Lake Murray State Park

We have returned from our annual Lake Murray trip, I had a good but very difficult ride to Turner Falls and back for about 74 miles which included climbing the "mountain" to the top of the Arbuckle Mountains. Our local Dallas club met up with the Ardmore Oklahoma Cycling Club and the testing began, well I did not do so good but I did finish the ride and was not alone at the finish. The Ardmore folks were great, they took us on a nice route with back roads and little traffic, some even stopped for a break in Gene Autry Oklahoma at the Gene Autry museum and got pictures taken with Ellie May Clampitt who was there for a festival.
Sunday morning I woke up in the old CCC bunkhouse and walked down to the lake, had my coffee and watched the sunrise, (photo above) I also fished for a little while but caught nothing on a very beautiful morning. We had reserved the 2 bunkhouses at the State Park and they were nice and rustic, built with thick stone walls and indoor/outdoor fireplaces. These cabins are from the 30's, built by the CCC and do show their age, however they are comfortable and handle large groups well and are very private and far removed from any other cabins. We will use these cabins again next year

Below is my Mountain bike with the new fishing rod holder I made for it, I use it to ride to my secret fishing hole about 3 miles from home. I found this spot while looking for a shortcut home after finishing a Saturday group ride. It should also be nice on our Camping trips and a planned trip to Galveston State Park.
Last week I was working in the garage and took a break for lunch, I came back out to find this little box turtle checking out the bicycles. When I was finished in the garage I left the door up for another couple of hours and he disappeared.

Proud people don't litter

Dennis

HHH 2009

Before we headed to Wichita Falls Bobby and I got in our usual weekday sail, this time we went on Wednesday night and became the spectator fleet for the Night races. You can see the fishing rod in the picture and when the drag started screaming my hands were full trimming sails and steering while reeling in a nice Hybrid Striper about 19 inches long, it worked out well as Bobby came up from a project he was working on in the cabin and took control of the boat.

Michele and I had another good ride at this years HHH, thanks to Paul on his bent for taking this picture of us as he caught and passed us, we of course were reunited at the 98 mile outlaw beer stop. The rally set an attendance record with over 14,000 riders and the Tandems had to start with the mass start, which got us off to a slow start. The temperature was 64 at the start and all went well until just after the 80 mile mark when the front tire developed a blister and would thump on every revolution. I had to reduce the pressure down to about 35 lbs to smooth it out and nor wear a hole in the blistered spot on the tire. We also slowed down and limped the last 20 miles and still averaged 18.8 for 103.51 miles. With a failing tire there were no more 35 mph descents.

We took our camping trailer and camped with a group of friends at the rv lot close to all the activities and had a great time there, kind of a rally the wagons atmosphere.

We watched a lot of races and my friend Aaron took 2nd place in the cat 2 mountain bike race, he then took me out Sunday and we rode the very technical course along the river and greenbelt. This is a nice mountain bike trail and also has a multipurpose trail, I think we might go back and camp and ride this again.

The grass is indeed greener on the other side of the fence but I think I am finally halfway up the fence and closer to crossing over. Hey Gary enjoy New Mexico!!!

Dennis