A Day Off!

Chris. We scheduled a day off in the remote town of Sanderson, Texas

 

 

We had a lovely visit with Alaina Smith the director of the Terrell County Public Library which boasts the most books per capita of any other library in the state of Texas!  They have a nice collection of 60,000 volumes. 



Tomorrow it’s back on the bike.  Riding is physically challenging but is also mentally challenging.  Biking through endless miles where I am passed by semis and occasional fast moving vehicles can do strange things to the mind.  I spend time singing and sing whatever random song pops into my head.  It’s amazing what has been buried in my head.

I think about what job I want to apply for when I return home.  I think about my kids and grandkids.  A lot.  I estimate how long it will take me until I get to the tree in the far distance.  I count the numbers on my odometer and see if I’m estimating correctly the distance I’ve ridden.  I try to remember when I last applied sunscreen.  I vow to stop to hydrate at every ten mile mark.  I negotiate with myself regarding how much further I need to ride to meet a decent riding goal.  I think about my friends and wonder what they’re doing.  I think about the small town I live in and realize how much we have going on!  Holy crap! 

I try to imagine  who I would be if I had been born out here in the desert.  I wonder if the sun will come out or if the sun will go away.  I think about my siblings and about my parents.  I wonder what it will be like to wake up two days in a row and not have to get on the bike.  I wonder why I wanted to do this trip.  I wonder why it took me so long to do this trip.  I wonder why David doesn’t show up with food.  I wonder if the border patrol agent sitting in his vehicle looking into Mexico is as bored as I am.  I’m happy.  I’m sad.  I’m in pain.  My legs hurt.  My legs feel strong and powerful.  I’m full of utter and complete joy.  I hate biking.  I love biking.