Day 12
Day 12 AM
So we start day 12. Today we bike to Sanderson, Texas. Another 110 mile day! Lots to look forward to today. As we left the Hotel Paisano people mistook Jane for Liz Taylor. Small world.
Thoughts from the Alpha team as we head towards 1200 miles late today:
Antonio- The time on the bike goes by fast but the time in between lugging the bikes and paraphernalia into the hotel and back out is a pain. But I love being in the saddle! Seven more days for me.
Jane- laundry day for me. Down to my last pair of bike shorts and these have little padding. I’ll remember today’s ride well after I get off the bike.
Mike-I look for the Alpha van as I peddle along each day. It seems to be just there when I most need it an oasis in the desert. Hard to imagine doing this trek without a support vehicle.
Tom- the 6 or 7 hours a day on the bike is a super time to be introspective. Planning for life after the bike ride is my main topic of thought. Not planning on riding my bike after Florida for a good long while!
Today takes us through Marathon, Texas where we will stop for lunch at a place aptly named The Oasis. About 60 miles in which should be perfect. Breakfast this morning was at a unique little place that only sells burritos and only takes cash and the coffee is free. Working on my Spanish.
Here’s to tailwinds, good pavement and lots of MS donations. Pass along the link as we get new followers everyday and they continue to be generous.
PM recap
Lots of things happened today on the Alpha ride across America for MS.
1. Flats. We are now at 18 in 12 days. Reordering tubes.
2. Everything is big in Texas. Spotted a sign for a small farm.
3. While we were riding 111 miles today I had plenty of time to think. Out here there are long stretches where passing trains are all you see. Since I have an equine background I tried to envision the days where bandits would ride alongside a moving train and jump on. Not sure I would be able to do that today. But it made me think of some of my equestrian buddies who (not inferring they are bandits) might try. Todd Minikus could do it and wouldn’t care how far he was from the train when he jumped. Aaron Vale would do it but he would somehow teach his horse to jump right onto the train. Thinks like a horse.
4. Lunch today was in Marathon Texas. Fantastic lunch place with excellent food and magnificently run. Shout out there.
5. As we closed in on our destination of Sanderson, Texas we passed a neighborly ranch owner who was out on his four wheeler on the prowl. Antonio is never shy to open a discussion with someone and Jimmy Cash was happy to engage with Antonio. Seems someone shot an elk by the side of the road. Jimmy plans to catch the rascals and meantime cut off the horns(?) to use as a coat rack. Jimmy’s ranch is third generation and he is proud of it!
6. As pleased as we were with last night’s dinner we were completely disappointed in the choices in Sanderson. We all managed to piece a meal together in the few aisles of the truck stop convenience store. Ugh. First lower grade meal.
7. Having trouble finding bike stores on our route as we are in need of some parts. Decided to turn to Amazon and have the goods meet us at our hotels next couple of days. Let’s hope that works.
8. Finally it was a good day of riding with not a lot of climbing and some decent roads. Still waiting for that elusive tailwind. Don’t forget our MS cause.
