West Texas
74 miles took us 6 hours. The day started fine but after 20 miles, the road surface got rougher, the headwind picked up and suddenly our outlook changed. The other mind-bending aspect was the 1200 foot elevation gain, OVER 74 MILES, with only one slight change in direction in the road over the entire distance. Straight, straight, straight. (see Marfa Mile entry)
We saw some interesting things in the first 20 miles of the ride. A little collection of trailers and a few houses called Lobo looked interesting. Here are few pics.
74 miles took us 6 hours. The day started fine but after 20 miles, the road surface got rougher, the headwind picked up and suddenly our outlook changed. The other mind-bending aspect was the 1200 foot elevation gain, OVER 74 MILES, with only one slight change in direction in the road over the entire distance. Straight, straight, straight. (see Marfa Mile entry)
We saw some interesting things in the first 20 miles of the ride. A little collection of trailers and a few houses called Lobo looked interesting. Here are few pics.
How about this: Mel Gibson, Governor of his own pie hole.
Now that would make the world a better place.
The sign says Lobos Support Kinky Friedman for Governor
Richard S. "Kinky" Friedman (born October 31, 1944) is an American singer, songwriter, novelist, humorist, politician and former columnist for Texas Monthly. He was one of two independent candidates in the 2006 election for the office of Governor of Texas. Receiving 12.6% of the vote, Friedman placed fourth in the five-party race.
It felt like we were in spin class with a fan blowing hot air on us. Imagine a gradual hill with not one single respite, no downhill or even flat sections to unweight your saddle or stretch. If you'd even dare coast for 10 seconds, the headwind drained your speed like a vampire at a blood buffet, from around 12 mph, to 8 mph or slower, but we will never admit to it. We wished for a steep hill that would eliminate the torturous, unrelenting grind, upward, inch by inch.
There is just one small town, Valentine, between Van Horn and Marfa. Valentine has no services to speak of, but it was our primary goal, at about the halfway point. Just a few minutes off the bike. Most towns introduce themselves with billboards and other signs of life, providing bits of encouragement.
Valentine gave up nothing, except an amazing public art installation. Inserting a non-functioning PRADA boutique in the middle of west Texas; brilliant. Provocative juxtaposition in such a refined manner can't be easy.
" Hey Chris, that matching purse and shoes
are gonna have to wait, the door is bolted shut."
27 miles left, we sat down at a picnic area and divided the miles into 4 to 5 mile chunks. After each length, we stopped, took some water and food, and convinced each other to continue. With 6 miles left, Dad met us and said it was all down hill after the next rise. Once inside the Marfa city limit sign, the road surface improved, and the rattling in our head ceased. Marfa is a cool little town, well worth the 7 hour grind it took to get here (not sure if I really mean that).
Hey Emily, are the walls on fire?
Good Night Marfa, wherever you are
4 comments:
hummm, i wonder what goes on at the ol'stardust motel......
Hey, Ash and Chris! WOW! I just finished reading through all the blogs like an all-engrossing novel that I simply couldn't put down. I enjoy seeing the pictures and love the humor in the little things that you've found along the way...I admire your endless strength and determination with this phenomenal feat. My friend's father was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 2 weeks ago and is not doing well. He's only 61 and as they say "a picture of health" -- ate right, exercised, etc...It goes to show you that cancer, in any shape or form, affect anyone, anywhere. I told her about your ride for awareness and she was comforted knowing that there are people who are trying to let others know about this hideous disease and to search for a cure. For your own mothers who have inspired you and from your friends and family who encourage you -- may you continue to have good weather and the winds at your backs...((Karen (Belongia) Smith))
KAren,
thank you for your kind words and please give our best to your friend's father. We will think of him and all the others that we've found out about as we do the ride.
best,
ash
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