Krause Loop

Memorial Day weekend started early for the HCD. We chose (thanks the the Badger!) a phenomenal track. Leaving from HP and 12, we rolled down Hamilton Pool, then a northern, counterclockwise loop. Mauricio joined us, an awesome surprise. Fresh off his trifecta at the Driveway, I think our 65 mile endurance pace proved to be a nice recovery pace for our cat3, HCD graduate.Whatever the circumstances, it's always awesome to roll with Mauricio.Along with ME and Panozz, we had the old faithfuls, Hoodie, Badger and Ullrich.We kept a nice, manageable pace throughout the ride, perfect endurance pace for ME. Everyone has a slightly different endurance pace, but the ride wasn't long enough to seriously blow any gaskets. Ullrich PR'd his climb out of Pedernales. Well done bro!

Top 7 Ride Highlights:

1. Saw this guy when we stopped for a bio break. So cute.

 Tarantula Season!!

2. Hill country views aplenty! This route is spectacular, if a little on the dry side. Make sure you bring three bottles. And stop at the C-Store on 71 bu Opies.

HCD at the Apex

3. Big, Fast, and (thanks Jesus!) Friendly Dog

On the way south we were greeted by a diesel-like lab. He sprung outta the bushes and acted as my wingman for about a minute of balls-out sprinting. If there was malice in his heart, I would have had teeth in my calf.

4. Caliche, or Texas Rube-Hay

Having just done this stretch on Shovel Mountain Road a few weeks back, I was looking forward to hitting it again. Caliche is always different. Really depends on the weather, and I guess the timeframe since it was last graded/augmented. Today it was a little soft. Hard work. Then I punctured. It was a pinch flat, caused by ME bouncing my flabby carcASS all over the caliche. Then, in my haste to change, I didn't fully align the bead. Hence, puncture #2. This one was more entertaining, as it sounded like a gun. Sorry fellas.

5. Green-dressed country girl

I will say no more. For details ask Ullrich.

6. Pedernales bridge crossing

We bombed to descent into the Pedernales, taking the turn a little wide. This surprised a middle-aged woman who was standing on the bridge. She SHRIEKED. This was entertaining.

7.  Good company

Needs no explanation. Except we saw Wayne Ziegler headed the other way on HP. We were in the home stretch. He was just getting rolling. Wayne, you need to ride with us!!