17-04-26 Day 18

Tucumcari, NM to Vega, TX

Yes, we crossed the New Mexico border into Texas today at approximately 12:25 pm and a few moments later we entered Texas at 01:26 pm. With the time change at the border we lost an hour today but we were very happy to keep moving East. With three states behind us we only have seven to go.

Leaving New Mexico - 12:25 pm

Entering Texas - 01:26 pm

So, how was our day today, you Ask? Well, for the first time since we left Santa Monica on the morning of April 8th, we awoke to rain. While this was not unexpected, as we keep a close watch on the weather forecast each day, the cooler temp and damp air caught Randy a little unprepared as we headed out. Now, you need to know the rain had stopped, as predicted, but the air temperature remained in the low 40's. So after cranking out the first 25 miles Randy needed a wardrobe adjustment. We stopped at one of the only available stops along the way (San Jon) where Randy changed his wet undershirt, added a second layer of socks, added a wind breaker layer, and duct taped his shoe vents to prevent air infiltration. Now, that cold weather grimace look on his face was gone. Warmth and comfort has returned.

Randy's duct taped riding shoes. Thank goodness for duct tape once again!

With our wardrobe finally appropriate for the day, down the road we went. The weather continued to clear and improve as we pushed on towards the border. The one thing we've come to realize, with each ride, is the first 50 or 60 miles clip along at a reasonably quick pace. At least in our minds. It's the last 20-30 miles that appear to take the longest. At times it feels as though we will never reach your destination. Well, today was sort of like that. Before we knew it we were at the New Mexico & Texas border. Then, the remainder of our 80 mile ride just seemed to go on, and on, especially with the time change. But we finally made it into Vega, TX just before 5 pm.

Now that we've arrived, we needed to find a place to eat. As with most towns we visit along the way we rely on local knowledge to guide us to the best restaurants. Most times there are only one or two places to choose from, but we at least make an effort to ask. Today we had two choices, Rooster's or the Hickory Inn Cafe. With the cafe closed our decision was rather easy, Rooster! To be fair there is a DQ and Subway in town, but we can visit those places when we're back in York. Rooster's turned out to be a very nice experience. Primarily Mexican food, which was homemade, it was interesting to visit and the people we met were very very nice and engaging. A good choice, if you can officially call it a choice. The owner Roy was quit interested in our trip and has seen numerous cross country cyclists visit his establishment.  Just yesterday three other cross country bikers stopped by for the local cuisine.  Tourist traffic just starting for this area.

Rooster's restaurant in Vega, TX. 

As a final note to our day, as we approached Vega, it was hard to ignore the miles and miles of wind miles to our left. The photo below represents just a small clip of the hundreds of wind mills located here. Our best estimate is this wind mill farm exceeded 20 miles or more. An amazing sight.

Wind Mill farm just outside of Vega, TX.
The sky was beauteous background.