Day03-We are Three!, Wed, Dec 1, 2010

The three amigos!

Start & Stop:  Junction TX (8:30 AM Central), through  to McAllen, TX (3:30 PM Central)

Mileage: 387 miles (623 km)

Route:  Junction TX, south on US-83 thorough Uvalde TX, Laredo TX then along the Rio Grande River to McAllen, TX.

Weather:  Texas blue skies and some winds.

Lodging:

Fuel:  $2.65/gal

Dean: 3:30 PM – What great fun it was to see Bob Higdon across the parking lot as we checked into our hotel.  Lisa wanted to get her battery situation fixed and after a few calls, she found one 3 miles away.  They’ll charge it all night and she’ll pick it up at 7AM.

This afternoon’s preparations was Mexico vehicle insurance at Sanborns, some libations, and Watttaburger.

Lisa: Hello – sorry I didn’t write yesterday but Dean hogged the internet.  That and I was trying to thaw out!  I can’t remember being colder on a bike, including our trip to Prudhoe the first week of June.  But the day started out early with my adorable niece setting out fresh coffee and assorted breads for us.  Nice to have a hot cup of Joe before heading out!  Thanks Ash – you rock!

As Dean mentioned, we had a really gorgeous ride and were treated to a beautiful sunrise, one of my favorite things about riding.  The day was fairly long but we were able to work out some bugs on the bikes and we found nice rooms and ate take out chicken for dinner.

We took our time this morning waiting for some of the chill to lift before heading out.  They were expecting temps in the teens and since we were only doing 400 miles today so we had lots of time.

I LOVE TEXAS!!

I must have said that 20 times today because I do, I love Texas.  What’s not to like about a state filled with cowboys, southern manners, wide open spaces and roads that offer incredible and varied vistas?  Oh, and elevated speed limits coupled with drivers who pull onto the paved shoulders to allow faster traffic to pass unimpeded.  Does it get any better than that?  I think not.

I HATE TEXAS (I am a woman and I am entitled to change my mind occasionally)

So every convenience store and gas station features large signs with specials on Deer Corn.  For the uninitiated, Deer Corn attracts … deer.  Forest Rats.  Large Rodent like objects so stupid that they throw themselves in front of moving motorcycles.  I don’t like deer.  And before you go getting all Sierra Club on me, real life deer aren’t Bambi.  They’re not.   Did I mention their random behavior coupled with incredible stupidity?  So, here in west Texas, we FEED the deer.  Yes indeed.  All the better for the hunters in their deer stands to bring home some venison.  And to my way of thinking, with the great roads and fast speeds, it’s akin to chumming for great whites near a scuba class.  I don’t get it, but whatever.

I still love Texas but it’s time to leave.  Today, finally leaving the interstate, it felt like the start of the adventure.  Bring it on!!