Camp Wood (4.5 miles south) to Lost Maples State Natural Area – April 12

It rained lightly overnight but stopped just long enough in the morning for us to make our lunches and eat breakfast. I got on the road around 8 am with 3 of the other riders.  The rain and drizzle returned and stayed with us for the remainder of the ride, stopping briefly every once in a while.  Today’s 46 mile ride include 3 good climbs and descents with over 4,000 feet of climbing.

The first climb occurred just before the town of Leakey.  I was cautious on the descent because of the wet road surface, poor visibility, and occasional vehicle.   We stopped in Leakey at Tina’s Kitchen and ordered Havous Ranchero.  

After the big meal I was ready for the next two climbs and the remainder of the ride to the campgrounds. The climbs were shorter in distance than some of the climbs earlier in this trip but the grade was steep.  Once we reached the top of he climbs we were in the low hanging clouds where the visibility was low and the rain was coming down a little harder.  I continued to take the cautious approach riding down the hills. 

I enjoyed the climbing today and as usual can take the hills fairly easy.  I think the high volume of cross country skiing that I do in the winter helps with my conditioning. 

We are camping tonight at the Lost Maples State Natural Area. 

Hidden deep in a remote Hill Country canyon lies a fall color display that rivals any found in New England.  Each November at Lost Maples State Natural Area, big tooth maple trees transform into a spectacular blaze of red, yellow and orange hues.  During the rest of the year…. visitors can enjoy – steep, rugged limestone canyons, bubbling springs, plateau grasslands, wooded slopes and clear stream.

From a park brochure