Damp but Determined: 75 Miles Through Texas to Cleveland

March 28, 2025 - 75 miles, 2500 ft elevation, Navasota, TX to Cleveland, TX

We started out Friday with a bit of rain but optimistic for the forecast.  We didn’t escape the rain for the day but only needed to cover my phone twice, which seemed like a victory.  Unlike Thursday, it seemed like we found different Texas county road budgets with amazing pavement.  We still had winds in our face for much of the day but the improved pavement made all the difference.  I’ll take mild wind with this pavement any day, even in the rain.

Martin, Doug, Terry riding through Sam Houston National Forest

We rode for a few dozen miles through Sam Houston National Forest.  The scenery was gorgeous and the trees blocked most of the wind so we were loving the glide on amazing pavement (guessing the pavement budgets for the National Forests were better than county road budgets).

Crossing Lake Conroe in Sam Houston National Forest

At the first water stop, I noticed my back tire pressure was a bit low.  Yes, flat number 7 (still leading) for the trip but it was a slow leak.  I pumped it up at each stop for the rest of the day and was able to get to the end with no issue.  We got to the hotel and found a small nail-like metal piece that barely punctured the tube.  We had some major bike cleaning to do.  

Also, with 6 miles to go, I had a new one.  My shoe just fell apart.

Finished with shoe but no cleats (feels like I think ballet shoes would feel on a bike pedal)

Suzzy, Kara, Liam, Emma, Alex all showed up at the hotel.  I’ve missed them all so much, very happy to have them visiting for the weekend.  We went down for the night to dinner at Vivek and Namrata’s House.

The bike crew plus other friends at Vivek & Namrata’s House in Houston