Navasota, Tx. (Pop. 7,643)

After leaving the Double J's, I headed west. I was a bit concerned about today's ride, feeling pretty beat after yesterday’s effort and expecting to take another beating today. The weather forecast called for southerly winds at 18 mph, overcast skies, and a slight chance of rain. I wasn’t too worried about the rain, but the wind and hills could make the day significantly harder. What was I to do? Quit? Sure, I could have, but I decided one more day wouldn’t kill me.

I rode west for 15 miles on a fairly busy road with almost no shoulder to speak of. I’m usually pretty good at riding straight when I’m completely focused, but this shoulder was just a bit too narrow. Riding on it meant vehicles zoomed past, scaring the living daylights out of me. Nothing puts the fear of God in you like a semi-truck flying by while you cling to the shoulder for dear life. Along the way, I passed Lake Conroe in the Sam Houston National Park. It was stunning, and I stopped briefly to snap a picture before pressing on.

After those fifteen miles, I turned onto a less-traveled road, which brought much-needed peace for the rest of the day. I passed through more beautiful countryside and, fortunately, encountered no barking, bike-hungry dogs.

The last ten miles of the ride were on the road leading into Navasota. It was busy but had a nice, wide shoulder, allowing me to put some distance between myself and the traffic. The downside was a stiff headwind, slightly from the left, making those miles a bit of a grind. About five miles outside Navasota, I passed Chuck Norris's ranch, aptly named Lone Wolf Ranch. I threw a few playful karate chops as I passed, but I doubt Chuck noticed or cared.

Battling through the wind, I eventually arrived at Classic Rock Coffee Company, where Dana had been waiting while I wrestled with the wind. She treated me to a hot mocha latte, which mostly mollified my weary spirit.
We’re now settled in a Walmart parking lot and planning to visit a downtown restaurant before turning in for the night. Tomorrow will undoubtedly bring its own challenges, but for now, we’re enjoying the hot, humid Texas weather.

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