I'm calling this new route the Horse Country Loop, and I'm pleased that I had enough time on Saturday to get out and explore it. Because, with a little advance planning, a new route means new gravel.
I left early and headed southeast to Aubrey, Texas. The forecast called for a stiff wind from the southeast, and I wanted to stretch the mileage a bit. Since winter has eroded my fitness significantly, I knew I'd need a little help on the return.
The first refreshment stop was at the FM 428 Greenbelt Trail access. I parked ol' Homer by a picnic table and unpacked the goodies.
But the wind had picked up considerably, so I found a spot to enjoy my coffee in peace. As I sat there, I pondered how I preferred 5% climbs with a tailwind over descents with a headwind, and I pondered the crazy whitecaps I saw on stock ponds. Unfortunately it wasn't time to turn around just yet. I had more wind to face.
There were a few more new gravel roads to explore.
After a cloudy, grey start, the sun finally appeared, and it was tailwind time!
Since I was enjoying the tailwind and scenery so much, I didn't stop often for horse farm photos, but I will testify that there has been some serious money spent on the horse business in the vicinity of Aubrey, Texas.
I began to lose my energy as I returned to more familiar roads. When I came over a ridge, and finally had Sanger in sight, I spotted a pleasant little hillside for rest stop number two. How pleasant it is to sit back and enjoy warm 75 degree sunshine, refuel, and refresh.
I had just enough in me to finish the route and add the Horse Country Loop to my quiver of excellent north Texas country routes.
In all these pictures - not a single horse! You tease!
ReplyDeleteNew gravel. It's a blissful thing, isn't it? Glad you got out
ReplyDeleteAh yes. I miss those quite back country roads enjoyed in peace whilst wearing shorts.
ReplyDeleteToday, I went for a walk, in -20 (C) with windchill of -38(C).
I look forward to what you're enjoying right now. Keep enjoying it!
Looks like a beautiful route, and it's always great to discover new roads. IT seems like your riding into the headwind paid off.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy the creek photos.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet those horse fences literally cost a fortune. The horse business is like no other.
ReplyDeleteWe are like raw meat in the early-season head winds.
Lately, I also have come to the conclusion that tailwind climbs are much better than headwind descents. Great photos. I didn't miss the horses.
ReplyDelete