Date(s): Oct. 24, 1999
Day: Sunday
From: Blanco, TX
To: Austin, TX
Lodging: American Youth Hostel
Segment Mileage: 61.8
Cumulative Mileage: 1969.5
Actual Riding Time: 4:50
Average Speed: 12.7
Weather: Warm, sunny
Temp: mid 80's
We are headed into the big city today, Austin, the capital of Texas. We didn't follow our maps but instead headed north to US 290 which goes straight into town. I headed out first and within a few miles had a flat, caused by a piece of metal, probably from a blown radial tire. I pulled off to the side of the road to change it and in a while I looked up and Jim, Janet, and Bob went flying by. In another mile or so I caught up with them and a group of riders from the Austin Sierra Club out on a 24 mile ride. They were anxious to hear about our trip, and they showed us their route which ran parallel to ours and was more scenic with less traffic. The route didn't last long and then we hit US 290, a very busy road with a small shoulder. Cars were flying by at 70 mph inches from my shoulder. After another 10 miles or so I had another flat and couldn't get very far off the road because of all the thorns. For once I was glad to finally get into town where the traffic was slower and the road wider. I found out later that most of the others took another route that was a bit safer. We plan to suggest that others take it in the future.
The hostel is located on Town Lake, a dammed portion of the Colorado River, with a wide lawn behind the building that stretches to the water. Check-in time is 5pm, so after getting here at 1:30 I decided to take my loaded bike on a tour of the city, riding on the bike/hike trail for a while, then on the side streets into the heart of the city. There was little traffic and wide roads, ideal for cycling. I toured the capitol grounds and stopped for a bite under a massive live oak tree. Some things really are bigger in Texas. The capitol building is massive, constructed of pink granite (I think) with a large entrance. From there I followed the sound of live music to an outdoor stage where a group was playing for the annual AIDS walk. There are lots of funky bars and coffee shops in the downtown area. It looks like a very good city for just walking around. I got a bus schedule and map from the visitor's center and plan to do some exploring without the bike tomorrow.
Bruno and Cyndi arrived at around 5:30 with a tale of woe. Bruno broke a spoke on his rear wheel, on the freewheel side, and didn't have a tool to remove the freewheel. Even though he was riding sweep and had the group toolkit, it didn't have a remover that fit. He had to flag down a ride while Cyndi finished by herself. It took a while to get a ride, and they both arrived at the hostel at almost the same time. Cyndi had a flat on the way, but her slime filled tire actually worked and filled the hole.Tomorrow Bruno has to take his wheel into the bike shop.
Oliver and Todd soon returned from their adventures in town, having gotten a ride in the morning. They also told us about their late night out listening to rock and blues groups. The younger set may join them on another foray into town. Unfortunately for Suzanne and Jimmy, they have to cook dinner tonight, although they do have use of the hostel kitchen. It looks like it will be a real treat, with lots of fresh vegetables and good spices. (Later: it was a very good meal; pesto sauce on pasta, salad, and pie).
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