Joe's First Ride, Don's Tumble, and the Rising Texas Wind

March 14, 2025 - 40 miles, 900 ft elevation, El Paso, TX to Fabens, TX

We woke up to a calm day and clear skies.  A very welcome condition after the dust storm of the night before.  Let’s get going before the wind starts we’re thinking.  But it’s pretty cold for Joe on his first big group ride.  

As you might be able to tell by the distance and elevation, this ride is the easiest of the trip so far (and maybe for the entire trip).  We meandered through El Paso for about 10 miles through lots of lights and turns.

Unfortunately, Don had a spill after overbraking on his front brake and flipped.  Although he broke his hand and busted his face a bit, the doctor cast it so he still had use of his index and middle finger and thumb. Glad Don is ok and he plans to keep riding.  Incredible!

On the way out of El Paso, I managed to get my 4th flat tire.  The winds were really starting to pick up.  Fortunately, we were just a few hundred feet from one of the few stores on the route so we walked over to get some shelter from the wind.  Made the necessary tube changes and got back on the road.  The winds were kicking up dust across the roads in front of us but nothing like the night before.  Given the short ride, we finished before the worst of the winds and avoided the worst of the dust.  More importantly, Joe finished his first day of riding unscathed.

Joe and Terry on a cold but clear and calm escape from El Paso, TX

Group Dinner including visiting McLeans and Joe Tansey at Cattleman’s Ranch in the middle of nowhere near Fabens, TX

While we were riding, Suzzy was able to take the kids to White Sands National Park to play in the snowy white sand.

McLean kids (left to right) Emma, Liam, and Alex playing in White Sands National Park (looks like snow doesn’t it!)