Week Four Ends: Saying Farewell to Texas, Hello to Louisiana

March 30, 2025 - 82 miles, 1000 ft elevation, Lumberton, TX to DeRidder, LA

This marks the last day of 17 in Texas and the last day of the Fourth Week.  

The McLean clan packed up, said goodbye and headed to Houston airport to fly home while we headed northeast into Louisiana.

McLean kids saying goodbye before heading back home

For the first day since west Texas, we had no wind in the face, even a bit of tailwind.  The pavement was good to great in most spots.  It wasn’t raining and the pavement was dry so we were all feeling pretty good.  Lunch was strategically placed just before the Louisiana border and so we gathered together to the welcome arrival of the Louisiana sign after crossing the Sabine River.

Everyone wants their shot to commemorate entry into Louisiana (or maybe just leaving Texas)

After 17 days in Texas, it feels good to get to a new state

After the Louisiana entry, we were able to assemble the entire group to ride together for a decent stretch of a few miles (I think maybe Doug had darted off).  It was fun to have the entire group together for a bit.  Most notably, Don is back on the bike after his second accident!!!  We all couldn’t be happier that he’s able to continue.

Almost the entire group riding together for a stretch just over the Louisiana border

After the last water stop, we had a beautiful stretch to put the pedal down a bit getting into DeRidder.  For each new state, we do a happy hour which was enjoyed by all on a dry Sunday in Beauregard Parish, LA.  Don was awarded his second Mini award for getting back on the bike.

Happy Hour after our entry into Louisiana