Saturday October 15, 2011, 83 miles (134 km) – Total so far: 1,223 miles (1,968 km)

Once again we decided to go off the ACA map and go on our own. We headed out of Kountze to Hwy 770 which led to Hwy 105. This route parallels the ACA route but about 20 miles south. We had nothing but good roads and shoulders. We passed by many ranches. We were also chased by probably 30 dogs. The last one almost got Jocelyn. He seemed friendly at first as he was jumping but then he got aggressive. So I rang my bike bell and he immediately came at me. He finally backed off when I kicked out my leg. I worry about these dogs as some actually run out into traffic to chase us. Some of them seem trained to not leave their property. I would hate to see one run over. We passed three dead deer on the shoulder. I was tempted to take a few pictures but it was too gruesome. According to my friend Billy that lives south of Houston hunting season starts in a few weeks and a good season is expected because of the drought.

We had a good 50 mile morning before a late lunch in Cleveland. We stopped at The Plantation that advertised a Texas barbeque and Mexican buffet lunch. It was incredible at $8 a plate all you can eat. The variety and food was excellent. One of Jocelyn’s friends texted her there and asked ‘are you still in Texas?’! Hey we were in Cleveland! We were so fueled after that that we put in another 30 miles to Conroe, Texas.

Jocelyn will celebrate her 21st birthday this coming Monday October 17th. We are trying to get to or near Austin to celebrate this. Since today was our 9th consecutive day on the road we will take a break Tuesday. Please give her a shout out on the guestbook here or on her Facebook Believe the Ride page. You do not need to be a member of Facebook to see her page(which has her own pictures and commentary) to give her greetings. She also likes it when followers click on ‘like’. Her address is www.facebook.com/pages/Believe-the-RIDE-Jocelyn-Rice/119895634765275

Thanks.