Our cycle into Houston was relatively okay. The traffic was okay, the weather was okayish and we had an okay Walmart across the road from our motel. That means okay food for dinner.

Our motel is strategically placed 7 miles south of the city center and 7 miles north of the Johnson Space Center. I realise I’ve spelt the word ‘centre’ wrong but we’re in America and so we do as the Americans do – it’s only polite.

We contemplated a city center hotel but they invariably have an issue with storing the bike. Yes, you can have car valet parking at $45 a pop but ask for somewhere safe for the bike and there’s lots of head scratching. In New Orleans we had to fold the bike, take the elevator and store it in the doorway of our room. We don’t really mind but it’s not ideal.

Houston is just a big city and I really couldn’t distinguish it from many others. I did, however, have in the ‘Flying Saucer Draught Emporium’ on Main Street, the best beer I’ve had in America, to date. Recommended by the barman it was a Saint Arnold (local Houston craft brewer) Octoberfest. After all the ordinary beer I nearly fell off my bar stool – I just wasn’t expecting it.

Now, I would qualify this remark by saying whilst we’re cycling I do my beer shopping at gas stations and they do sell some craft beer in six packs. Yes, I’m a beer drinking man but I challenge any of you to drink six beers when Susan’s staring at you because we’re cycling tomorrow!

Here’s a couple of Houston building pics just in case you’re into tall buildings.

Now everyone’s into space and exploration and our visit the next day was to the NASA Johnson Space Centre. This is the place where astronauts train, moon landings were controlled and space shuttles were developed. This is the place of heroes.

This is the Mercury-Redstone rocket that propelled the first American, Al Shepard, into space. It’s not a big rocket and the bravery of astronauts is astounding. Fired 101 miles into the air at 5,000 miles an hour and landing 236 miles downrange. I even get a fright when a particularly large firework goes off! Imagine strapping a Mercury-Redstone to your ass and waving goodbye to the world for a few minutes! Incredible.

Now we move onto the Shuttle that was discontinued in 2011.

And here’s the Orion that will one day take us to Mars.

Yes, yes that’s just the Command Module – they’re still developing the big bloody rocket that will send it into the skies.

And now here’s the guy who’s eventually going to replace us all. This is Robonaut and his pal is already in the International Space Station helping the astronauts.

So get on with the house chores or you may find your wife/husband/partner has replaced you with the latest Robonaut in a few years time.  All you slackers out there have been warned!  Alas, I’m sorry to say I know I’m on a sticky wicket as Susan asked the man in charge if Robonaut could pedal!  He can also probably write a better blog than this.  Damn, I’m in trouble!

So that was Houston – great big buildings, great beer, great space heroes and Robonaut who’s gonna kick you out the house. Kind of more than okay really.

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