Day 13: Las Cruces to Fort Hancock 102m

After our rest day, our legs were raring to go and we headed south to El Paso. The road was deserted and we cycled past many irrigated fields and lots of groves of pecan trees.

After 30 miles we entered TEXAS. Because we were on a side road, the only indicator was a change in the pavement but a mile further up the road we found a sign.

After entering Texas, most of the day was spent following the Rio Grande River along the Mexican border and we saw our first border crossing.

We rode into El Paso and the traffic was light -Good Friday and mid-morning. Today Mary Jo's friend, Evelyn, was arriving. Evelyn has cycled with Mary Jo across the northern tier of the USA, from Maine to Florida, and through western Virginia. Bill and Don picked up Evelyn at the airport and her bike at a bike shop near the airport. They delivered Evelyn to a park on the route and the three of us began cycling towards Fort Hancock. The wind was behind our backs and we were flying.

Then it happened -our first flat tire. Would we be able to change it? It was a team effort. It was our impromptu bike clinic. We each brought something to the party. Ruth brought her pump, tube, and good observations. MJ also brought a tube , tools, and several CO2 cartiridges. Evelyn brought the flat and was still able to laugh. By the time we were finished, the police had already arrested someone across the street. We were so focused on the flat, we did not notice the situation.

We continued pedaling fast because of the tailwind and flew into Fort Hancock for an easy century, if there is such a thing!

On the road again,

Ruth, Mary Jo and Evelyn

'You never have the wind with you - either it is against you or you're having a good day.' - W. Somerset Maugham