Thursday, 28 March 2013

Day 18 - Las Cruces to El Paso, TX

Three states down and five to go! A thousand miles to ride in Texas now, so this state will take a while.
Mitch made frying-pan size pancakes for breakfast this morning and demonstrated his fine flipping skills (see photo). We took our time today since we couldn't check into the Comfort Inn until 3 pm. Our ride was supposed to be 43 miles, but ended up being between 63 and 71 miles depending on the route (there were two choices). Andre, Bob G, Jerry and Carol rode four bonus miles when I made a wrong turn and we enjoyed a tour of the neighborhood south of Las Cruces (smile).
It was a delight to roll this morning wearing just biking shorts and a light jacket in the cool air. No tights or huddling in the laundry room!
We stopped for coffee and pastries in Mesilla, close to last night's restaurant. In the photo are (left to right) Bob G, Andre, Carol, Jerry and Bruce.
After Mesilla we passed many pecan trees (see Rhodri's blog post with some great photos). Also fields of green onions, alfalfa and chilis. Three wineries too (see photo of one).
We crossed the Rio Grande River several times yesterday and today. Surprisingly it is bone dry (see photo).
The architecture in this region is consistently one story with adobe-style exterior and poles sticking out at the flat roof (see photo). This changed in El Paso to pitched roofs and brick and other exteriors.
In the tiny town of Chamberino we stopped in the shade of the Post Office for a snack or lunch. Pictured are Bob G, Andre and Carol.
When we reached the outskirts of El Paso, we crossed from New Mexico to Texas. We were anticipating a big "Welcome to Texas" sign. Instead we were met with no sign and lousy pavement. So I took a photo of a Texas license plate on a beater VW bug to note the occasion.
We rode into El Paso from the west on Mesa St. Lots of city traffic and strip malls, with a gentle incline. The nearby red mountains to the north were dramatic with jagged tooth-like tops. We stopped at a local bike shop for spare inner tubes and some minor adjustments.
We then rolled through the downtown and continued east, passing the bridge to Mexico (see photo). The terrain was flat as we rode through an industrial area, past a refinery, and houses. We were glad to arrive at our first motel on the trip. Julianne thoughtfully gave us each a bag of Epsom salts in a "Welcome to Texas" bag. Kinda made up for the missing sign!
After showering, doing laundry and working on bikes, we walked to a nearby Texas Roadhouse to celebrate our arrival in the Lone Star state. Pictured quenching their thirst are (left to right) Bob Plant, Linda, Mitch, Bob Pedersen, Julie, Andre, Flynn, Rhodri and Ken.
Bob Plant was elated tonight because Marquette University's basketball team beat Miami (Florida) in the NCAA tourney. Note Bob's "MU" hat in the photo, adorning a cactus!
Most of us wore T-shirts or the equivalent to dinner. Credit to Linda and Carol who dressed for the occasion (see photo).
Dick Ward is the rider who broke a hand and had to leave the tour. Mitch said Dick's hand is in a cast and he should be able to ride again in four to six weeks. We are glad to hear he should make a full recovery, wish him the best, and miss him.
Bruce.


























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