Katy Trail

Never been to the Katy Trail (big brother of the Frisco) so when some friends asked if Deb and I wanted to go for a 50 mile stroll it was hard to it pass up. It was the end of my rest/recovery week and the timing couldn't have been better... in more ways than one. Deb was a little anxious as she had no ridden (even on the tandem) longer than 2:15hrs and I reassured her that she would make it easily even though we would be in the saddle for close to 4 hrs.

7:45am Sunday we loaded up with the Kemps and pointed their rig north. We met Lou and Shelly and Bruce and Vickie Morgan (Marla's sister and brother-in-law and blog virgins) at Hartsburg; the starting (and return) point for today's journey. The temps were in the low 60's at the start and turns out a better day weather wise could have been had. No one was in a hurry so everyone settled into a good rhythm that would guarantee everyone's completion.

The Katy is super maintained (compared to the FT) and has enough scenery going on to kill the potential boredom of the super flat and straight trail. Deb and I started goofing around with Lou and Wes and working on city (ok, city is a overkill - township is better description), county, creek crossing signs and I think the Jones crew took ended up 1 or 2 ahead of Lou (but who's counting... right Lou?). We made our way to Rocheport (25 miles) and the Harris' had already scouted out a great winery/restaurant (Les Bourgeois) on a scenic overlook just outside (and up a pretty steep climb) of town. Great pick for eats (and overlook).

When we mounted back up for the return trip the temps had dropped and I actually got chilly a couple times on the cruise back (IS IT REALLY STILL AUGUST?!?!?!). We took a handful of breaks on the way back to give some of the folks a 'rump rest'.

Funny thing during the return when a guy rolled up (from behind) and started up a little chat. During this he let us know that one of the best Thai in the US (yes, he said the US) is just ahead at the marina and that folks from New York come just to eat there. He went on his way and we all tried to remember passing a restaurant at a marina, but not too far up the trail we passed Cooper's Landing marina/restaurant. From the looks of it (redneck trailer park/campground scene from an episode of Cops) there is no way I am putting it on my 'must eat at' list.

After a little over 4hrs (total) we concluded our ride. It was fun to see Deb proud to have ridden 52 miles; she did great and we had a fun time with the group. On the way back we knocked out some Andy's (a good topper of the day).

Jake watched Ian the entire day while we were gone and looked like both were glad (more like relieved) to have us back. Ian and I caught up on some baseball scores and Jake scooted out for a run in the cool air. Jake does a great job taking care of his little bro and that makes leaving them together for an extended time easier.

Deb and I are looking to come back in the fall (during the turn of the leaves) mid-week for some more of the Katy.