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I've had a chance to sample all of these now and am not disappointed with any of it. However, I'm having a hard time adopting to the smokiness of that Hickory Hill. I've heard others comment that some Texas whiskeys hit you like a brushfire, and this one seems to fit that bill. Might have to end up trying it in cocktails vs. sipping it straight. That Noah's Mill is top notch IMO at its price point.

Can you remind us what time folks generally convene for the R&I? Any groups that go out late - like 6:30?

Yeah suppose that might work for some folks, but I'm going to stick with mornings until I decide to just hang it up for the summer. Like my drill sergeant used to say, it's 101 in the shade, and there is no shade!

Even if you start at 7:30, you'd need a 2.5 hour time to finish at 10. That would be a remarkable lap on any day, let alone in this heat / humidity. I rode both Sat and Sun at Brushy. Started at 8 on Sat and at 9 on Sun. Definitely was more comfortable riding 8-10 vs. 9-11. Also learned that too much ice in my Osprey deprived me of some of the fluid I needed on Sat. Thought it was odd that I ran out so quickly but then realized there was still a bunch of ice melting after I got home.

In the food department, put a cajun spin on the beanie weenie by substituting Hoppin' John Black-eyed Peas mixed up with a health serving of diced andouille sausage. Very cheap and easy complete meal to make at the campsite with only a small pot and something to cut the sausage up on. Any leftovers are easily kept in a tupperware container.

I was expecting more from Minnaar at Leogang, but that field is getting so damn competitive!

@Jessica @Barry Where did y'all stay while in Salida (or did you camp)? If one were to stay 4 nights in Salida for 3 solid days of riding, would a day-trip to Hartman Rocks work well for one of those days?

Pretty damn entertaining commercial. If I thought that stuff would make me ride like Yoann, I'd be picking up a sixer right now!

Had the pleasure of seeing the Stones live in '74 in Cleveland. When I think back over music I've enjoyed over the years, Beatles, Stones, Who, Zeppelin, Floyd, they all mesmerized crowds across the globe. The Stones though are at the top of my list of these great bands due to their longevity and the way they could electrify the crowd, as they did even during their recent performance in Cuba. Gives me goosebumps!

Not often you get to see that much talent on a single stage! And Billy is doing sweet justice to a George Harrison classic.

I don't get over to Total Wine near enough, but when I do go, I like to make the trip worthwhile! These are all items I've not yet tried, and first time buying a Texas based whiskey. They were pouring samples of Still Austin's Cask Strength Bourbon that I tried while I was there. It had a great nose and packed a lot of heat, but it just seemed to be missing something in the taste profile.

I'll be ready to escape the oppressive heat / humidity in early Jul. Would definitely be interested in planning a 4-5 day getaway to CO with some locals.

Unless it's one of us mere mortals trying to keep up with you!

Rode Rim, DD, Picnic, and 1/4 Notch this morning. Despite the oppressive humidity, it actually wasn't that bad out there between 8:30-10. I consumed around 50oz of fluids and stopped once to cool off. Also have discovered great value in carrying a face towel in my pocket this time of year, since there's never a dry spot on my shirt to wipe my face / goggles. It's amazing to me how long it is taking for some of the muddy spots to dry up! We've had several days with little to no rain, but I guess given the amount of rain we had over a period of a couple of weeks, along with the clouds and humidity, it's just going to take more time.

Oh wow! I hadn't ventured over there in quite a while. That's very surprising! @El Gringo would know for sure.

I'm really diggin' the new look on the Sago Palm, and amazed at how much growth has literally just sprung up out of the ground in a matter of weeks.

DD was fine but not ideal. Snail was a mess and needs more time to dry out. I didn't even try Rim. It's funny how you get on the bike at 6:30pm and head to the trail with the wind in your face flying down Little Elm. You're thinking, "this is going to be a sweet ride". Then half way through DD and you feel like you're in a tropical rainforest. You're now thinking to yourself, "why am I still sitting in the saddle with this feature right in front of me"? Still, you get through it, get home, slam a couple of Hopadillos, and have no regrets about getting in some exercise. Not sure I'll be doing it in Jul-Aug, but for now, life is good!

Thanks. Going to hit it this evening!

And if the rain don't get ya ......

That's a cringeworthy comment!

Not sure if this is a seasonal, but after weeks of returning for more at the local Texaco, the well has run dry. Picked up this one from Kreische at Randalls as a substitute. It's good, but not nearly as good as that Bockslider IMO.

Looks like a few hours of mixed clouds and sun this morning with no rain in the forecast. Sounds like a perfect morning for RPR and I definitely need a few hours in the saddle.

Ah ..... got it! So are you going to share your best bodge job?

Isn't that just an elegant form of a boondoggle?