A Day of Endless Horizons and Unexpected Turns: Cycling Through Texas on Day 17

Day 17 of our cross-country cycling journey was a day of unique encounters. The vastness of the Texas landscape unfolded before us, with miles of open road and endless skies. From the sprawling feed lots that seemed to stretch to the horizon, to the poignant reminders of sacrifice at the Dallas/Hartley Veterans Memorial, our day was a mix of beauty and challenges that only the road could offer.

As we pedaled through Texas, we were struck by the sheer expanse of the landscape around us. We passed through fields of brush and sky for miles on end, with nothing but the horizon stretching out before us. The rhythm of our pedals was accompanied by the lowing of cattle and the whisper of the wind, a symphony of the open road.

Amidst the vastness of the Texas countryside, we paused to pay our respects at the Dallas/Hartley Veterans Memorial in Dalhart. Surrounded by the names of those who served and sacrificed, we were reminded of the debt of gratitude we owe to our nation’s veterans, past and present.

As we triumphantly pedaled across the border into Texas, we celebrated a significant milestone in our journey – our fourth state on this epic adventure. Each new state line we crossed was a reminder of the diverse and rich stories our country holds, waiting to be discovered along the way.

Our day was evidence of the physical and mental challenges of our journey. Battling against winds of 22 miles per hour and navigating a narrow berm beside heavy traffic, we were constantly reminded of the importance of safety on the road. A fellow cyclist’s fall resulting in a broken collarbone served as a stark reminder, emphasizing the need for caution and vigilance at all times.


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5 responses to “Day 17”

  1. […] Previous: Day 15 Next: Day 17 […]

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  2. jchristy301 Avatar
    jchristy301

    oh what a shame … to make it 17 days and 4 states and then … have an accident. I bet it was a crazy driver not paying attention. Be safe!!

    cheers

    Jenna

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  3. jchristy301 Avatar
    jchristy301

    feedlots ! UGH!! How can you hold your breath as you pass them while breathing heavily? Do you have a breathing rhythm? In to 3 pedals, out for 2 pedals… something like that?
    I’m so curious how this is possible! How can you take in enough calories?

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    1. From Barb: The smell is not sudden. Because the feedlots r so big. Also, because the land is so vast and depending on the winds, sometimes you don’t smell it at all. I actually spoke with several riders to clarify calories taken in and calories consumed. The consensus was that we take in between 2500 & 4500/day. We burn most of those calories. Men tend to lose weight on the journey while women tend to gain weight. Men lose fat while women gain muscle.

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