Will and I rode together today across the rest of New Mexico and into the ranching town of Hereford, in the Texas panhandle. We had a fine day, with lots of good chatting and planning for some riding events in Minnesota this fall.
The landscape went from mildly boring with a few small rollers and the occasional grove of trees to virtually flat, semi desert. As you can see from the pix taken at different points during the day, there weren't a lot of photo ops. We passed by a huge Cargill feed lot with 1,000s of cattle. Fortunately the wind was in our favor and we didn't have to endure any ugly odors.
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Will and I each had a flat caused by junk on the shoulder - he had a wire, I found a piece of glass. Susan happened by just as we were starting on my flat and very generously dug out a spare and CO2 cartridge and helped us get back on the road again.
The other highlight was crossing the Texas state line. We are now in our 4th state (CA, AZ, NM, TX).
Will at the Texas State line.
We met up with Jacki and Rick at the 140 mile rest stop - a Dairy Queen where we could order whatever we wanted! After milkshakes we all rode in together. Will had been patient all day but with the tailwind and powered by ice cream he led the four of us as we blasted through the last 22 miles at over 30 mph and a fun finish.
Will leading us along the last 22 miles at 30+ mph!
Rick and Jacki joined us for the fast finish
After a nice massage, Clay and I headed to dinner - everyone was at Pizza Hut. When we got there many had been waiting for over an hour for their food so we walked a few more blocks and found a nice little genuine Mexican place with fast, friendly service, even though the place was nearly full, and great food, topped with a Mexican ice cream dessert - mucho bueno!
All in all a very good day on the ET.
Tomorrow we cruise through the Texas panhandle and into Oklahoma, 180 miles with some wind, hopefully in our favor and more of the same numbing terrain. We saw the TV reports of devastating tornados touching down in Oklahoma today and can only hope this will pass by the time we get there.
Hey Rob, I know this is against the rules of taking it one day at a time, but I am looking at your route card and this thing says the SHORTEST day in the next 6 is 175 miles ... and that's Talimena day at 10,000+ ft of climbing. Apparently Lon and Susan were throwing the group a bone on that day.
ReplyDeleteApparently week 1 was just a warm-up and the real work now begins. You are riding strong and are up for the challenge. Keep fueling with DQ and you will be fine for sure! Tailwinds!
You guys and gals be careful in the alley tomorrow. Safe passage to Ada!
ReplyDeleteTailwinds haven't been a problem, thunderstorms and nasty weather may be an issue tomorrow. Thanks for the good wishes.
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