So we were early arriving by 10 minutes or so and surprised to find the place dark. We waited for 10 minutes and someone showed up to unlock the door, but he assured us we didn't want him cooking breakfast. He had no idea when the cook would actually arrive, so we reluctantly left and went back to the restaurant we'd eaten lunch at yesterday. We both ended up with Mexican breakfasts, but pretty standard fare and not the same enticing variety we'd been looking forward to.
We were on I -10 for the first 20 miles of the day, with wonderful smooth, wide shoulders but lots of traffic. Winds were light and generally behind us, so at least we weren't being buffeted by the passing semi-trailers. The day started with a gradual 7 mile climb, and the followed as quickly with a 13 mile descent that had us on our brakes much of the way to keep our speed below 20 mph.
Then we got off the interstate and began winding along back roads through farm and ranch country a stone's throw from the Mexican border. That's where we began today series of encounters with eastbound touring cyclists.
First we met Bernard and another Frenchman on fully loaded bikes heading east from San Diego and heading toward Jacksonville FL. Bernard spoke very little English and his friend apparently none, and my high school French has mostly receded to areas of my brain where recall is nonexistent. So our conversation was mostly one or two word phrases trying to convey how many daily miles we were putting in, and what the terrain was like from where we'd ridden. They were happy and having fun, as are we. So we departed with best wishes for continued safe travel and were back on our bikes.
Ten miles later, I felt my bike getting suddenly sluggish and looked down to see my rear tire partially deflated. So we got off our bikes and started the now familiar process of fixing a flat. That's when Fiona and Simon showed up. They are a younger couple from Manchester UK, who are also touring from San Diego to St. Augustine. We had a very pleasant chat about our respective tours and tips on where to stay and what routes had in store. They are a delightful couple and we exchanged photos before saying good byes and heading on down the road.
After getting back on the road, we'd only gone a few miles when we ran into a couple of young guys from Maryland on unloaded road bikes. Yes, they assured us, they were doing the Southern Tiers route, but with a support vehicle to carry their gear. Family members were taking turns driving their van for 2 weeks, then flying back home, while another family member flew out to assume driving responsibilities. Just another way of doing the tour.
We stopped in Fort Hancock for lunch at a local pizzeria. It's been a good sign when Border Patrol agents are eating where we stop, and this was no different. Pizza was a good break from the many helpings of beans and rice that I've recently consumed, trust me.
Cycling the last 24 miles of the day passed quicky enough as we rode on flat terrain bordered by the mountains in Mexico. We were surprised to pass through many irrigated pecan groves, all with bilingual signs warning of the consequences of picking pecans from the roadside.
We arrived in Fabens TX about 3 pm, to find that the lone hotel was another 2 mile climb towards the interstate. So we twiddled up the hill in low gears, and checked into the Fabens Inn motel. Then we both found the beds irresistable as we settled in for a short nap before showers and laundry.
Options for supper were limited so we've again eaten at a Mexican restaurant, La Estrella. Yes, more beans and rice.
They open at 7am, and Barb has already pointed out a good possibility for breakfast -- an egg, ham, hash browns, and toast for $2.99. I think she's had enough of my recent diet, too.
We hope to be through El Paso and out of Texas tomorrow at last.
Still having fun, and in good spirits and health.
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