BPMS150 – Washed Out, not Washed Up!

100_1502As we reported earlier, the organizing committee for the BPMS150, Houston – Austin bike tour wisely made the decision to “cancel” day 1 of the 2 day event, due to excessive rain, flooding, and generally nasty weather. 

More than 10 inches of rain fell on Friday, accompanied by winds gusting in excess of 60 mph.  On Saturday, more of the same hit the area.  6-8 inches of rain hit much of Day 1’s route, flooding the minor side streets like the state highways or Farm Market roads normally ridden by the bike riders.   Many of the rest areas were under water or were too muddy to be used.

100_1572Despite that action, Day 2 started on time from La Grange, and the riders appeared from all over, like ants streaming to a picnic.  

 I’m not sure where they stayed over night, hopefully at their home or in an area hotel, but the La Grange campgrounds were mostly closed due to flooding, muddy conditions, and the huge tent cities themselves being flattened by the weather on Friday and Saturday.  

Watch this video (no audio) taken in La Grange on Friday, the day before the BPMS150..
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Saturday was preparation day.  SAG Vans and Box Trucks gathered in Houston at noon, to get their MURS radio gear, signage and final instructions.  The rain let up from time to time, but anyone outside their vehicle had to run fast to stay between the raindrops, and more failed in that task.

Here is a selection of photos taken on Saturday and Sunday.  You can tell which photos were from Sunday, there wasn’t much water on the ground and there are usually more bicycle riders in the photos. 🙂

 

 

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