A laundromat with plenty of machines was a block from the hotel. I replaced my chain and joined some of the others for a walk to Dairy Queen for lunch (on days off, we’re on our own for meals. At DQ the “beltbuster” isn’t even the biggest burger on the menu. Following that, a little stolling around town. The courthouse is the dominant structure and it’s top floor observation area is open to the public.
Continue reading “Day 16: Resting in Marfa, Texas”Day 15: Van Horn to Marfa, Texas
73.8 miles, 1539 feet climbed
The headwinds/crosswinds were back in full force. Tonight and tomorrow night’s property, the Hotel Paisano, bears a striking resemblance to the El Capitan Hotel in Van Horn. They are sister properties, designed by the same architect. Marfa is the seat of Presidio County, with a 4-story courthouse that dominates the skyline. It is an arts and cultural center in the region. The timing of our trip, putting us here on Sunday and Monday, means that many of the galleries, shops, and restaurants are closed. Try to come here Thursday through Sunday for the best access.
Continue reading “Day 15: Van Horn to Marfa, Texas”Day 14: Fabens to Van Horn, Texas
99 miles(82 actual, see below), 2303 feet climbed
Another day with healthy tailwinds. Due to the sparse services, Dennis wanted us to ride with at least a partner. All seven of us in the early to leave group rode together. About a mile before the second water/snack stop, my rear tire developed a slow leak. By using my frame pump twice during that final mile, I was able to limp to the stop. Replacing the tube didn’t solve the problem, however. Rather than delay the group, I rode in the van to the lunch stop, 17 miles later.
Continue reading “Day 14: Fabens to Van Horn, Texas”Day 13: El Paso to Fabens, Texas
40 miles, 911 feet climbed
Dennis wanted us to stay together while leaving the hotel through the heart of El Paso, a bigger group being more visible and able to take over a lane when necessary. I would’ve stopped for some pictures otherwise.
Continue reading “Day 13: El Paso to Fabens, Texas”Day 12: Columbus, New Mexico to El Paso, Texas
72.7 miles, 1000 feet climbed
We were finally blessed with tailwinds today, with an occasional change of direction against us. I averaged 17.6 mph, a significant improvement over past days. Otherwise, an uneventful day. The Holiday Inn we stayed at consisted of 9 separate buildings. It was a bit of a maze finding our rooms but they were nice.
Continue reading “Day 12: Columbus, New Mexico to El Paso, Texas”Day 11: Portal, Arizona to Columbus, New Mexico
98.6 miles 2133 feet climbed
Reversing yesterday’s uphill ride to the hotel gave us 6 downhill miles to begin today’s longest so far ride. Except for a small stretch as we turned north near Columbus, we had to plow through crosswinds. Again.
Continue reading “Day 11: Portal, Arizona to Columbus, New Mexico”Day 10: Bisbee to Portal, Arizona
85.3 miles, 2225 feet climbed
Our day began with breakfast at the Bisbee Breakfast Club. Then approximately 18 miles of generally downhill riding toward Douglas. A quartering headwind kept speeds in check. After Douglas, traffic was very light, allowing us to ride at the edge of the traffic lane when the shoulder was bumpy with upthrusting cracks or intruded upon by roadside vegetation (weeds).
Continue reading “Day 10: Bisbee to Portal, Arizona”Day 9: Benson to Bisbee, Arizona
24.3 miles, 2165 feet climbed
We woke to the prospect of significant rain if we were to leave at our normal starting times. Departure was pushed back to 11 am. At 11 it was raining in Benson. Our leader recommended shuttling to a starting point in Tombstone, which would avoid the rains. A few riders opted to start in Benson, wanting to ride every inch of the tour route (known in the business as “EFI”). I chose to shuttle. For those who started in Benson the rains let up after about 7 miles but strong headwinds gave them a workout.
Continue reading “Day 9: Benson to Bisbee, Arizona”Day 8: Tucson to Benson, Arizona
59.4 miles, 3234 feet climbed
Today we were looking at the possibility of rain but it didn’t materialize. We skipped a side loop into the western portion of Suguaro National Park because its roads were likely affected by recent rains. Our lunch stop was moved to the hotel to reduce our exposure to potential rains. Some rooms were ready when we arrived, others were not.
Continue reading “Day 8: Tucson to Benson, Arizona”Day 7: Resting in Tucson, Arizona
Today is for laundry, chain lube, and a massage. And updating these pages. As you’ve seen, I’m not taking many photos this time. I’ll be stealing some from the postings of other riders on our WhatsApp group. We’ll see how it goes but I’ll probably be posting in bursts as I can put together blocks of time.
Continue reading “Day 7: Resting in Tucson, Arizona”