A Fine Day in Texas

Hello Everyone,

I wrote this email yesterday, but it doesn't seem to have been sent out. So, today is a double barrel email day.

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I stopped in at a gun store a few days back. Didn't end up buying anything, but wanted to wander around and see gun culture for myself. It was very interesting, and true to stereotype, there was a big truck in the parking lot with a "Veterans for Trump" bumper sticker. I'm currently in the parking lot of a library, about to go use their free wifi, and the car in front of me, a reasonable sedan, has a "Pro America, Anti Trump" bumper sticker. Now, I don't want to say all stereotypes are correct, but it's pretty funny when they match up with reality.

Today was a very fine day. It wasn't cold when I woke up, I found my way to the trails I wanted to ride without issue, passed by my first gated community in doing so, and had a great time on some fun and easy trails. Arthur and I did about 20 km, so needless to say, there's a tired puppy next to me.

Today was also the first really warm, bordering on hot, day of my travels. My truck's readout says it's 26 C, and it's mostly sunny. That's been a nice break, as it has allowed me to get rid of some of the dampness in the camper. When it's been wet and cold, I haven't opened the vents much, but today I could air it out pretty well.

Yesterday, the locals I met were all younger guys, who were looking to hit some of the jumps they had built on those trails. Today, the locals were all gentlemen over 50 who were looking to log some cardio on their high end, way more than is necessary, primo bikes. These were hard packed earthen trails, with the occasional root or rock garden. You could ride them on a street bike.

Again today, the people I've spoken to all recommended Arkansas as a great place to ride. This does not make me feel better, but Texas has definitely been a breath of fresh air after my disappointing experiences. Not only have the people been very nice, and the trails fun, but I even took the time to walk around the downtown of Fort Worth yesterday evening. It was lovely. Arthur drank from the fountain in the central square and got scratched behind the ear by the security guard in charge.

Did I mention that gas is cheap here? Best I've seen is $2.07 for a gallon. You should look up the conversion on that.

Tomorrow is a travel day, and given my positive experiences here, I'm looking forward to the next leg of the trip.

wes