02/23/24 San Gabriel Chilac

February 23, 2024

More work than I expected

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I was anticipating another fun and easy day today, but headwinds, hazy views and temperatures in the low 90’s made me glad to arrive in Chilac in the early afternoon.

I’m finding the people I meet to be consistently cheerful and friendly. Even the police were giving me encouraging waves and thumbs up.

In one town the power lines were full of what I presumed were bird nests

but which Bill informs me are ballmoss. They are plants that live on what they pull from the air. Fascinating

I didn’t enjoy the road today. No shoulder with a high lip

Tehuacán was a big, bustling town. Came across these musicians near the plaza. Must have been near a college, judging by the student types

Busy streets. I considered getting a fruit salad when I was stopping for the car in front, but had just finished a really good torta and wasn’t hungry

My first encounter with a Mexican train on this trip

It was just three engines, doing a forward and back maneuver

The last few miles into Chilac were dusty

Welcome to San Gabriel Chilac, Constant Development for All

Looked like a statue of a woman on top of a garlic

Indeed it was. A local confirmed Chilac is known for its garlic. A Mexican Gilroy, if you will

It had a jolly feel, in spite of it being hot and sluggish

The first hotel I tried was full, the other was locked, but I found a room in the San Gabriel

It’s a $20 oasis. No hot water but the lukewarm shower was refreshing

There doesn’t seem much going on in this town. I bought supplies for the big climb tomorrow and walked around taking random pictures

The plaza was empty of people but full of litter

Tomorrow promises to be difficult, a long climb into Oaxaca state with no services. It’s not supposed to be as hot but the wind should still be blowing. I’m hoping I can leave early.

Today's ride: 53 miles (85 km)
Total: 2,073 miles (3,336 km)

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