Ft. Davis to Marathon, TX
60 miles, make that 60 blissful miles
Ah, what a difference a day or two can make — today was actually fun and enjoyable. After all the difficult and challenging days it was such a relief to have a day without having to dig deep and gut it out.
After two days at the Indian Lodge we continued on 90 East toward Marathon, TX – 60 miles due east. Mostly downhill or rolling flats – and even the chip seal pavement did not slow us down. The winds were at our backs and at times it felt as though I was flying. At one point I was pedaling (with a generous push from the wind) at 34 miles per hour. I stopped pedaling for a mile and was still clocking 30! That shows how powerful the wind can be – and oh, so much more enjoyable when at your back.
As we left the Davis Mountains, the terrain became more expansive as the mountains receded further into the background. Cattle grazed, and looked at us curiously, cars were sparse, ranches were large and the sunshine was strong.
The only thing that slowed us down today was a flat tire for my peddaling buddy, but with our powers combined, and our new tire changing prowess, we fixed it and were off and flying again in no time. There are these very tiny thorns that penetrate the tire and puncture the tube – they are so small they are often difficult to find in the tire – sharp, small and effective at creating a quick flat!
The group was split between the historic Gage Hotel and the very eclectic Eve’s Garden B & B. Two very different properties. I am staying at the B & B which is pretty funky. Clearly a labor of love for a few creative minds – brightly colored, and furnished it is quite stimulating to the eye! At first it was quite overwhelming – but it grew on me, and several of us enjoyed a very relaxing couple of hours hanging out, chatting, drinking a pint from the tapped keg in the “convenience room”.
To top it all off – I have both cell service and internet ! Yahoo. Well, at least for now…
Karen's Ride for Wishes 
So glad you had a nice riding day. You deserve it. Cheers! xoxo
Karen, your pictures are beautiful. Last year we all stayed at the Gage–mostly in the new pueblo section. You have no idea how those of us who are following different blogs are jealous because we had nothing but head or crosswind the entire time. Marathon defies description .Some of us imcluding me optedout out of the 111mile day so we could go to church on Easter Sunday. But then on to Del Rio. Maybe I’ll run into you someday in the streets of downtown Portsmouth wearing my only true piece of memorabilia from the trip–a tee shirt that reads 20 miles from water, 2 miles from Hell–somewhere on the 111 mile day. Pack plenty of H2O, good spirits, and strong legs. Can’t wait to read what you say about the hotel is Marathon. Be well and BKE! barb kautz
I am glad the wind gods were your friend today. You deserved it after working hard and digging so deep the last few days. I am very much enjoying your blog. And yes I am still a little jealous.
Nice centerfold picture for your Angry Ass blog! Keep enjoying those winds against your back. Hmmmm…country song maybe? Thx for sharing!
May the wind be at your back every time you need it, and may you find colorful zest often
I like the look of that B+B! It would be fun to follow your route…..in a car tho, lol!!