Austin City Limits

Drove into Austin today, camping out behind the whole foods, which will get all my money before I leave. the fish tacos are great here.

Going to see Guy Clark and Elizabeth Cook tonight at the Union Theater. the weather is terrible. I left my scooter out at the ranch, so little sightseeing on this trip. Just getting my bearings. My first impression is a cool city. very hip. I plan on staying sat and walking around if it clears up.

Lance trails

Great day, Paul with his daughter and son, picked me up. Both those kids are nationally ranked racers. His son has been to Italy, France, Austrialia racing and his daughter is on her way. She is only 16.

The weather was perfect around 70 and sunny. We arrived and took right off. the trail is an open 7.5 miles around the property, 500 acres. currently listed for a small 13.5mil.

The trail was in great shape with very fun elevation changes and trail features that kept you laughing and in awe the whole way around. The picture of the house with a barn off to the side holds some 50 bikes for his use.

Funny as hell when we almost ran him over, leaving the property!

Trail work at Rockyhill Ranch

Mike started construction of the bridge last week, before I arrived. He is an emergency room surgeon. I can assure you, the way he built this bridge, I want him to put things back together on me. He is a skilled carpenter. We spent a nice day out in the woods finishing the ramps up and down. The race was going to be held in 2 days and it needed to get done. I dragged a part of the old bridge and attached it to his new bridge. OLD meets NEW. It is a thing of beauty!

The next project I want to get done is a reroute on "Longhorn Loop".