March 27, 2018
Yesterday would have been a great day to ride from Marfa to Marathon. The weather was cloudy but mild and there was a nice breeze out of the west. However, yesterday was a layover day and we awoke this morning to a strong breeze coming out of the southeast. By the time we left it was strong enough to stand the flags straight out from the flagpole. A light rain began to fall and into it and the wind we rode.
Shortly outside of Marfa on Route 90 heading east, I came upon a unique art installation. There was no explanation or credit for the person who created it, just an open gate and a well gravelled path leading to it. It was quite impressive and i only wish I understood its meaning. A job of further learning is required.
After about 20 miles of strong headwinds the Weather Keeper of the Southwest turned a gentler eye upon our group and the winds abated for the 5 mile ride into the charming town of Alpine. Alpine is another artist community that seems to be thriving. Some of our group stopped at the town bike shop for some minor repairs and adjustments others sought out one or more of the towns restaurants for an early lunch.
Along the windy way I came upon the above sad reminder of why we need to take care before we get behind the wheel of a 2000 plus pound machine and zip down the road at 70 mph. It is not just driving under the influence but all forms of distracted driving that we need to avoid. Be it texting or just road rage when we have to wait to get around someone on a bicycle. Nothing is so important that it is worth taking a life to get it.
The Weather Keeper of the Southwest is a fickled sort and turned the wind machine back on a few miles outside of Alpine. This time it was stronger with gusts that slowed our progress to a walking pace. Along the way was one of Target’s less successful stores where I met a rider from Northern England coming out of the door after sneaking a smoke inside. He too was feeling windbound and I later learned that he hitched a ride the remaining 25 miles into Marathon. No such luxury for Kevin and George who I came up on as we fought our way along. The weather Keeper did relent a bit for the last three or four miles into Marathon but still, it was like climbing a mountain most of the day.
