Origins Of SoCal Peninsular Range SR-618

SR-600 frame badge

Around 2012, Randonneurs USA initiated the "SR600" series of routes.  These 600K Super Randonnées, usually called SR600s or "Super Sixes" in the US, are especially challenging permanent routes established by the Audax Club Parisien (ACP) across the world. They are 600-619 km long, with at least 10,000 meters of climbing, that often travel through remote and beautiful terrain. They are epic adventures! However, they are ACP rides that follow a somewhat different set of rules than standard RUSA permanent routes.

Of note, any amateur riders could do the ride and were supposed to attach a "badge" to their bike frame, start only at the official start point, take pictures at the controls (with their bike/frame badge in the photo) for proof of passage and no outside help anywhere along the route. The time limit was much longer than a regular 600K route... 50 hours!

SoCal Peninsular Range SR-618 Map

I was all over this and started to think about a route that would encompass 600K long and
all that climbing. It was a tough haul. To make a flowing route starting somewhere along the Pacific Coast near San Diego and still have a "sensible" route. A few limitations were the big city traffic, Pacific Ocean on the west, LA on the north and the Mexican border on the south. Time to head for the desert. 

I was familiar with many of the roads from San Diego eastward to the Arizona border. That was a good starting place. After many hours on Bikely, RWGPS, MapMyRide and Open Runner, I had a route that looked good and met the ACP requirements. Since it included many local mountains, I wanted to use a name that would reflect all the climbing. Thus "Peninsular Range". Later added the SoCal to reflect Southern California. Thus "SoCal Peninsular Range SR-618". The route was 618K(384.7mi) long with 10.875meters(35,678') climbing. At that time, ACP liked OpenRunner for accurate elevation figures.

ACP absorbed many questions on the 50 hour time limit for routes that had more climbing than the minimum and in 2014 added 1 hour per 500 meters of additional climbing over the 10,000 meter minimum requirement (there is no maximum requirement). Later on in 2017 the time limit was set at 60 hours.

Sample Control Picture

The route laid around for a few years and some mention of "sample control pictures" came up during that time. I attached the "SR Badge" to my bike and took relevant "staged" Control pictures. 

I loaded up my SOMA Stanyan one spring day and took off on the route. I was traveling lite, with the Shimano Dyno Hub for light power, large handlebar bar for goodies and rear bag holding my bivy bag and clothing. No super schedule, just rest when you're tired. The weather was good and only the wind played havoc, esp. in the night-time desert.

At that time, SR-600 routes were turned over to RBA's for management. Now they can be managed by members (owned). There are CUE sheets, badges, scheduling and insurance issues to address and usually a fee is required.

SoCal Peninsular Range SR-618 Video

 

- randorides

Sole Of A Dragon

New SIDI Dragon Carbon

Eons ago, when I tired of spending hours trying to resole the ol' SIDI MTB Shoes, I managed a super price thru a dealer on a pair of new SIDI's. Retail price on those was way out of my price-range, but I could justify the reduced sum thru riding buddy connections. Of course, they had to be in the large range... 47 mega (wide) and the MTB cleat version. Thus SIDI Dragon Carbon MTB Mega entered the closet. 

 

Worn "Yellow" soles

The Dragons were light, durable and great fitting. After a few years of rando riding, I replaced the worn "yellow traction pads" with a set I ordered in. These lasted a few years,but with more gravel/off-road riding they took additional abuse. After researching a bit, I acquired a set of  "red" pads that would fit the Dragons. These were a harder compound than the stock "yellow" pads and should wear longer. Normally an easy switch, this turned into a PROJECT.

 

 While unscrewing one toe pad bolt, it just kept turning. Using long nosed pliers and screwdrivers, I managed to get it out, but the embedded T-nut remained loose. Have to lock that nut into the carbon mid-sole again. Instead of cutting/hacking out the inner leather piece under the insole, I decided to try an external fix. Out came the Dremel Tool and 2-Ton Epoxy!

 

T-Nut repair complete

I first slightly widened the space around the T-nut collar with the Dremet, using a small drill bit and then the burr-bit. This slightly exposed the T-nut plate,which was originally bonded into the carbon mid-sole. Next up was lubing the bolt and threading it into the moveable T-nut. I then injected some epoxy around the T-nut base and pulled it up tight, using the bolt. After waiting 24 hrs... it was time to use the Dremel tools to smooth out the repair area and then bolt on the new red soles. The stock bolts that came with the new red pads were already blue Loctite coated.

 

"Red" soles installed

After a few months of use, the new pads show minimal signs of wear. The outside lugs on the heel plate seemed to work slightly loose from the base studs on both shoes. Super-Glue doesn't hold well... but the Epoxy sure does! I had this same problem with the various pairs of "yellow" replacement pads over the years too. This is definitely a SIDI quality control problem. For what you pay for the replacement soles ($40), this shouldn't be an issue at all.

 

Next SIDI project should be to replace my old SIDI Dominator MTB shoes (with non-replaceable pads) with a pair of new red traction pads. This will require a whole lot of planning and thus embedding the T-Nuts inside the soles. 

SIDI T-Nut  Repair Video 

- randorides

North East Texas Trail - Clarksville to Detroit Update

The Northeast Texas Trail (NETT) is a proposed 130 mile trail from north of Dallas (Farmersville) to New Boston, TX. It would be the longest multi-use trail in Texas and the 4th longest in the US. It is slowly being improved from a abandoned rail line to a usable hike/bike/horse trail. Some sections are nice smooth asphalt with benches along the tree-line venue, but most are under improvement... from just mowing to road base surface. 

Since the NETT passes just a few feet from our house in Avery, I've ridden a whole lot of it. Some on the gravel bike and most on the MTB. Several local randonneuring routes follow the Trail. It will be one great gravel route from way up near Arkansas down to Dallas area. Just needs a little gravel and a lot of bridge improvements! Super bikepacking with a out and back of 260 miles. Can't wait... but for now, we'll ride what's do-able and half-way safe.

NETT: Clarksville to Bagwell

Encno Landscape from Cleveland, TX, just finished up the base work on the Bagwell section to Clarksville. Add to that the section finished last year from Detroit to Bagwell and you have 14.5 miles of gravel riding out of Clarksville to Detroit. I've recently rode that section and made up a short video entitled: " NETT- Clarksville To Bagwell Update"

Starting in east Clarksville at the Trailhead, the riding is "iffy"... as it's grass & muddy (if it has rained recently). First water crossing bridge has open RR ties covered with some dirt. The other two Clarksville bridges are finished and intact. After leaving Clarksville, the Trail passes over Hwy.82 and the new finished road-base takes over. Amp it up as the riding is fast and smooth. The three bridges on the way to Bagwell are all unfinished, but intact and are bumpy/rough crossing. 

Bagwell is a small place and has no services... just a Post Office and VFD building. The Trail from Bagwell to Detroit was refurbished with grading, road-base and road crossings last year. The bridges are all in new-like pristine condition. The Trail has some erosion and grass thru the base. Multiple services in Detroit for a ride break.

I'll be riding and updating the other sections as they are improved.

Video

- randorides

Stumbled Upon Some Interesting History...Rev William Stevenson !

Over the years, I often "take the untraveled route" when riding a official Rando Route or just riding around somewhere. From being shot at with a shotgun climbing up Honey Springs Road, an irate homeowner throwing trash cans at me on Kelly Lane (off Gopher Canyon,SD), being ask to leave a Denny's near Palm Desert (putting on muscle rub late at night) or the dark-early wild hog stampede off Road 1701 in Texas... I find some good trails and interesting things along the way. Such was the case with this ride.

I was riding around way up in the Northeast corner of Texas, not far from Oklahoma and a few miles from Arkansas. I first noticed a memorial to the Confederacy in the Clarksville town square. A tall statue with several plaques denoting the importance of Clarksville as a transportation hub during the Civil War.

 Along the main and back roads in this area, there are numerous signs indicating locations of once private cemeteries. Most of these are far from the main road on narrow gravel roads... often time through ranchers fields. Many times I'll venture and check them out. They usually are well maintained and some have flowers growing.

Also I've noticed many "Historical Marker - 1 Mile Ahead". I always stop at these to pick up a little history of the area and try to take a picture (if I have the camera -Canon PowerShot A1100IS- probably 15 years in service) OR my little GoPro Sessions camera mounted). Historical churches, buildings, old bridges and even cemeteries. Much later I came across the plaque: "Reverend William Stevenson".

Is this Bills ( Dr. Bill, Rando Bill, NCCC Bill, Thailand Bill) great-great grandfather? Must be.. It all fits together... first to preach in Texas! Bills family is from Arkansas too. I'll let you figure it all out, but from here it sure looks like Bills family has some real historical history background.

I managed a few pictures for posterity purposes and riding home I thought "what a great day this was"!

- randorides

4th Of July In Detroit

Welcome to Detroit

Time to mount up the flag and do a little holiday riding. For many years now, I'll grab a flag from the road-trash cache and strap it behind the seat. To enhance the spirit a patriotic colored jersey does the trick. Several RUSA jerseys work well as does the TX state jersey. 

Been warm around here of late, so I left well before 0400. Close-in fireworks late last night so I didn't sleep much anyway. For some reason, today's start temp was in the low 60F and scheduled to top off in the hi 80's. Added a singlet and arm covers for this trip. Route was the updated "Graceland To Detroit". Traffic was nil as I "motored" along, listening to the birds. Mockingbirds make the most noise and often time they will follow along utilizing their full song list. An occasional noise from the trees makes me think "another wild hog encounter"?

New Detroit Mural

 Detroit was completely quiet. Sunrise was yet to arrive as I noticed a new mural on one of the old brick buildings off the main street. Photo-op. Also took a few shots of the "Welcome To Detroit" sign next to the little park. Flags lined the street.

On the return back to "Graceland", I checked out the Clarksville Donut Shop. Yep, it's open today. I grabbed a smallish donut and rolled over to the town square. (They should take a hint from Peterson's Donut in Escondido, CA... where for a buck you get a real meal size donut). The town square was laced in flags.. enhancing the Independence Day spirit. Took a few photos, looked around and enjoyed the quiet morning. As I was leaving, a lady drove by and wanted to take my picture. As Sam always said: "Never miss a photo-op". Rolled out of Clarksville into a stiff headwind all the way to Avery. 

Clarksville Town Square

 Not much going on in Avery town on this 4th of July. A few flags lined the street by city hall. Neighbors were working on tractors and guy across the road is working in his car shop. Looks like I'm bound for yard duty today. Neighbor down the way is having a big 4th BBQ tonight. 

happy 4th of July

- randorides

Informational Route Video

Double Dynaplug For The Pathfinder Pro

Double plug in Pathfinder Pro 650b x 47mm

I was riding an overpass in New Boston the other day and heard this "hiss" and felt liquid on the back
of my calf. Took me about 2 seconds to figure out what that was. A great day so far, weather was good, winds were at my back and this Rando ride was going well. 

I rolled downhill and walked into the Brookshire's Store parking lot... by the gas pumps way out front near the air station. Nice little tree nearby with a super loud Mocking Bird telling me to get with the tune. No traffic, no people around here this early. Pulled the water bottles and flipped the bike over to a 3-point stance...2-brifters and the seat. 

 Seat tube was coated with sealant as were the seat bag and my leg. Slick 3/4" , just off the center of the tire. Pulled the Lezyne Pump off the seat-tube and pumped up the rear tire some. She was blowing like Moby Dick! Time for the Dynaplug. One plug and the Orange Sealant might do it? Aired it up and did the spin thing. Not bad. Loaded things on and said "adios" to the Mockingbird, which had never stopped cranking out the songs. Next stop was Walmart. 

Dynaplug kit I carry in bag

Put in some more air at Walmart and headed my way southward to catch the Northeast Texas Trail by
the New Boston Depot. Did another pump job at the gas station along Hwy. 82 and continued westward toward Avery. Hit a bump and another "hiss" ensued. Pulled over in a grass driveway and repeated the previous plug sequence. This time it was rock solid. A little air and I soon finished up the route. 

Lesson learned:
- Carry 2oz of sealant in bag.
- Order some more Dyna-plugs
- Pull tire...check see plugs and boot tire if necessary.
- Order spare Specialized Pathfinder Pro 650b x 47mm tire. Plugged tire had only 3K kilometers usage and I liked the handling, usage and looks.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Followup:

Specialized SAWTOOTH 650b x 1.75

Pathfinder Pro tires (650b x 47mm) are hard to find... "out of stock" is a common theme. Could be a high demand tire or perhaps the "Pandemic Shortage" is in effect? One online supplier refunded my money and said "new inventory software error". These retail for $50 per!.
I ordered Specialized Sawtooth 650b x 1.75 instead. Very similar tread pattern and great reviews. Cost is $33 each. Done deal. Received tires promptly and will review later on.

- randorides

Great Cycling Weather: Record Snow & Freezing Temps!

Backyard: NETT is just behind those trees.

Yes, another month of super cycling weather.. NOT!

Mid February and an "historic" snowstorm passed thru. Of course it was followed by clear weather and
near ZERO temps for several days. I only managed a few local rides on the Scott hard-tail MTB. Even the Northeast Texas Trail was a mud-hole... underlying puddles beneath the snow. The whole weather "event" lasted over a week. 

Riding has been way down all year ... so far. Cool and rainy weather in January, followed by a night or two of light snow was just a precursor to February weather. We ended up with about 8" of snow by February 18th and then the super freezing temps hit. Wind chill was well below O. How many layers is that?

The local road crews lack snowplows, so road graders were used. The downside to the use of graders was the center lane/shoulder reflective markers were trashed to the road edge. Not to be deterred, my first ride out was soon shortened by a tire cut (caused by a splintered reflective marker). Good thing for tubeless tires and Orange Endurance Sealant. Made it home is good-order.

March and April ahead are projected to be rainy, as usual.

 - randorides

2020 - Year End Wrap-Up

NETT Trail by Avery, Tx

This last year was way off cycling-kilter. With the RUSA Permanent Program shut down (lack of acceptable insurance coverage) for most of the year, numerous projects eating away the time and then the Covid pandemic thing, it was a real flip-flop. I was riding several times a week, mostly shorter routes and also doing a lot of "recon" rides to locate new routes.
 

Even as funding (grants) were secured here in Avery and other towns along NETT (North East Texas Trail), little was being constructed or graded. Avery, Tx area NETT was the usual mess for weeks after a rain... several miles of mud holes on the way eastward. ATV traffic was tearing it up and leaving deep tread grooves for the water to puddle.
Throw in a farm tractor and a few 4x4's to conclude the rut-O-rama trail.

NETT - Detroit, Tx - Dec., 2020

NETT - Detroit, Tx - Feb., 2020

Not the case westward over by Detroit. Later in the year, contractors managed to lay down miles of road base as NETT passed thru Detroit town. It's my understanding that contractors first put in signage/fences by road crossings... then upgrade bridges.. followed by sectional Trail grading and road base... and finally someday they will lay down hard surface and upgrade Trail amenities. Hopefully, I'll see that before my bikes are all rusted out and tires flat!

RAT-1000 route across Texas

Also of interest was my "recon" of the RAT-1000 route across Texas. This is a lo-key "event" starting in Texarkana, Arkansas and following mostly gravel roads zig-zagging across northern Texas to the finish in Tucumcari, NM. I've done the leg work on the first few hundred miles of RAT, but the roads westward are a long way off. Part of RAT passes thru Avery. Unfortunately, it's early on and wouldn't offer a timely rest-stop here. It's a bike-packing event and riders use SPOT Trackers. You can ride anytime of the year, either direction, but the main start is in Texarkana every October. The RAT-1000 web site offers little help or information. One day I did manage to run into a RAT rider over by New Boston on his way west. Nice guy on a Salsa Cutthroat carbon bike-packing rig. He had to bail after 200 mi. due to achilles tendon pain.

 I always wanted to do some bike-packing stuff, but the lightweight equipment doesn't come cheap (esp. if you're just trying it out for a ride or two). Plus, my bikes aren't really very ideal for that type of riding and carrying equipment. Like in San Diego with the Stagecoach 400 event (which I never officially rode, but did ride the route several times), these events lead up to the big one... the annual Tour Divide ( Canada to Mexico - bike-packing). Bruce Phillips from O'side and Mikki Suva from Revolution Bike and a few others had stories about their exploits riding the Stagecoach 400 Event. 

Bill checking out Avery State Bank

Tying in with the RAT-1000 stuff, my buddy from San Marcos, Bill Stevenson, stopped by Avery in October for a few days on his way back to the West Coast. He was interested in the RAT and hit a few of the campgrounds along the RAT route on his way home. Had some nice pics and insight on car-camping along the route. Very interesting if we could get a bunch of riders together for a week or two of riding the RAT-1000.

Riding weather around Avery, Tx was OK during the Spring thru early Fall. Then the cool weather and rain moved in to finish off the year with crap riding weather. Seems the winds always blow around NE Texas... with very few days of great no-wind riding. Esp. when it's 35F in the morning and expected to reach 55 in the afternoon.. but the 15mph wind drops it all down and makes for a long day in the saddle.

A real mechanical tire gauge

I'm mainly using the Specialized Diverge gravel bike with the 650b/47mm tire wheelset. That seems to work well on the rougher chip-seal and some gravel riding. Just adjust the tire pressure as needed. Over the years I've went through several digital gauges of various makes and they will always plug up, either from chips of the rubber seal or from tire sealant. Yes, I take them apart and clean em up, but they all finally bite-the-bullet. Since I've opted for a regular mechanical gauge -Accu-Gage. Brass from 0-60psi. Basic, simple and works well. A little bulky to carry in the seat bag, however. 

 

- randorides

Revisit Tire Failure Again...Specialized To The Rescue?

Specialized Pathfinder Pros...650x47

After a thousand miles on the 650b with a set of Panaracers 1.90 on, the rear developed a small glass cut and thus a similar "bump". I was riding away from home when the rear tire suddenly started to rub the chain-stay. Upon further investigation, it was small piece of glass that had entered the outer casing in the center tread. Same-oh stuff.

I limped home and put on the 700cc wheelset with the old stock Specialized Trigger Pros 38mm on. Those suckers wear like steel...in fact, I could see some cord showing on the rear! Hey, maybe Specialized is making a 650b version of those tires? After some online research, they do have a similar tread pattern in their Pathfinder Pro 47. 

I searched around and finally ordered a set of those Specialized Pathfinder Pro 47 for the 650 wheels.At the same time I found some 47mm for my 700c wheelset: Specialized Sawtooth 47! Ordered those too. Also ordered some Orange rim tape, it was cheap and stuck better than the Stans I had tried before ( Gorilla tape sticks super... but is thick and if you ever take off the tire, it will pull loose on the edges and requires lots of time to totally remove the "glue" left on the rim.)

Pathfinders installed on Diverge gravel bike

 650b - I took off all the old tape from the front wheel, cleaned alcohol and installed the 25mm wide Orange Rim Tape. At the same time, I replaced the stem with the nice Versa Valve stem. These were recommended by my buddy, John in Carlsbad, CA. These stems sealed much better do to the various grommets that come with each set to fit various rim cross-sections. The rear rim tape was good so I left all as was. Put in 4oz of Orange Endurance Sealant per. (I write the date/amount on each tire with white permanent ink.)

Pathfinder Pros 47went on nicely and inflation was efficient with the Booster. I'll ride them a while over various road/trail conditions and report back. Using 35/40psi for road work...30/35 for trails.

 

Old stock TriggerPro 38s

700c - Keeping with the tough stock Specialized tire mantra, I did install the new Sawtooth 42 on the stock Diverge rims. No problem with the stock tape or the older stems. (I'll replace them both next time around (for sure, stems with the nice fitting and solid Orange Seal Versa Valve Stem set (come in various colors for the show-time crew). Install was a breeze. 

After some online research on pricing and delivery, I did order all items mentioned above from Competitive Cyclists. I had ordered items in the past and their prices were in line with Amazon competitors. ( I am lacking, so far, any Texas connections for bikes or components and
still relying on past sources.

New Sawtooth 700x42

 

 

more lateron...
randorides

Panaracer 650b Install

Several months back, the rear WTB Byway 650b tire developed a "bump, bump..bump" while riding. Upon examination, it seemed the tire carcass was breaking down and slowly leaking air thru the tread? Time to put on the Panaracers 1.90 I've had for a while as a back-up set.

650b Conversion With WTB Byway 47mm Tires Video

I cut off the rear tire and saved the Gorilla Tape seal job. The front tire was sealed real good and took 30 minutes to carefully remove while saving the tape work for the new tire. I wiped down the rims with a damp cloth and slicked up things.

Panaracers 650b x 1.90 tires, Orange Sealant, air Booster

Time to put on the new Panaracers. From my experience, getting the tubeless tires to seal can  
really easy... OR a hellva chore. I waxed up the tire bead well with a old candle. This would allow the bead to slide outward on the tape and enhance the sealing to the rim. I tried the hand pump to no avail on either wheel. No amount of squeezing would help.

I had chucked my old 2-liter cola bottle inflater from the last install. I sort of worked, but I always wondered when the sides would blow, even with the excess of duct tape wrapped around & around. I could make one out of PVC pipe or finally buy something safe. Didn't have any 3" OR 4" pipe lying around so checked the internet for inflater reviews. Didn't need a pump with it, so there were several that seemed to work well via reviews. I ordered out a Schwalbe Tire Booster which had the best price with free shipping. Came in 2-days without Amazon Prime from Planet Bike. Reading the enclosed info... same China company that makes AIRSHOT!

Panaracers on Diverge after test ride.

I pumped up the Booster to 120psi (goes to 160psi) and let 'er rip. Pop, POP and sealed right up. Same with the other wheel. I pulled the Booster and pumped up by hand next. No problem. Orange Endurance Sealant was next... 4oz per wheel. Cleaned up the inner valve stem and put in the clean valve. Aired them up to 60psi and sloshed the sealant around. ( Always write the date and amount of sealant added on the sidewall of each tire with permanent marker.)

Since this is a different complete wheelset from the 700 wheels, the front brake rotor aligned perfectly. The rear needed a reset to spin freely. After cleaning up the bike (esp. the brake rotors and pads with brake cleaner), it was time for a road test after dropping the tire pressure down to 40psi. Weather was crappy, with high easterly winds, 50 degrees and rain spitting as I headed out and around town. All was well. I'll check the tire pressure in the morning to confirm the super seal. Also next long ride to adjust the tire pressure for these slightly wider 1.90 tires.

-randorides 

Graceland To Detroit: Sunny Day

Quick route follows Hwy. 82 to Detroit

Nice sunny Sunday... lo-traffic day... time to ride west. Initially, this rando route started at the local Avery 7-11/Shamrock Station and followed Hwy. 82 over to Detroit. Only one place in Detroit open most of the day and that was the Git-N-Go store/station. The mileage was a little short of the required 62.1 miles for RUSA certification. The Ms. suggested starting at the Family Dollar store in Avery instead. Good enough to surpass the 100km spec. The store opens up at 0800 daily, so OK in the shorter winter days.

Another later start, but the weather was warm and minimal clothing necessary. Gal at the Dollar Store looked around for something healthy for proof of start... mini Milky Way pieces for $1. good to go. Hah, hah! Rode westward on Hwy. 82 to the next door dog barking and getting excited as usual.

Brisk headwind and lo-traffic as expected all the way to Clarksville, where the route loops around the town before straightening out to a more NW direction. Just after passing the Bagwell turn, the bike lane nearly disappears for two miles, replaced by an additional vehicle lane. Fortunately, traffic swings wide seeing my rear Cygolite SuperPro blinkie... but the rumble strip dominates what little bike lane there is left. The lane suddenly widens and becomes smooth again on a short gradual downhill before Detroit.

Daytime visible Hotshot light works well

North East Texas Trail comes down from Bagwell and passes thru Detroit town. I detoured a bit and rode the Trail into town to the big "Welcome To Detroit" sign at the park. Next stop was the only place open today: Git-N-Go store/station. Friendly lady behind the counter asked about where I was riding, etc. Several customers pumping gas and buying take out pizza. Got my choc sandwich and rode over to the next door construction site for a break. Large commercial building for some business. Only construction around here. Tried to entice several small dogs to partake in my sandwich, but they wouldn't have any of it!

Before leaving town, took a photo tour of the local shops and school. Riding back east was a whole lot easier with the increasing tailwind. I was flying along now on the flats and the short hills were no match either. Made a longish photo stop at the two Roadside Memorials for William Becknell, "Founder Of The Santa Fe Trail". Interesting history of his family home here and cemetery. Made an additional stop at a isolated horse corral. Horse was a little spooky and didn't offer any photo ops! On eastward.

Decided to check out Clarksville town in lieu of doing the loop around town again. Quiet on a Sunday afternoon. Stopped at a burned out old mansion along Main St. where several kids were playing around.

Not a good idea to follow road into the smoke~!

Zip right along thru Annona, where I noticed lots of white smoke off to the south. Pulled into Liquor Store lot to check it out. Mmmm, looks interesting, I'll need to take a closer look. Rode over to the next road and turned toward the smoky fire. Grass/hay bale fire was evident as I proceeded down the smoky road. Crap, this stuff was getting real heavy, so I made a hasty retreat back to Hwy. 82. Not a good idea!

With the tailwind pushing me along, made the short trip back to Avery in short order. Chatted with the Family Dollar gal, now leaving work at 3:00 PM. Picked up 2 fruit bars (TIP: always get something for the Ms after a ride) and rode home. Nice day in the saddle with a few new sights recorded.


Graceland To Detroit Video



- randorides

Kickapoo Creek Revisited

Route does a loop and crosses Kickapoo Creek twice~!

I've ridden this route many times, since it was the first 100km Rando Route I made when I got to Texas. Made a few changes to the original route, but nothing too drastic. About time I did an informational video

Same start place in Avery, TX and several other of my routes. Either you start at the 7-11 (NO, not the 7-Eleven you're used to seeing everywhere) or the local Dollar Store (which opens at 8:00 AM). It's the 7-11 this time. Rolled over for a late morning start.

Big sign at Phillips Hardwood outside DeKalb, TX

 Grabbed a bar and headed eastward on Hwy. 82 to lite traffic and a headwind. Managed to catch a
little of the NETT (North East Texas Trail) before DeKalb. Nice riding on trail leaves between rows of trees before exiting by the Phillip's Hardwood mill. They have a nice sign there about trees.

Short stop for receipt at the Donut Shop. Lady working today from Cambodia. She kept asking "How are you?" I gave various answers, multiple times before it came to me... she was asking "How old are you?" "Not 80 yet", was my answer. The conversation deteriorated from there as I headed for the door.

Kickapoo Creek south near Boxelder, TX

New route adjustment goes south on Runnels St./FM992. No bike lane and no traffic to speak of. The turn west made for easy riding, as the tailwind pushed me into a false notion that I was fast! Stopped for a dead hog photo.. near the same place as months ago I did have a near-run in with a group of wild boars that nearly took me out on an dark early ride. No traffic along these roads as I turned at the Lydia junction on Road 44 toward Boxelder town.

Met a way-out runner, running in the traffic lanes before Boxelder. Left turn on Rd. 412 in Boxelder. Chev PU was parked in the middle of the road. Driver was out chatting with rancher and another friend. We all waved as I sped by toward the Kickapoo Creek Bridge. Short stop at the Bridge. Water was low and it was quiet. After a few pictures I was off into side winds northward toward Clarksville.

Attack dogs? NO! I put away my Mace bomb!

Big ranches & cotton fields s along FM412 as the sun was out and temps were nearing 70. Good riding weather for December in Texas.

Several miles on dirt road  4115. It was all dried out and fast. Toward the end, I noticed several dogs on the road ahead.. OH, oh. Got out my police certified Mace, shook it up good and got ready. These dogs were friendly and didn't even bark!

Northward to Clarksville on new, rough Co. Rd. 910. Missed several turns in Clarksville, but can't get lost there. Made my usual stop at McDonald's and got the normal poor service. After a hot-fudge sundae topped with GU Gel... bottle refill, I was off thru town and into more headwind riding back to Avery.

Kickapoo Creek north near Annona, TX

Wide bike lane and a bit more traffic as I plowed eastward, hoping the roadside trees would ease the headwind. One picture of note was a photo stop at Kickapoo Creek. Yes, the Creek starts way up north of Annona and goes south by Boxelder before joining Cuthand Creek and then the Sulphur River further south.


Kickapoo Creek Video

- randorides

Choctaw Travel Ride

Choctaw Travel route goes to Oklahoma

73 degrees today~! Time to hit the road. Brief Texas winter warm spell means more comfy riding time. Wanted to get started real early for a short rando route ride, but never got things sorted out till around 11 am. By then it was already "hot", so just a long sleeve Arctic Guard base layer under my black/white Colorado jersey.

Slight headwind as I peddled along on Hwy. 82 westward past Graceland and roadside cut trees. They are someday widening Hwy. 82 from Clarksville to DeKalb. Bike lane was wide, smooth enough and protected most of the way by cut-in rumble strips. Several sections of road repair had been done and some equipment was roadside by bridge upgrades. 

The turn northward on Hwy. 37 @ Clarksville brought tailwinds and smoother riding. Also wide bike lanes here skirted on the left by more rumble strips. More trees and water along the road as I made my way northward easily at 18-20mph with the 38T chain-ring spinning the small cog (10T) on the rear. Several rollers before a cute named town of "Dimple". It was mostly a few homes and a long ago closed store/gas station. Someone had nice multi-level birdhouses out front for sale, which offered a quick photo-op.

As I was crossing the Red River, noticed a group of people on their knees facing east. Huh? Had to stop and check it out. Praying? After further study, looks like they were collecting acorns under this huge tree. After crossing the bridge, a colorful "Oklahoma" sign greeted travelers and then the Choctaw Travel Center.

Ladies poise at Choctaw Travel

Choctaw has only a trailer and food truck active, as they are rebuilding the main building. Had a nice chat with one on the ladies working inside and managed to convince her to poise with her friend for a photo. Left a rando card, filled my bottle at the sink, bought a Milky Way Bar ($1.29) and soon turned southward into a predictable headwind.

Now slogging along much slower than the other way, I did pass a guy on a cruiser bike, riding beside his walking friend on the other side of the road. He seemed little amazed at seeing anyone out here riding. The headwind offered me a chance for more roadside video/photos. I turned around for a nice shot of horses at a pristine stock pond. About that time, someone on a ATV with dogs chasing passed by the field on the other side of the pond. Horses were a little spooked and there went my super video scene. Also stopped at the Hwy. 82 jct., to capture some video of the holiday decorated wagon at the BBQ stand.

2-level outhouse...we know who's on the bottom!

Eastward on Hwy. 82 was busier with pre-Christmas traffic. Wide bike lanes made it tolerable. I stopped at Annona to check out some decked out Jeeps for sale. I thought they were a little overpriced @ $10,900. Nearing Avery, did a turn around and took a shot of this tall outhouse. It had two doors: one on top labeled "Politicians" and the one under it labelled "Voters". I take it shit falls down and ...well, you know the rest. Further down the road was a unique metal work of the Loch Ness Monster "Nessy" buried part way in the ground. Looked real enough for a digital shot.

Still nice and warm as I rolled into the Avery 7-11. Picked up 2 slices of pizza to take home for the Ms. Overall good day for a rando ride.

Choctaw Travel Video

- randorides

Holiday Spirit: Spoke Lights For The Windmill

December weather around here has been up and down. Days of 30 degree mornings followed by paltry highs of only 48F~! Then the next week some rain, clearing skies and temps going up to hi 60's. Sure unlike San Diego weather for riding... cool mornings(jackets) followed by quick warm-ups and arm-warmer riding all day. I finding out the winds here are generally from the SE or SW and kicks your butt if you venture out into open pastureland. Not to be dismayed, I am starting to dial it in for the shorter rando type rides. Not much daylight for the longer stuff.

Old windmill near North East Texas Trail

Holiday season is upon us and I thought I would light up the old windmill for all to see. It's an old 8' tall specimen that the previous home owner left with the house. All white, with some bent legs, etc. I managed to take the head off, open it up, clean and grease up the bushings. Spins real easy now. Also painted the blades with the patriotic red, white and blue. This took hours to finish.. Cleaning, prepping and masking off. Hopefully it will hold up to the weather.

The tower was easy enough to put lights on. I ordered some of those multi-colored string lights with the remote controller. It's a 110v to DC system with an inline controller box. Putting the string lights on the tower took several tries... at first I followed the diagonal braces with the lights, but later found out it didn't show well at night. I changed that over to following the legs and horizontal braces. Shows much better now. Also how to attach the string lights to the tower? Of course, zip ties? I kept re-routing the lights, so opted for some tough Duck Tape..white of course. Small strips. Should last for a month.

Next up was the tail-fin. Couldn't use the 110V string lights, since the tail would be rotating every time the wind changes. Opted for a AA-battery pak string lights.. like we used to use on the bike frames. Bolted the pak onto the fin and used little clips to hold the string lights on the fin outline. The batteries seem to last about 4 nights. You can change the pattern with a remote. White lights.

Paint and lights for nighttime cheers!

Now for the spinning blades. That was the easiest one. Bolted on two opposing spoke lights. These had to be waterproof and sturdy. For sure. The only work when your wheel is moving and it's dark out. Perfect. Each had only one AAA battery. I opted for the Energizer Li batteries vs the cheaper ones. These lights show different colors and patterns, depending on the blade speed. No wind = no light! Saving batteries. Quite a show when the wind blows hard. These lights shut off with a button on the side.

We turn the lights on in the evening when the sun sets... and off just after sunrise.
I ended up making a short video of this project:

Windmill Lights Video

- randorides

Back On The Dirt Again...Never A Dull Moment Here

Yes, the real Graceland Ranch

Here we go again. Things have settled down somewhat and now have a half-butt riding schedule. My TX Rando routes now number only 2, but 4 more in the works...including Graceland To Detroit & Walmart To Woodstock! Yes, there is a Woodstock and Graceland here.. not far from our place either! Surprised at how many forests and logging roads around here.

I'll be passing along my SD area routes to the hard working RBA there...Dave Danovsky. Tried to convince several SDrandos to take them over, but seems the liability issue is a concern. There are many great, hard routes...including MTB and various gravel routes too. I'm sure some will be chucked and die out... but the videos & memories will live on!

Alan Gustin riding RAT-1000 on the NETT

Been busy with various house things, exploring new gravel routes and NETT (North East Texas
Trail), which is just behind the house. Met a rider the other day on the Trail over by Dekalb(Alan Gustin) riding the RAT-1000 as an ITT (Race Across Texas-1000miles). Never heard of that one, so I checked things out and cobbled together the route. Already rode some of that.. mostly all gravel roads, but zigs and zags all over the place, making it's way west to NMexico. I'll do that whole thing soon. It's a bikepacker route. I'm not set up for overnights, just long rides now. OH, Alan had to bail out after 2 days due to achilles tendon pain and not keeping to his planned schedule.

Robert Axle Project Thru-Axle for Diverge gravel bike

Weather here is a whole lot different that the SD area weather. It actually rains here! That means I had to set up the trainer. Well, the Specialized Diverge gravel bike's axle wouldn't fit, so had to order a special axle from Robert's Axle Project. Hi-quality thru-axle for the trainer that you can just leave-on for gravel riding also. A little pricey too. Modified my old Performance Bike basic trainer to fit the wider axles. Just cut down the right side axle holder by 1/2". put it back together and added some Loctite Red to the shaft/sleeve connection. Bingo, that worked good.

North East Texas Trail (NETT) just behind house.

Zaharah has a newish bike now. Specialized Roll. Nice riding bike with wide 2.1" tires and single chain-ring. Set it up on the trainer for her during the rainy days. Joe Morgan sent it out from his shop in Temecula... packed with goodies and of course, super-deal mode.

Been lagging on my video work. Have lots of footage, but just haven't put it together as a viable story/route yet. Plenty of roads & paths to include around here. In the meantime, I managed to join the LSR (Lone Star Randonneurs) To ride a LSR Brevet around here, you need to not only be a RUSA member, but also join up LSR. Many of their brevets start around Dallas/Fort Worth area...a whole lotta miles from home.

- randorides

Road Finds In Texas

Avery, TX: NE Texas Trail is behind far treeline

Yes, finally made the move to our place in Avery, TX. A little different here from San Marcos, CA, not only the weather, but the riding is too. Now living next to the undeveloped NE Texas Trail.. longest one in Texas when complete.


OH, done some recon on thatTrail already.. wrong bike.. gravel bike...Diverge with 650b tires... needed swamp buggy tires and mosquito repellent instead. As I indicated.. undeveloped RR bed... now.


Been riding around doing route recon mostly of late. Have 2 new local rando approved routes and hopefully more on the way. These farm to market (FM) roads have # instead of names.. haven't seen figured out the numbering sequence yet.. 1701...3315, etc. \

Only store in town: A real 7-11?

No traffic to speak of. Clean and chip seal is rougher than the CA version. Minimal trash roadside, unlike CA land. Drivers swing wide and wave. Probably think I'm lost.. which I have been already.

Rode up to Oklahoma the other day by accident. Just kept going, looking for a "Welcome" sign. Never did see one. Only managed 2 road finds so far. A nice pristine Texas DOT jacket and a .38 cal. semi-auto gun! What a state!

 More later when I get things sorted out.

- randorides