Tour des Forts - Junction, TX

May 23 and 24, 2009

The ride had a 100 mile option along with several varied distances that could be completed using transportation provided by the numerous SAG vehicles that covered the ride. The very scenic route went west out of Junction and then north through Fort McKavett and Menard before returning south to Junction. The 9 rest stops all had toilets and some amount of refreshments. One of the most noted complaints was the lack of supplies at the earlier rest stops. Some had nothing but water available.
Check in Friday night was easy, but only large and extra large shirts were available no matter what size you requested at early registration. There was an accompanying pasta meal at the city park Friday night along with sausages on a stick and baked potatoes at the end of the ride. A bad storm around Menard towards the end of the ride stranded several riders at a couple of rest stops in that area. The SAG wagons quickly travelled up to pick up the riders and their bikes that did not feel comfortable riding through the weather.
There was also a Sunday morning ride from the Kimble County courthouse to South Llano State Park for a breakfast destination. It was a great chance to loosen up the legs from the day before and a good way to get to know other riders in a way that you don’t normally get to at most of the weekend rides.
Overall the ride was beautiful (lots of wildflowers) and a good test of condition. It was lightly attended I guess due to the holiday and the location. One good thing about the location is the lack of traffic. The few drivers that I saw made special effort to move well over in the road and waved with all five fingers, an unusual gesture here in the Metroplex! I plan to go back next year.