March 22, 2025
Day 36: Sanderson to Marathon
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Last night we stayed in the First Baptist Church of Sanderson. We slept inside. I went to bed about 10:45 and woke up at 6:15. Shockingly, I only went to the bathroom once, so felt pretty rested when I woke up to my alarm. The tired held air over night, which made me happy. I ate oatmeal for breakfast and some pumpkin bread made by the host. I packed a ham and provolone sandwich on white (ick) bread. I took some bars but there wasn't a lot of good options. It was nice being inside, but my organization wasn't as good as in the tent. I didn't end up leaving until 8:26 and was last to leave (again). The weather app said it was 50, but it sure seemed colder. My Karoo said it was 37. I wore leg warmers, a long sleeve jersey, a vest, light full-finger gloves, and medium weight wool socks. I was a little cold at first, but not for long. We started climbing right out of Sanderson and did so for the next 33 miles. It wasn't a big gradient, about 1%, but it kept me warm. I tried to keep my power above 130. The wind was low at first but started to pick up at about 10. I averaged in the 12 mph range. I felt good on the ride. It was beautiful, especially at first since it was early and it was 'golden hour' light.
JG met us with the van at a little beyond mile 30 at the world's smallest Buc'cees (see above). I at a couple bars, drank a root beer, filled my water bottle, and left. I stopped again briefly with about 10 miles left to drink water and take a picture.
Last night we met Wyatt, a young man riding the Southern Tier solo, at Sanderson. He stayed and ate with us. We saw him a couple times on the road. After the break I caught up with and rode and talked with him a bit. He went to Slippery Rock College and was a Geology major.
In Marathon there was a BBQ/Brewery right as we got into town. I hadn't eaten lunch yet, and haven't had BBQ in Texas. So, I went. I got a plate with brisket, Mexican Street Corn, and Cole slaw. It was very good. Just as I was starting to eat I saw Wyatt and told him I would buy him lunch. He jumped at the opportunity (I don't think he has a lot of high quality protein in his diet, and notice he had several helpings of spaghetti and meat balls last night. We talked a bit and I sent him of with $20 of 'tail magic' (all I had).
We are staying at the Marathon Motel and RV Park. It has nice facilities, but is very dry and dusty. We got here before the van, so hung out in the shade in the campground courtyard. I ate most of my sandwich while I waited. They have a couple of (contained) outdoor showers that were close to our campsite, so I used it. It was quite nice, though a little cool when I turned off the water. It is so dry, and has been for a while, that my towel dries very quickly when hung out.
JF and JG cooked tonight. They made chicken soup with rice and salad. we had berries and yogurt for desert. I am quite full.
I think I might not have had enough to drink after the ride. I have a bit of a headache. I will drink some before bed and take my usual liter of water with me into the tent to avoid a headache.
The RV park has a dark skies show tonight. I’d love to see it, but it starts at 8:15 and is 2 hours long. Maybe I will come back here as I’d also like to visit Big Bend NP.
Tomorrow we ride to Marfa via Alpine. Alpine is a college town with a population of 6000. I think I will eat lunch there and think I won't even pack a sandwich. It is about 30 miles to Alpine, leaving about 26 after that. There is supposed to be mostly a headwind tomorrow. I am supposed to cook, but at the map meeting Bennie announced we will eat on our own tomorrow night. How lucky can you be. This is my third time in a row that I haven't had to make dinner. I had already talked with PB about making Taco Soup for dinner. I may offer to help SR on our rest day.
Today's ride: 55 miles (89 km)
Total: 1,824 miles (2,935 km)
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