Day 18: El Paso, TX to Fort Hancock, TX --Unexpected Surprise - Internet Connection

Day 18: El Paso, TX to Fort Hancock, TX Unexpected Surprise - Internet Connection
Miles: 48.17
Theme: Team Alice

Today the ride is suppose to be flat and rather boring - according to our map meeting last night. We will be stopping in Fort Hancock - and the reason we are stopping there is that there is nowhere else to stop within a reasonable riding distance. We aren't leaving until 9:00 this morning --- and the goal is simply to take it easy and don't be in a rush as there is absolutely nothing to do in Fort Hancock.

Nancy thought that it would be nice if we rode as a large group today and supported Alice. Alice has had a tough time on the trip so far. Like me, she is riding a recumbent bike. The difference between our recumbents is night and day however. Alice has a brand called Bike E. These are good bikes to ride in the city - in the flats, but they are tanks. Mine is like driving a Ferrari in comparison. Alice has had to get a bump every day so far - so today seemed like the perfect day to ride with her and help her do the entire ride. I should also mention that Alice has a single room - unlike the rest of us who has a roommate each night. In talking to Alice today I learned that she did this because she was used to working nights and isn't into a regular sleeping pattern yet. She was afraid her getting up at nights would disturb her roommate. The unfortunate part about rooming by yourself is that it makes it harder to connect with others. All the more reason for the rest of us to gather around her and support her in this ride today.

So today was all about Alice. When I talked to her before we started, I could tell Alice was nervous. She didn't want to hold everyone back... I told her, go at her pace and everyone would do what they needed to do. Just as we were about to start, Liz noticed that her tire was losing pressure, so everyone but Liz and Carol started out. (They would catch up later). Alice really preferred not to lead, so Diane set the pace, with Alice following her. And off we went. Today we were on the Mission Trail. We would pass 3 missions along the route. We got to the first mission, but it wasn't open yet. So we went on. The 2nd mission had some restoration work taking place, but we were able to go in and look around. Several of the women made the sign of the cross when they went in, went to a pew and knelt and said some prayers. It was very moving to see them kneeling with biker shirts and a few still had on their helmets, saying their prayers. I am sure some prayers were said for Marge's sister, as well as for our safety.

From the Mission we were on a search for a bathroom. One of the guys working on the restoration of the Mission said there was a convenience store just down the way. As we were try to find it Nancy spied a gallery and asked the guy if it was open. It was, and even more important, they had a bathroom and we were welcome to use it! So we jumped at the opportunity. Now remember we are really in the middle of nowhere with nothing around for miles. We walked in the gallery and were amazed! This gallery had some fabulous art - out here in the middle of nowhere. Everyone was shocked and yes credit cards came out as soon as we heard they ship stuff! I bought a beautiful clay pot which will go well with some that Kate has collected from the Southwest.

Once I made my purchases I waited for others to finish their shopping spree. I didn't want to be tempted to buy anything else so I took the opportunity to do some stretches in order to help those tingling toes! Kate sent me an email with some stretches that I will do faithfully as the tingling toes aren't much fun. Tex took a picture of me on the ground doing stretches so I had proof that I really was doing the exercises! Once everyone was done and we thanked Barry (an artist - as well as the person running the gallery) we hopped backed on our bikes and started down the road once again.

We knew there was place to eat about mile 27 or 28. It didn't take long before we were there, but we didn't see the restaurant. Rather than bike around in circles, I went up to a local man in his car with his family and asked if there was a restaurant nearby. He talked to his wife and then said follow me. So here we were 9 bikes following this man across the highway, over the railroad tracks to a place called Wencho's Cafe.

There were two gentlemen in the cafe - having a peaceful lunch and then Team Alice appears. I should say at this point Team Alice consisted of Alice, Diane, Marge, Catherine, Kathie, Tex, Lise, Nancy and me. There were 2 women running the cafe. One spoke no English. Getting our orders was an ordeal! But even better was figuring out who ordered what when all the food came. The waitress would say something in Spanish and either Catherine or I would have to say it back in English. The waitress was laughing, we were laughing... We were all having a grand time. We decided to call Young Pup (Lisa) who was on Sag duty today to tell her to join us for lunch rather than wait for us to get to the Sag stop. A few minutes later she appeared. Catherine went back and yelled to the kitchen, "un mas enchilada sin carne por un otra persona por favor." The din in the place from all the talking and laughing was deafening.

The two men were about to leave when Catherine asked one of them to take a photo of our group. The poor man ended up taking many photos and answering lots of questions. Turned out they were farmers of alfalfa and pecans and any other crops that they can make some money on. So next came the questions - Why are the trees panted white on the trunk ? A: To protect the trees from the sun. Q: How often are the bases of the trees flooded? A: About every couple of weeks. Q: How do you keep the fields under the trees so flat and clear? A: Herbicides... Finally we stopped asking questions - they wished us well on our journey and said be safe!

We had a great lunch - and before you know it, it was time to ride the last 18 miles. Alice was doing great, but the Sag was available if she needed it. We told her, you can do it Alice. We are all riding with you. The winds had picked up tremendously while we were at lunch. It was mainly a cross wind, but sometimes it was a head wind as well. We rode in pairs side by side, with Lise bringing up the rear. I was positioned next to Alice so I could block the wind for her. As we got closer we would count down the miles. Alice needed to take a couple more breaks, but she was determined to make it. We finally saw the hotel in the distance. By now it was a welcomed site for everyone! As we pulled into the parking lot we started chanting "Alice, Alice, Alice..." Those who already arrived came out and greeted us. Linda (the chef) was practically in tears, Carol came out and gave high fives all around, and Liz took photos of Team Alice. This was the first time Alice had not taken the Sag. Alice explained to us that part of her reason for coming on this trip was to get back some of her "Mojo." Alice then said, "I got my Mojo back today."

Today was a good day for all! Go Team Alice!