Back in the saddle. Day 1

30 miles. 3:05 hrs. Del Rio to Bracketville TX

The START. Redux. From UHaul to bicycles. No more cars for 5 weeks

Started about noon after driving to Del Rio (2 hrs). Some assembly of bikes required. While getting ready to ride two separate groups of cross country riders went past. One group all women tour (not sure of the name) and the other mixed group (35 riders) Timberland Adventures. They either motel all the trip or tent/motel. Of course they have support so they travel really light and have snack stops and catered breakfast and dinner! Did see 1 e-bike but I’m sure there were probably a few more. We are. Not breaking any speed records so don’t be too judgmental. Curt is fastest. I typically will draft Jim as much as possible. I isually average about 10mph and Jim kindly rides with me. He’s had 40 years of practice😊

First mechanical stop at about 10 miles. Issue with gear holder on front fork. Problem solved after a few minutes of asphalt sitting

The ride was really short but it didn’t feel that easy. We had a pretty steady headwind. Can’t lie, I felt every part of my body! It will take a week to get used to this. Trying not to punish ourselves too much this first week.

Todays ride didn’t have a lot of great scenery or traffic but there was plenty of border patrol activity. This is probably our last day of border activity. We saw planes, border patrol, the side road with truck tires to drag along for detecting foot prints, sheriffs from several counties and highway patrol. Apparently this is “high season” for illegals. To those of you just joining our ride blog there is a previous post (Day 25) from 2020 that pictures and describes the tire dragging technique. You can go back find it if you’re curious. !

Staying at Fort Clark tonight. Big campground but it’s actually an old military base from 1852. The buildings are old limestone buildings. There’s also a natural springs so there is a gigantic cold water swimming pool. (Not open yet). Interesting place

Wilderness campground. As opposed to the RV campground. We did have showers, water and electricity. We are the only people in this big campground. Perfect!

Curt’s quarters. 2 man tent with one guy and a cot

Dinner at Julie’s Restaurant. Mexican. Local tiny town restaurant. Many law enforcement were eating there too.

I must conclude with the Beverage Barn!! Amazing, smart idea. We got a big kick out of it. I’m sure we will see more. The clerk was surprised we hadn’t heard of them before.