Day 19 Sanderson, TX to Del Rio, TX - Gass-powered Tandem: xcountry - CycleBlaze

March 18, 2021

Day 19 Sanderson, TX to Del Rio, TX

Ride shortened by 31% due to mal-functioning Captain

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We started the day in the dark, 7:35 a.m. 

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Sunrise was at 7:55 and quite stunning. 

Looking west just after sunrise
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For the first time, we could not see a ridge nearby.

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 It was cold and we were hyped up to ride 119 miles, so we started out strong and hard.  Rolling hills were actually kind of fun.  The wind also gave us a boost.

Rolling hills
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Then the rolling hills turned into steep hills.  

Steeper hills
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Margery GassOh my!
And what are those roads (tracks) beside the road?
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3 years ago
Francie GassWhen we are close to the border, there are these dirt roads by the fence that the border patrol drive on. They sweep them with horizontal truck tires to smooth the dirt...then they look for footprints.
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3 years ago
Margery GassTo Francie GassVerrrry interesting.
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3 years ago

We were very close to the Rio Grande but never saw it.  We did cross the Pecos River.

Tony and Theresa crossing the Pecos River
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Pecos River
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We are in limestone country.  Wished many times that we knew more geology.

Highway cut with two different types of rock
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Around mile 68, Ken was having trouble with tight neck and shoulder muscles.  He was listing to the left and having trouble keeping the bike in the shoulder!  We made it to our lunch stop at mile 72, ate, rested and took off again.  Ten miles later we stopped for water on our own and we couldn't get started. It takes some real balance to get started on a tandem and we couldn't do it.  Ken fell twice in the roadway!  Fortunately, Tom came back to check on us.  We said we were done and waited for Dennis to pick us up in the van.  It was disappointing, but clearly it would have been dangerous to keep going.  We think we started out too fast and didn't stretch enough. FG   

Aborting the day with 37 miles to go, our pace was 16 mph (maximum 41.5 mph). Our hardy (& younger) fellow riders cycled in bravely at a 14.5 mph pace. We were proud of their gutsy finish. KG

Thirteen miles from Del Rio, border patrol agent Reyes stopped and chatted with us because he is a triathlete and he was intrigued by our van with a few bikes on top and the logo on the side.  He was really nice and informative.  

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Margery GassSo sorry about your rough day! That sounds terrible!
Ken, I hope your symptoms have all disappeared and you can start fresh in the morning. Please don't take any chances.
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3 years ago
Ken GassFeeling fine today, but will cut back my effort level, do better pacing. We are a great tandem team, plus Francie's nursing skills have helped heal my small saddle ulcer.
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3 years ago

Today's ride: 82 miles (132 km)
Total: 1,637 miles (2,634 km)

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Bruce BowdenHow is Ken now ? I hope better ....... 🤕, Are you riding tomorrow ?
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3 years ago
Fred GassGlad to know you made it through all the turmoil, Ken. Times like this surely bring home the truth of the term "helpmate".
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3 years ago
Ken GassTo Bruce BowdenYep, gonna climb back into the saddle and moderate my effort. Light winds in our face ,but only 1800 ft to climb in 80 miles.
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3 years ago
Jeanna & Kerry SmithKen, we hope that you are better today. Your post had us a little concerned. Glad you had a back up plan! We'll look forward to hearing from you after today's ride.
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3 years ago
Glenn GassYes, hope all is going well today!
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3 years ago
Julie GassOh my! I hope you are feeling better today. Take good care!
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3 years ago