01/15/24 Ixtlán del Río

January 15, 2024

A blip of a ride

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I decided that the 9 miles over the hill I skipped yesterday would make trying to get to Tequila just past the edge of what I can do in a day with the current topography and temperatures, so I just finished yesterday’s plan and stopped in Ixtlán del Río. That let me sleep in rather than set my alarm and leave early, so today was calm and enjoyable.

My morning began with complimentary coffee and buñuelos on the patio

I was walking the cobblestones out of Jala when Pedro stopped to ask about my trip and give me some delicious candy coated peanuts. They are my new favorite snack

I didn’t have high expectations for Ixtlán, but found it interesting and full of friendly people

I was looking for the budget hotel the ladies at the juice stand recommended when I came across the Marques de Minas

It’s close to the plaza but away from the noise of the streets

Busier than it looks. It really came to life after dark

Not hungry after my nothing ride, I snacked on fruit salad, washed down with a baggie of fresh coconut water

Eduardo is pretending to stir the roasting peanuts. He also sold boiled peanuts which I’d never tried before and don’t excite me

After the plaza I went back to my hotel and worked on my bike. My rear tire wasn’t holding air, so I added more sealant. An easy but stressful process, it requires removing the valve core and I worry that might pop the bead. But it didn’t

After a small siesta I decided to walk up the hill that overlooks the city

A long staircase, I was pleased I could do it in one go without feeling tired. All that pedaling is doing me good

The view from the top was hard to capture, with the sun in exactly the wrong spot at the time

At the top. Finally get to use my waking sticks

Looking at tomorrow’s ride, which begins with a climb

I chatted with Nataly on the way down, who was resting on her second lap up the stairs. She recommended I visit the archeological site on the edge of town, but they are closed until Wednesday

I went out for dinner and another stroll around the plaza

I can’t figure out if these are games or gambling devices. I suppose i should ask

Today's ride: 9 miles (14 km)
Total: 1,240 miles (1,996 km)

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