Texas, oh Texas, what do you have in store for us? The ride out of El Paso was a bit hair-raising, riding along with commuter traffic up and down hills for about 6 to 7 miles. There’s a big difference between Texas and New Mexico drivers — and not for the better.
Our route dumped us into downtown El Paso proper, past UTEP and into an older part of town. We stopped in a park to enjoy the alligator sculpture and the architecture. We will have our way through bridge streets and suddenly the neighborhood change to a decidedly Hispanic flavor — and smell! I don’t know what was cooking for breakfast but I sure wish I was invited.
We crossed into a block where the buildings all had incredible graffiti art. We had to stop to admire it properly. The talent it takes to do this kind of art is impressive.
It wasn’t long before we were riding along the border. The wall looks impenetrable. On the Mexican side we could see a huge red X sculpture. It was created by an artist known as Sebastian, and is officially called the monument to the Mexican people. Locally it’s known as le Equis. The X represents the merging of Spanish and indigenous cultures.
Things flattened out from there and the riding was fast and easy. We passed a lot of poverty. Many towns appear to be abandoned. One sign advertised SWGI baseball and offered an actual sandlot to play in.
Lunch was in front of a 7-Eleven type store in Faben, followed by more pecan groves and cotton fields. Both look a bit less robust here than their New Mexican counterparts. I’m ready for a new view anytime.
Our last 13 miles was on chip seal, not my favorite but nothing I can do about it. We rolled into Fort Hancock around 230 and I’m now set up behind the church. We are waiting for middle school football practice to finish up so we can use the locker rooms to shower. We don’t want to scare any kids for life.
Things I learned today:
- Life on the road requires flexibility.
- Sidewalks provide good escape routes.
- Sunsets are pretty awesome no matter where you are
Always the teacher.I all learning so many things. I have never heard of le Equis or chip seal. I've got to get out more. Thanks for all your great lessons. Debbie
ReplyDeleteHugs to you Lydia. Impressed every day by you...💕 Pauline
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