The preacher man Ray woke us up this morning with fresh coffee. He visited while we ate and packed. We were on our way by 8am for the final push to Del Rio. He later passed us on his way home to Leakey as we were crossing a big bridge before arriving in Del Rio.
Today was another beautiful day. Humid but cloudy so it was comfortable all morning. Same rough road and shoulder almost all the way except maybe the last 8 miles. The wind was not very strong today… thankfully. We rode the hilly roller coaster terrain all morning. Crossed the Pecos River at the mouth with the Rio Grande. Really beautiful country and the range land is so green right now. Perfect time of year to be here.
Stopped for lunch at the 30 mile point in Comstock. A little diner was “window” open so we treated ourselves to a delicious hamburger, fries and half-sweet tea. Not our typical cycling food, but boy it was tasty😊. There were picnic tables in the back.
The remaining 30 miles went pretty quickly. There is a large reservoir about 10 miles out of Del Rio. Amsted National Recreation area. Suddenly traffic picked up, boat storage areas were plentiful. We haven’t been around much population since we left El Paso and now we are back.
Came the closest to a first wreck about 5 miles from the finish today. Curt hit a bit of a square curb approaching a parking lot. After two big swerves he pulled it out! No wrecks😜
The last ride 2020 Southern Tier, that’s right…we are throwing in the towel, pulling the plug, the gig is up. From here to the east the Covid19 count is accelerating. Populated east Texas, Louisiana and Florida are full throttle virus. We have spent the better part of the last 4 weeks in part of the USA that has had the smallest breakout of virus. This isn’t what we imagined when we started planning, we really did not want to quit. Jim and I even thought of holing up for 2-3 weeks in the South but instead we are renting a pickup truck to carry 3 bikes and gear and headed north to Billings, Montana. It is such a disappointment. After 4 weeks we are pretty comfortable with the routine, the saddle, and feel like we are stronger riding everyday. If we return where we left off next Spring, we will have to go through the saddle sores all over again!😱 We have had a good time and I’m pretty sure we all still like each other😊
So many of you (our blog friends) have been encouraging and I’m glad that we given you something to look forward to while you were homebound in this eventful pandemic challenge, trying to brighten your life for just a few moments each evening. I wish it could continue. We feel like we should plan to continue next March where we left off.
cinnicrew 
Good job my friends I sure enjoyed the ride with ya
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Very disappointing to be sure. This pandemic has months to go. You’d be stuck inTexas for quite a long time
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My first time to comment. I have absolutely loved reading all your posts Aunt Suzy, truly makes me feel like I am there with you! Very sad you have to end it but it’s better safe then sorry that’s for sure!
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Sorry to hear about the reality check on your dream… Maybe you can just keep on blogging about – whatever! We can all use the entertainment. It’s been a great ride this far – thanks!
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I will miss your adventures. what a tough decision you had to make but you’re doing the right thing. Until next year…,
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We will definitely miss your wonderful daily updates. You all gave it your best and I am sure you would have succeeded in your goals were it not for the Coronavirus. Look forward to talking to you when you get back. Please stay safe. Tom and Linda
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I’m sure it’s a disappointment, but will be a relief for friends and family members. It’s been wonderful watching your travels! Have truly enjoyed your stories!! Safe travels home!!
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Sorry to hear that your ride is over. There is no doubt that this is the right decision. We recently cancelled a trip to New York to see a new great grand baby. These are unusual and risky times. We wish you a safe return home. Chuck and Gerry
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I’m sorry to hear it. Loved the photos and the adventure of it all. Tough break, this virus. I will say that reading this blog got a little too vicarious. I read the post wherein you described Jim getting two flats, then went out to my garage to make preparations for my daily bicycle ride, and found my rear tire flat!. I spent the entire ride wondering to myself whether Jim is a Flat Jonah. I was just getting over all that when this post came in. I’d patch a few flats now just to see the trip continue. I will miss this blog. Get home safe, gang.
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I have enjoyed reading of your adventures day to day. I recently drove pretty much your ride within the last two months in my motorhome so I knew the trials and tribulations you faced with the roads, the landscape you described and the interesting retail stores you passed along your way. I was pulling for you, hoping you would make it to Destin where I could offer you a respite from your journey, but certainly understand your decision. Travel safe back home knowing you would have completed your quest if not for this horrible scourge that is inflicting the world.
Thanks for sharing your journey and let us know when you are back in the Big Sky!
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Well im sure the diappointment stings a lot. I know you are taking safety of yourselves over the completion of this incredible journey. I truly enjoyed your trip, pictures, and humor . You guys Rock, proud of you all. Hugs.
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Well this darn COVID thing has dashed a lot if dreams in recent weeks and I guess no one is immune. I am thankful you were able to hang in there as long as you did. I know it was the right decision, painful as it was. Come on home, rest up, connect with your peeps and know you have something to look forward to next spring.
Bon voyage
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loved the adventure and especially connecting with an old friend. I hope we can stay in touch some how Curt. You have my email address so drop me a note on your email and we can stay connected. Stay safe and healthy later
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Thank for your sensible and fun blog during this (one hopes) unique time.
And Hi from a friend of Mimi’s, a bike tourist (BikeFriday) as well, who is hunkered down near Half Moon Bay.
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So sorry about the circumstances and that you were left with no choice but to pull the plug. I cried reading your post.
It’s been such fun following your adventures, and was a bright light amidst the weight of the virus news.
God speed and blessings.
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