Brrr...inn Marathon, Texaas

Even though I rode in the van today, it was bitter cold. It was in the low 40's in the morning and a strong wind has been blowing all morning and into the afternoon. I grabbed my heavy coat out of my suitcase and am glad that I still have it as I was thinking about mailing it home at the last few stops. I loaned Mary Jo my gloves and Liz my barlaclava (I'm not sure if that's how you spell it.) I drove with a guide to Alpine, TX and helped with the grocery shopping.

Afterwards, we checked out a little trattoria down the street and I had some hot white Tuscan bean soup and bread which warmed me up a little bit. Then we traveled the rest of the 66 miles to Marathon, TX to a beautiful old hotel, The Gage Hotel. Our rooms won't be ready for a few hours and my rims haven't arrived yet today. Normally I would check out the one block town, but it is so blustery, I think I'll stay right where I am sitting inside a lovely room with my coat on. My rims haven't arrived yet,but Fed Ex hasn't been here yet today so I'm still hoping they'll be here very soon!

Through my trials and tribulations lately, I am reminded of a saying that a friend gave me before I left that seems appropriate now. Thanks Angela!

Perseverance-The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it. (Moliere)


I'm thinking of sharing this poem with the group after supper. I wrote this before my 9th flat a few days ago so bear with me.

There once was a bike rider named Robin,
With 8 flats in 3 weeks, you'd be sobbin',
But no tears did she shed,
Let the truth be said,
She went on with her trip with no problem.


Many women among us felt pity,
Changing tires can be really gritty,
Especially when,
Gusty, strong winds blow in,
In Fort Hancock which isn't much of a city.

She learned to change tires by looking,
Take your levers and just start hooking,
Spin the lever around,
Put the old tube on the ground,
Insert the new tube and you're cooking.

Her back tires exploded, KAPOW!
Michell to the rescue, WOW!
New rim tape and file,
New tube, tire, that's style!
Back biking the roadways for now.

My thanks to to Ann, Susan, and SAG,
In helping me out, though I lag,
Behind most of the crew,
I stop to admire the view,
Don't feel sorry for me, that's a drag.

Some setbacks, I've had quite a few,
But my new friends, you've always come through,
With a big caring hug,
On my heartstrings, you've tugged,
Kind words, sage advice, I thank you!

This group of bike women is great,
Chef Linda's meals really rate,
Michelle's always about,
To help us all out,
As we bicycle from state to state.

Over 1,000 miles we have ridden,
Butterflies,desert flowers are not hidden,
Back roads, highway shoulders,
With unique, huge boulders,
More adventures lie ahead, no kidding!

Love to all,
Robin