Day #28 Texas Triumphs! Beating the Rain to Lumberton

What a great day on the road! The C2C team tackled a well-earned "easier" leg today, cruising 68 miles from Cleveland to Lumberton, Texas. After some long, challenging days, the flatter terrain, lighter traffic, and mercifully fewer hills were a welcome relief—a perfect recharge before our big push tomorrow.

The biggest win of the day was staying ahead of the weather. We kept a great pace, successfully beating the incoming rain clouds and making it to Lumberton completely dry. The clear skies we rode under made for some beautiful Texas scenery.

The Charms of East Texas

Today’s route gave us a perfect slice of Americana. As we passed through Thicket, TX, we stumbled upon a true old-fashioned spectacle: a community-run "Turkey Shoot" fundraiser! It was a fantastic, unexpected sight and a fun reminder of the unique local culture we get to experience every day on this journey.

Earlier in the day, we were treated to beautiful, expansive views as we crossed the majestic Trinity River. These moments—the long bridge crossings and the wide-open country views—are the ones that remind us how incredible this continent-spanning adventure truly is.

Gearing Up for Louisiana

We are all settled in Lumberton tonight, and the energy is high. We know tomorrow is a massive day—an 82-mile haul to DeRidder, which will see us finally cross into a new state: Louisiana! And the best part? That big ride delivers us straight to our much-anticipated day off on Monday!

For now, the focus is on recovery and refueling. We’ve heard great things, and we are absolutely buzzing to sink into some proper down-home country cooking at Tia Juanita's Fish Camp this evening. Nothing better than a great meal to cap off a successful ride and prepare for a new state!

See you on the other side of the Texas/Louisiana line!

Google Photos Link

Strava Activity Link

No DQ- No Problem...off to Sonic!

🚴 Day #27: Ghosts, Forests, and Texas Hospitality

What a treat of a day! Today’s 76-mile ride was a welcome shift, clocking in at 2,550 feet of climbing from Navasota to Cleveland, Texas. With ideal weather and blessedly no wind, it was one of those days where the miles seemed to melt away beneath the tires.

🛣️ The Ride: Witches, Traffic, and Sam Houston Forest

While the route was easier on the legs, the early afternoon brought a bit of a challenge: traffic. It seems all of Texas was heading out for the start of the weekend and, of course, the big Halloween celebrations. There were some moments that were definitely a little scary (as you might expect on October 31st!), but everyone remained safe — a huge relief!

The true highlight of the day was the absolutely beautiful riding through the majestic Sam Houston National Forest and crossing Lake Conroe. The crisp autumn air and the changing leaves made for a spectacular backdrop to the miles. It was a perfect blend of challenging distance and stunning scenery.

🍽️ A Sweet End to Halloween

After a long day in the saddle, we found the perfect spot for dinner at the Ranch Hand Cafe Nothing beats a great country dinner when you're burning this many calories!

And the Halloween magic didn't stop there. Back at the hotel, there was a surprise dessert waiting! A huge thanks to Jody for providing a wonderfully fine finish to a memorable Halloween. It was the perfect little treat to cap off a successful day.

We're feeling strong and well-fed as we get ready to say goodbye to the Lone Star State. Tomorrow, we're off to Lumberton, TX, for our final full day riding across Texas!

Google Photos Link

Strava Activity Link

Chasing Texas History from La Grange to Navasota! 🚴‍♀️🤠

What a fantastic day for a Texas Hill Country adventure! Our latest chapter of Project 2950 took us on a challenging but utterly rewarding 78-mile journey from La Grange to Navasota, Texas. We knew going in that we had some serious work ahead—a stout 3,200 feet of climbing and those legendary Central Texas breezes—but honestly, we were so immersed in the spectacular countryside and local history, we barely noticed the rolling hills!

The day started with a true Texas chill in the air, a refreshing crispness that kept us moving for the first hour. But as the sun climbed, the weather turned absolutely beautiful, bathing the gently rolling fields in golden light. This stretch of Texas is a genuine slice of paradise, and the historic atmosphere started almost immediately.

From Longhorns to Living History

One of our first and most unforgettable highlights came early: the sight of a truly fabulous, large Texas Longhorn, grazing majestically in a pasture. It was a perfect, inspiring reminder that we were deep in the heart of the Lone Star State. Shortly after, we were diving headfirst into history.

Our route led us right past the Texas Cotton Gin Museum (in nearby Burton), a remarkable landmark housing the oldest operating cotton gin in America. Stopping to appreciate the sheer scale of the historic machinery gave us a moment to reflect on the agricultural roots that shaped this region.

Exploring Historic Independence

The heart of our historical tour came in the charming, quiet town of Independence, Texas. This place is a treasure trove of early Texas history. The highlight was definitely visiting the ruins of the Old Baylor University site (known as Old Baylor Park at Windmill Hill). Seeing the surviving stone columns of the original Female College campus—a symbol of the oldest institution of higher learning in Texas—was incredibly poignant.

We also took time to admire the other historic structures dotting the town, including restored 19th-century homes and historic churches that pre-date the Civil War. It’s hard to beat cycling past structures that witnessed the birth of the Republic of Texas. The local air is thick with history, making every turn a step back in time.

Fun was had by all as we powered through the mileage, the breathtaking scenery and historical sites proving to be the perfect distraction from the effort. Those 3,200 feet climbed felt less like a daunting challenge and more like a series of beautiful, undulating viewpoints. Even the legendary Central Texas breezes were just a mild-mannered push from Mother Nature to keep us focused.

---

🎃 Next Up: Cleveland (Texas!)

We’re ready to roll again! With Halloween upon us, we’re looking for another great ride, anything but scary! Our next adventure takes us into the Piney Woods region as we head toward Cleveland, Texas—yes, the one near the Sam Houston National Forest, not the one by Lake Erie! Stay tuned for more scenic miles!

Google Photos Album

Strava Activity Link

🤠 Day 25: Trading Austin's Bustle for the Beauty of Rural Texas

What a difference a day makes! We left the energy—and traffic—of Austin behind for the beautiful, quieter roads that will carry us toward Louisiana. The ride from Austin to La Grange, TX, was a welcome change, putting us deeper into the heart of the Lone Star State's scenic country.

---

The Ride: Wind and a Welcome Addition

Conditions were challenging but ultimately favorable: cool and very windy, but with just enough of a push to help us cover 75+ miles with 2,250 feet of climbing. It felt great to swap city hustle for the rhythm of the rural roads.

The team was happy to have an extra set of strong legs join the pace line, with rider Anthony jumping in for the last 12 miles. All in all, it was a pretty easy and enjoyable day in the saddle, proving that good company and a clear goal make the miles fly by.

---

A Tale of Two Rivers and a Poignant Stop

Today's ride brought us across the Colorado River, a name that can confuse anyone who's familiar with the massive, canyon-carving river out west! Here's the fascinating Texas history behind the name:

• The Texas Colorado River gets its name from the Spanish word for "red" or "reddish" (colorado).

• Spanish explorers, including Alonso de León in the 1690s, used the term Río Colorado for a river whose waters appeared reddish from clay and sediment.

• Most historians agree that the Spanish actually named what is now the Brazos River the "Colorado" first! Over time and through various mapping errors and confusion, the names of the two major Texas rivers were interchanged, leaving the Colorado River in Texas with a name that means "red" despite its often-clearer waters. The two rivers share a name but are not connected.

At our lunch stop in Smithville, we paused for a moment of reflection at the Veterans Memorial Park. This powerful memorial space honors the brave men and women who have served the US since the Texas War for Independence in 1836. The park features monuments and plaques, including a moving angel statue that represents the great sacrifice made by those who defended our country's principles. Stops like this put our own efforts into perspective and remind us what we are riding for.

---

The Simple Pleasures of Farm Country

We certainly weren't lonely on the road today! We enjoyed the constant company of various farm animals: chickens, cows, sheep, and goats, along with the ubiquitous—and very loud—chorus of barking canines who always let us know we're passing through their territory.

Tomorrow, we continue our eastward push with a 78-mile trek to Navasota, TX. With each passing day, we are getting closer to the coast and, more importantly, closer to the finish line in Louisiana this Sunday!

Google Photos Link

Strava Activity Link

Mighty Colorado (TX version!)

Day 24: Conquering the Hill Country—Fredericksburg to Austin

A perfect day on the bikes after our much-needed rest day! The Texas Hill Country has been built up in legend, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. We clipped in for a challenging but rewarding 84 mile and 4,000-foot elevation gain ride from the historic German town of Fredericksburg right into the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin.

The legendary Hill Country terrain certainly brought the climbs, but the sheer beauty of the landscape—rolling ranchland, dramatic views, and classic Texas scenery—was more than enough reward. We were blessed with a favorable wind that made the long day manageable, and the weather was absolutely great for riding—sunshine and clear skies all the way.

A fun highlight, and a sure sign you're deep in the country, was spotting the burros! A shout out to the farm where we saw them: Donkey Oaties (get it!).

The C2C ride is about the journey and the people. A massive shout-out today to Rich and Jim, our "Loss Hombres." The strength and spirit they bring to this project, riding in memory of their children who were lost too early to accident and illness, inspire us all. We ride with them, and we hold those memories close with every pedal stroke. We are honored to share this road with such supportive, resilient men.

The only true downside of the day was the final approach. Once we hit the Austin suburbs, the traffic and urban route for the last 15+ miles was a test of focus, requiring extreme caution as we navigated busy roads to our overnight stop. It was a stark reminder of the transition from remote country roads to a major metropolitan center.

Tired legs tonight, but spirits are high! Tomorrow, it's on to Day #25 for a 76-mile ride to LaGrange, TX—home of that famous little ol' place in Texas. Bring on the miles, and maybe some ZZ Top!

Google Photos Link

Strava Activity Link

Rich and Jim - our "Loss Hombres"!

Rest and Reflection in Fredericksburg: Day 23 of Project 2950

What a feeling! Today marks Day 23 of Project 2950, and we are thrilled to be spending our much-needed rest day in the beautiful town of Fredericksburg, Texas. We’ve hit the halfway point of this incredible journey, and the mood is one of accomplishment, reflection, and eager anticipation for the second half.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

One of the most rewarding aspects of this ride so far has been watching the team truly come together. There were certainly moments early on where we were just a collection of individuals tackling the same challenge, but now? We’re a cohesive unit. Everyone is looking out for each other, sharing the load, and providing the encouragement needed on the toughest stretches of road. It’s inspiring to see how a shared goal and mutual struggle can forge such strong bonds.

Challenges Met and Miles Logged

Let's be honest—this hasn't been a leisurely pedal. The challenges have been real, from relentless headwinds to grueling elevation climbs and the sheer physical toll of cycling day after day. But that's exactly what makes this project so rewarding: every challenge we've faced has been tough but obtainable. 

The sites along the way have been nothing short of amazing, offering constant reminders of the beauty and diversity of the landscapes we're riding through. From sweeping vistas to quiet backroads, the scenery has provided the perfect backdrop for our mission.

Ready for the Second Half

A good rest day is more than just sleeping in; it's about recharging the mind and body, tuning up the bikes, and preparing for the road ahead. We are fueled up, stretched out, and ready for the second half of Project 2950, which kicks off tomorrow. The miles won't get any easier, but with this team and the lessons we've learned over the past three weeks, we know we can tackle anything.

Take a Look!

For a deeper dive into the journey so far, be sure to check out the photo album! You'll get a glance at some of the incredible wildlife we’ve encountered and, of course, some snaps of our own “wild” riders enduring the elements and celebrating the wins.

Thank you for following along and sending your good wishes! We’ll check in again soon from the open road!

Google Photos - Midride Extras