Today we had the coldest start of the tour. The temperature was 37, but with the wind it felt like 33 --- or if you were also pedaling a bike, it felt even colder. At the start of the ride, we rode past goats, horses, cows and pigs. We also rode on Interstate 10 twice; once for a couple of miles and once for over ten miles. Nothing is quite as exhilarating as feeling the rush of an 18-wheeler flying past you. Maybe fear is a better description. We can only be on the interstate when there are absolutely no other options. Lunch today was at Delphina’s where I managed to leave one of my water bottles and didn’t realize it until 19 miles later. Lucky for me, one of the support crew (Eddy) called back to another support crew (Coach) and they were able to retrieve it for me. THANK YOU to the crew! We are now in the Central Time Zone until we reach just past the panhandle of Florida; or for over three weeks. I had my favorite dessert of the tour so far: ice box key lime cake. It makes the ten-mile climb and head wind today just a little more bearable.
Background: the support crew does our laundry twice a week. We are told to be sure to label our belongings so we can claim our freshly washed items. At dinner tonight, we had the “walk of shame.” Bubba so kindly holds up for everyone to see the items that are not claimed. Tonight, we had numerous pairs of under garments, socks, a jersey, t-shirts and even a bedding sheet. It is all in good sport as everyone eventually gets their belongings back. If I had my camera I would have snapped a few photos.
Stats from the day:
Start city: Fort Hancock, TX
End city: Van Horn, TX
Miles: 72.2
Total miles to date: 986.06
Pedaling time: 5 hours, 18 minutes
Avg. speed: 13.6
Feet climbed: 1,923
Fatigue factor: 5 out of 10 (10 is the worst)
Wind: start: N 6 mph; end SW 6 mph
Road condition: 4 out of 5 (1 is the worst);
Temperature extremes: 37 (felt like 33) at ride start, 70 at ride finish
The semis in the background are on Interstate 10.
Ray and Elaine riding the service road parallel to I-10.
We were crazy enough to stop on the shoulder of Interstate 10 to take a picture of changing time zones.
We were riding on I-10 and had to carry our bikes over a gravel area to get to the service road. If there is any road available, we have to use it. This service road just didn't connect all the way through - thus our jaunt onto the interstate.
