The Unexpected 131-Mile Texas Push

March 19, 2025 - 131 miles, 3000 ft elevation, Marathon, TX to almost Del Rio, TX

Let’s start the day and see how far we can go.  That doesn’t happen very often in life or even on a ride across the US.  It was a beautiful crisp, cool, calm, and sunny morning in Marathon, TX.  But the calm didn’t last very long.  We left town and felt nothing but light wind in our faces, wondering where all this miles-adding tailwind would be.

Riding out of Marathon, TX on a beautiful Wednesday morning

We hit 20 miles at 19.3 MPH but then the winds started picking up in our favor.  By 60 miles, our average was up to 23.6 MPH thanks to improved wind and some downhill from 4000 ft.  

Here’s a decent video by Martin of us riding for hours

Quick 10 second video of Doug, Terry, Steve (by Martin)

Strava depiction of 131 mile ride (Garmin got broken up in the middle)

So we hit lunch at 76 miles knowing that we had lots of miles left.  The winds were pretty good but very choppy at points.  Even though it was very downhill overall, we had a good number of mini-climbs that kept wearing on us.  We were told that we only had until 3:30 to ride and then we had to call it.  How far can we get?  Ultimately, we reached 131 miles and ended at the top of a hill.  

We reported our location then flat number 6 happened on the side of the road after we finished the ride.  Does that count?!?!?  I got a unanimous yes so it’s in the books as the group leading 6th flat.  Not an honor that I want.  I’m out of tubes, will have to pick up some in Del Rio.  Should have gone tubeless!

For most of us (except Norman), this was our longest mileage day ever.  Vivek said he did 135 before on the Tour de Rouge but still pretty close.  Felt pretty good putting that one in the books and now Thursday is only 42 miles (instead of 118).  Going to rest well!