April 19 Day 28 cycling Marathon to Marfa, TX

Posted byKathy SchroederPosted inUncategorized

Wanted to mention yesterday the community groundswell of support in this area against a border wall inside Big Bend NP – posters, postcard makings, gatherings….

Poster in Sanderson, TX
Postcards at motel in Sanderson, TX
Store in Alpine, TX

Sundays, as I’ve mentioned, are typically great days to cycle. And this was one of those days. 57.7 miles, 1717’. Of course, other factors made today a memorable cycling day, too: rest day yesterday, E/SE tailwind, lovely cloud cover albeit a chilly start at 43 degrees and the super smooth asphalt at the Presidio County Line. Nice coffee stop in bustling town of Alpine with their weekend of Dark Sky Festival and Rock & Gem Show. Interesting mountains and geology, desert blooming cacti, live small desert fox scurrying to the bushes, roadkill: large cow elk, many deer, snake, javelina. It’s also been interesting the past few days to cycle from Del Rio at about 1000’ elevation on the Rio Grande to above 5000’ elevation of the high desert Basin & Range region.

Gorgeous Faxon Yucca blooming
Bundled up… way better than heat! There was no possibility for shade anywhere!
Big sky and country leaving Marathon, TX
Finally saw a train today. The engine conductor always gives us cyclists a big toot of encouragement!
Lots of windmills in TX.
Some function better than others.
Marfa Lights – check it out. It’s a thing.
Hotel Paisano, historic building. We’re in the very clean, edge-of-town, 2 star Riata Motel.

4 thoughts on “April 19 Day 28 cycling Marathon to Marfa, TX”

  1. Nice recap. Flying from Houston to Phoenix so will be moving out of your time zone. Keep on pedaling and I’ll see you in May. Confirming May 6 is the expected end day? Do you have thoughts on about what time?
    -Kristin

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    1. Congrats to Andy on an amazing Ironman performance! Our last day is expected to be Wednesday May 6, 80 miles and 4800’ so can’t imagine finishing before 3pm. Look forward to seeing you

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  2. So proud of you, your grit, and for keeping us all informed about the pushback against the Wall. I’ll check out Marva Lights. Tomorrow night we’re hosting Patricia and Henk from the Netherlands. They’re biking from Mexico City to NYC. And Congrats to Andy

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  3. another great day in cycling paradise!….Marfa lights?! whata fascinating phenomena…not so sure automobiles could be the underlying reason when the first sighting dates back to the 1800’s-pre car and lights!!!it’s the Texas version of Northern lights! enjoy with May 6 in sight!

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