Day 18 - 100 Amazing Miles

Our morning started off with a real treat. Aaron got up real early and made breakfast for the entire team. Everything he laid out and made was delicious. The ride out of El Paso during morning rush hour was not as harrowing as I had imagined it would be. The motorist gave us plenty of room and the roads were wide enough for a safe exit. At about mile 15 we left the city limits and we were again in farm country where pecan groves and chili pepper fields lined the road. The road was flat and we semed to be making great time and then Jame had his first of seven flat tires. 

When we ride in a group we all try to lend a hand when someone encounters a problem. After our first stop at mile 30 the rload turned into a Texas Farm road. These are very coarse chip roads. We'll be traveling on these types of roads quite a bit while traversing Texas. With the wind behind us the road wasn't too bad. Today Bob Berger joined our group. He's one of the strongest riders and he really pulled us along. He also helped James with his 7 flats as did Brian. He really took good care of us and we enjoyed his company on our 97 mile day. 

The support van parked next to a flea/antique store. This shop was literally in the middle of nowhere. The young ladies, Kaylyn and Shanon found some real bargains. Bob picked up a set of four coffee mugs. Young James didn't seem impressed with the store 

As soon as we left the rest stop James had another flat. I decided to ride back a little ways each time he had a flat so I could end up with a 100 mile day. It's hard to believe but as we continued on, the area became more and more desolate. Looking to our right we could see Mexico. The very few trucks we saw on the road were either farm trucks or Border Patrol.  

As we approached the third rest stop we were greeted by herds of horses. It was a beautiful sight.  

As we neared mile 75 we began our climb to Sierra Blanca. Our easy day turned on us. Exhaustion began to take its toll as we struggled with the last 25 miles. Bob and Brian pulled us up the hills and Kelly and Shanon set up a fourth stop to supply us with cold water. They really look out for us and the riders greatly appreciate it. A few miles out of Sierra Blanca Brian and Bob found an interesting road kill. I'm glad it wasn't alive as we rode near it. 

When we finally got to Sierra Blanca Bob and I rode around this sleepy hamlet so we could end up with 100 miles for the day. We made the mistake of going down a road to a complex that the government used to house illegal immigrants. We knew we didn't belong there and we made a hasty retreat back to the main street in town. Bob and I finally recorded 100 miles. 

After we checked into the motel (after really long days we sometimes are rewarded with a room in an inexpensive motel) we showered and walked down the street to find a place to eat. There weren't many options so we asked a local gentleman where was the best place to eat in town. He pointed to a back road and said 'La Familia' restaurant had the best Mexican food in town. We headed there and found a small little building that did not seem to be able to handle 8 famished guys. However, we found the interior to be warm and somewhat homey and the women serving and preparing the food were very friendly. As we sat down the gentleman that suggested the restaurant to us walked in. He welcomed us to HIS restaurant. We all had a good laugh and then because they didn't serve beer Carlos, the owner offered to take me to the local gas station to buy beer while his wife was preparing our food. We enjoyed talking to the locals as we ate the authentic and delicious Mexican food.  

Stuffed, we headed back to our motel for a good night's rest. Today was a very good day!