We arrived safely in Austin TX about noon today.  The day started well as the new patch I applied to my rear inner tube was holding air this morning.   We packed bags and ate the complimentary breakfast at the hotel and were on the road before 8.

We were back on TX 71 with its wide shoulders and traffic and a few miles into the ride passed a sign  AUSTIN 24 MILES.  It was hard to believe it was so close.  We rode the first 14 or so, before stopping to get a snack and soda at a McDonald's where we ran into an older gentleman who know quite a lot of the roads in west TX.   He gave us several insights to the various towns we'll soon be passing through, and then left us with a bit of trivia.  The road we'll be riding to the McDonald Observatory is the highest altitude paved road in TX.  Then he wished us well, smiled and was on his way.

The final 10 miles into Austin were pretty uneventful until a we had to make our way through the intersection of TX 71 and US 183. Let's just leave it that we were cautious, very happy it was Sunday and not a weekday, and totally relieved when we exited onto city streets shortly thereafter.  We found a convenience store that had an amazing taco corner and relaxed for a few minutes while we looked at our route to downtown Austin and the REI store.

Bikes are everywhere in Austin and the ride to REI was no more stressful than riding in downtown Sioux City Iowa.  We missed the REI store by a block, but a quick sidewalk consultation with a   couple guys, and we were soon inside REI.

My derailleur had arrived, and I picked up 3 new inner tubes,   a new bike saddle, a new back tire, and a new pair of sandals.   Barb got 2 new inner tubes.  Trust me I needed everything I purchased.  This wasn't just a spree.  I think Barb was most amazed that I got it all packed or strapped on my bike and was able to still ride comfortably.

While we were at REI, a warmshowers host whom we had contacted the night before called to say he would be happy to let us stay, and that he was only a 10 minute ride from the store.

So we packed up, grabbed a quick soda at the nearby Whole Foods while we double checked directions and arrived at Evan Minard's home.

Evan's home is filled with several nice bikes.  One for every purpose,  and a spare.  He's an ER doctor at a local hospital and seems to be living a full life.  So he's given us a key for the front door and has left us with everything we need and has gone on with his life.

We surfed the Internet and found a well-reviewed sports bar, the Black Sheep Lodge, not too far from Evan's home.  A 15 minute walk through a pleasant neighborhood brought us to a busy place with fans watching Sunday football.  We each had a  burger and fries, and I indulged in a piece of blackberry pie with ice cream for dessert.

We're back at our host's home and ready to sleep, knowing that no alarm has been set for the morning.  Sweet.

Bike repairs, laundry, phones, BBQ,  and bats on the agenda for tmw.