It turned out though to be almost perfect riding conditions. Wind from the SW. We were heading SE. Not bad. And as we crossed into Floyd County both Don and I exclaimed "Thank you Floyd!".
State Highway 70 and its wide shoulder was as smooth as a bowling ball (and flat!).. Texas sure knows how to put down asphalt.
Wildflowers were starting to bloom. I believe these are Indian paint brush flowers
There are bulls everywhere. Here's one in front of a prison
As we rode, we could see interesting cloud cover in the distance
Soon we were under it
We stopped briefly in Floydata to get food and picnicked around mile 40.
Before we knew it were in Matador
Seeing this we didn't expect much, however once we hit Main Street we were in for a pleasant surprise
Our Hotel is actually a B&B
My room is huge! It used to be a barbershop so one whole wall is mirrors.
Nice hooks to run my laundry line... ..
(and yes, I did enjoy the whirlpool before I did laundry!)
Even more, I had a hot shower with 4 pulsating shower heads. Boy did I feel pampered!
...but this is the calm before the storm. Tornado threats exist for tonight with golf ball sized hail. And tomorrow's ride is a 120 miler....
So you bullfighters have landed safely in Matador! Hopefully you'll be able to find some non beef options for dinner, Dave? The hotel is lovely. I'll keep my fingers crossed you're not hit with golf ball size hail tomorrow. I don't want you guys nor the van to get dented!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Every day is a new adventure. Today was a classic example, started the day with a sunny, clear sky. At about 30 miles into the ride, we rode into a well defined wall of clouds that ran from the NE to SE horizons. Once in the clouds, the wind diminished and we were able to push on with relative ease. Arrived in Matador. It's is the real deal small Texas town. Never would have thought we would hang out in a fallout shelter, waiting out a tornado warning.
ReplyDeleteDon
Enjoying the daily pictures (especially the food photos!) and riding adventure tales. Dennis has been doing a great job supporting you guys. The windy rides sound pretty tough, but you two have been gutting it out. Weather is pretty bad across TX right now, so be safe and don't take any unnecessary chances...Great job of riding out there. Continued good luck on your trek. BE SAFE! - Mik"E" -:)
ReplyDeleteWow what a day! And 120 tomorrow? Ouch.
ReplyDeleteId like to see golf ball hail though not from a bike.
Carl Butler
Wow what a day! And 120 tomorrow? Ouch.
ReplyDeleteId like to see golf ball hail though not from a bike.
Carl Butler
Yikes!! Weather sounds nasty ... and so does 120 miles :) Your B&B looks delightful, they usually are hidden gems.
ReplyDeleteRide safely, and keep these wonderful posts coming!