As you can imagine, the breakfast conversation this morning centered around a single, stubborn word: headwinds. After the brutal battle from Sanderson to Del Rio yesterday, we were hoping for a reprieve. Today was certainly gentler, but the breeze remained our constant companion, pressing firmly against our faces with every pedal stroke. It’s the kind of resistance that can wear you down if you let it—but we have a secret weapon against the wind.
The Power of Perspective
Jeff has a gift for keeping the mood light. Every so often, he’ll shout out the question: “Hey John, what are you doin’ today?”
In perfect unison, at the top of our lungs, we roar back: “I’M RIDING MY BIKE ACROSS THE COUNTRY!” It’s impossible to feel defeated when you’re shouting that truth into the open air. We aren’t just fighting the wind; we are witnessing the transformation of a continent. Today, the landscape began to shift. We saw our first real trees in what feels like forever—waving at us from fields of tall grass, hardy shrubs, and sprawling, majestic ranches. We even shared the road with our first Longhorn cattle, who seemed completely unimpressed by our cross-country stats.
Fuel for the Soul (and the Legs)
The miles pass faster when the air is filled with music. Our little JBL Clip 4 is the unsung hero of this trip, pouring tunes into the wind and fueling our spirits when the grade gets steep.
Lunch today was a moment of pure, unadulterated “magnificence.” We found refuge under the shade of an ancient Oak tree. Having not seen huge trees in weeks it was a true gift to dine under it’s outstretched branches.
The ritual that saves us? Our Swift cold brew instant coffee. It’s a total game-changer. Fully fueled by lunch calories and high-octane caffeine, we headed back out to see more of this great land, one mile at a time.
The Final Twist
With 18 miles left, we stopped to refill our bottles and grab a few snacks. As we turned North toward Camp Wood, a glimmer of hope sparked: Surely, if we change direction, the headwind will become a tailwind? Or at least a side-push?
Nope.
Mother Nature clearly has a sense of humor. The moment we turned North, the wind shifted as well. It was a difficult reality to swallow—closing out the day with a steady climb directly into the same resistance we’d been fighting since breakfast.
A Refreshing Finish
But joy has a way of showing up right when you’re about to crack. Our buddy Daryl, a veteran of this route, remembered a hidden gem just four miles from our destination. We detoured under a bridge to find a gorgeous, crystal-clear river.
Without a second thought, Daryl and Jeff dove straight in—bike kits and all! That final ride into Camp Wood was the best kind of “wet and wild,” a cooling breeze finally working for us as we pulled up to our home for the night: The Cowboy Motel.
Finding joy in the little things—a shout, a song, a shade tree, or a river dunk—is Jeff’s specialty. And honestly? It’s making this journey better than I ever expected.
