02/25/24 Asunción Nochixtlán

February 25, 2024

A sunny ride

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I had a slow start today, mostly because the restaurant at the gas station didn’t open until 8 and I had no wish to descend back into town. It’s 75 miles from Tepelmeme to Oaxaca and I opted for two easyish days instead of one long. A good choice, I was still tired from the climb yesterday and there was so much sun today that I wore out faster than expected.

And indeed it is. Apparently “Environmental compensation”

I’m riding the toll road to Oaxaca, it’s the only choice and is quite good. Traffic is light enough that I can hear my podcasts, and I’m the recipient of many encouraging honks and waves

I’ve begun encountering migrants walking north. Usually it’s small groups of young men, but occasionally families with young children, some possibly Haitian or other Caribbean nationalities. Manuel is from Honduras and had been walking from Oaxaca since being thrown off the bus by immigration authorities who also took his money and cellphone. He’d stopped me to ask how much further it was to Tepelmeme, and if I had any food. I gave him my banana and Al Otro Lado’s phone number. He’s heading north to look for work in the US, and told me I was crazier than he was

These trees have different plants growing on them

I thought perhaps orchids, but this is not familiar to me

Welcome to Nochixtlan, Gateway to the Mixteca. The Mixtec are the indigenous people of Oaxaca

Sunday market was wrapping up when I walked to town for dinner

I need to start drinking more micheladas

I expect to arrive in Oaxaca city tomorrow, where I’ll take a day or two break. I’m feeling a bit worn out and need to think about where I go next

Today's ride: 33 miles (53 km)
Total: 2,150 miles (3,460 km)

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