What a difference a few hours and a change of scenery can make! Day #17 of Project 2950, traveling from Marfa to Marathon, Texas, was truly a tale of two segments—one a tense, high-stakes battle, the other a smooth, well-earned relief.
Battling the Beast: The Morning Segment
The day started with a formidable challenge. A cold front was blowing through, creating a brutal crosswind with a constant speed of 29 MPH and gusts up to 36 MPH.
For the first 12 miles, the wind was just one part of the danger. The road shoulders were extremely narrow, making it dicey to ride while fighting gale-force gusts that could push a cyclist off into the gravel. Recognizing that safety was paramount, the decision was made for most of the team to take a strategic van hop forward and we appreciate tour Director, Dennis, who was absolutely on his A-game today.
The Sweet Reward: The Afternoon Segment
After the safety hop and a well-deserved lunch stop, the environment shifted dramatically. The cold front had largely passed, and the vicious breezes had dropped to a manageable 10 to 15 MPH.
The change was instant. The final 22 miles felt like an entirely new experience. The wind had eased, and the route even offered some friendly downhill elevation, allowing the miles to melt away. This "easy breezy" segment was a welcomed contrast to the morning's challenges. The final stretch into Marathon was a beautiful reminder of the joy of cycling.
We rolled into Marathon, Texas, to the historic Gage Hotel, ready for a great dinner and rest before heading out to Sanderson, Texas, with hopes for much calmer winds.
A Special Shout Out to the Wind Warriors
Respect and admiration go out to the five amazing riders who chose to stick it out and conquer the entire segment in that unbelievable wind: Stephen, Tracy, Adam, George, and Rich! Your grit and focus in the face of those winds was seriously impressive.
Strava Activity Link Morning Strava Activity Link Afternoon
Check out the wind in the video!!
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| Narrow shoulder and huge wind...no bueno! |
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