Wed 2012/08/29

Start mileage 5041.9 end 5046.2 daily 5.4 trip 311.9

Route: hotel to Marshall bus station.

The weather forecast calls for strong headwinds 15-25 mph (Hurricane Isaac) in the afternoon as I proceed North, followed by an 80% probability of heavy rain for 2 days. Checking outside, the wind seems to be solid 20 mph already. I plan for several actions: (1) proceeding North to the next small town (with a questionable hotel where I will have to hole up for 2 days), (2) stay in this hotel for 3 days (3) bus home (or elsewhere). I notice that there is a bus station in Marshall. I also note that there is a bike shop, where I might be able to get a bike packing box etc. If I take the bus, I figured that they would accept me without problems but I don’t know their packaging expectations for the bike.  I programmed waypoints on the GPS for the bus station, bike store and the next town.  I checked the bus schedule on the web, and without deciding what I will do, I put on my street clothes (ie. not cycling jersey/shorts), check out of the hotel and head for the bus station.  I get a flat tire on the way, and push the bike the last 3+ miles to the bus station, without fixing the flat tire.

The bus station says that they have seats to Houston, and will take the bike as is. Problem solved; I get a ticket to Rosenberg, which is a better choice than central Houston or Houston SW (59 near Hillcroft). I arrive at the Rosenberg drop off point just before sunset, fix the flat tire but get a cab home rather than ride the bike in the dark.  I arrive home in Sugar Land about 20:30.