On the Road Again

Willie Nelson's theme song always springs to mind when we hop on our bikes to start the day, or get back on after a rest stop. On the road again,
I just can't wait to get back on the road again, Biking with my friends, I just can't wait to get on the road again!

My rims arrived at 9 pm last night. HURRAH!!!! You should have heard the cheers of my bike mates in the lobby. Pictures were taken, a phone call was made, it was a great big celebration with me grinning ear to ear. What a relief!

Michelle and I put the new tires and tubes on and then we hit the hay as it was getting late. In the morning, Michelle had finished assembling and testing everything and it was leaning against a table outside the breakfast room like a brand new present at Christmas, all shiny and new.

After breakfast of oatmeal, eggs, yogurt, and slivered almonds, we were on the road for a nice 54 mile ride to Marathon, TX. The temperature was a little cool, perhaps in the high 40's so I kept my full fingered gloves, leg warmers, booties, on for most of the day. I did put on two long sleeved shirts in addition to my wool socks and bike jersey. One of the warmer shirts came off at the first break about 10 miles out.

We saw three mule deer run across the road and bound gracefully over the barbed wired fence. Sometimes we'd see some cattle in among the scrub. There were several ranches around, but little water. A good portion of the day was spent in a canyon, but the spaces between the sides were far apart and looked like many other places we have been. I did notice some little flowers about on the sides of the road and some of the yucca plants had some yellow blossoms up high.We also saw a lot of road kill, deer, golden eagle, and fox. Usually we see skunks too.

Right now, sitting on the porch, I am looking up at a hill with flat sand colored outcroppings of rock at about the last 5 % with scrub on the other 95%. We are staying at a place called the Outback Oasis Motel. The name is more appealing than the place, but it does have some cute little features such as a porch on my side that has these huge cane chairs with rustic wooden backs and arms. I feel a little like Goldilocks sitting in Papa Bear's chair.

Tomorrow is our BIG ride as it is the longest mileage in one day. We have 111 miles to do on Sunday. I don't think we will be stopping as often as we usually do and I must remember to use and bring extra lubricant cream in my riding shorts! I'm sure there will be many sore bottoms tomorrow night.

Last night because it was so cold, Chef Linda made split pea soup, corn bread, and salad. There were also pies available for dessert but I had many cheese and crackers before dinner so I was pretty full. We were all crowded into a living room of one of the houses that three people were put in. It was nice to be warm, out of the wind, and gathered all together. The wine was readily available and readily consumed. Normally we are in a larger circle outside but it is hard to hear people who are not directly near you. Last night it was easier because we were all cozy and together.

It was great to be on the road again...
Hugs,
Robin