Nestled between the train tracks and the highway, the campsite was convenient, but not ideal for sleeping.
Surprisingly, the forecast was much much cooler than the day before. We didn't need to wake up before dawn, and we only had 55 miles to ride to reach Marathon. The challenge is not having a single rest stop for the entire 55 miles. On a hot, sunny, day this distance requires carrying a lot of extra water, but we were able to carry a standard quantity of water.
As we were packing, I saw another cyclist riding the same way we were! I waved, and she pulled over to say hi. We met Janet, who has been riding her bicycle since October. It was super exciting to meet someone going the same direction we were, and she was nice enough to let us ride with her.
Janet usually rides 30-40 miles so for her, a 55 mile day was a pretty long stretch. I think she was excited to ride with people, and our riding was full of great conversation.
With gentle tail winds and overcast skies, the slight incline to Marathon was barely noticeable.
We also saw some pretty $weet ranch gates.
A little over half way to Marathon, we stopped for lunch at a picnic area. It was much cooler than the day before, enough where we pulled out jackets and hats.
Next stop, Marathon.
In town, we were given some directions to our hostel, La Loma del Chivo. It's a pretty crazy place full of papercrete buildings and lots of sustainable living gadgets. They are cool enough to put up cyclists for free. Big thanks!
After getting set up, we walked into town to eat at the restaurant in town. I made the mistake of ordering a chicken quesadilla, which certainly wasn't enough dinner. For the first time on this trip, I had to order a second full entrée at a restaurant.
Back at the hostel, we engaged in a series of bizarre discussions and finally went to sleep around 10pm.
Day 53 - 55.72 Miles
Trip to Date - 2838.47 miles
Coast to Coast - 1836.02 miles
so, did you pay otie for the second entree?
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