Where to Start?

Greetings,

It seems as if it has has been forever since we have had the privilege of using a computer. Technology can be great, but free Internet can be few and far between.

When we last talked, we were near Interstate 10 in NW Texas. Since then, we have climbed over a 6,300 foot peak and made our descent to the border town of Del Rio at an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet. We have seen an Elk, several road runners, an armadillo, as well as a strange breed of pig that looks like a boar without tusks. The mountains throughout this region (which we didn't know existed) are beautiful, and are so isolated that they are famous for having the darkest night skies in all of the continental United States. Just south of where we rode, lies the point where the Rio Grande (AKA Rio Bravo) takes a 90 degree turn from SE to NE direction, a place known as Big Bend National Park. Although the terrain was unexpected, we were pleasantly surprised.

Throughout this ride we have had some amusing experiences. As we rode through the empty farming roads of Texas, it was not uncommon for the cows to run beside us for a couple of miles. Additionally, I would often chase roadrunners with my bike (they are fast, 20 MPH top speed). Two things however have been disappointing, 1.) Roadrunners don't make a beep beep noise and 2.) Willey Coyote is nowhere to be found.

We have also stayed in some interesting locations along our ride. We were fortunate enough to stay at a Motel called The Gage in Marathon, TX. If you feel like having a romantic rendezvous, come here. They have wonderful food, massage therapists on location, and antique rooms with original decorations and woodwork from the historical location. Furthermore, there is a beautiful view of the mountains, and Big Bend National Park is within an hour away.

On the exact opposite end of the spectrum, we camped in a ghost town named Dryden. This town had a population of 12, and primarily consisted of deteriorated buildings and mobile homes. We camped behind an abandoned school building that would provide us with a little shelter from the wind. If you are feeling romantic, I would not suggest this location.

After nearly 500 miles in 6 days of riding, we arrived at Del Rio. We were tired, and could not walk up a flight of stairs without feeling at least a slight tinge of burn in our thighs. We decided to take the weekend off, and have some friends from home join us as we relaxed, caught up on sleep, and watched the super bowl. It was a wonderful weekend that represented the approximate half way point of our endeavor. From our calculations, we are expecting to be home in the rainy and cold Northwest by the first of March. We will leave Del Rio early tomorrow traveling eastward on Highway 90 towards San Antonio, where we will take a moment to enjoy the historical Alamo.

I look forward to telling you more of the adventures that are surely to occur. Until then, take care, and we will keep on pedaling.

Kevin