The Big Bike Ride

Harlingen Texas:  Jalapeno 100 bike ride.  Of course we had rain and wind!  lots of wind.  started out at 6:00 am with 8 mph, by the time we took off at 7:45 the wind was up to 16 mph by the time we finished 28 miles the wind was at 22 mph with wind gusts up to 31 mph.  needless to say we did shorten our ride, I think just about everyone did.  it took us about 3 hours total time, with about 20 minutes for breaks to do the 28 miles. 

Normally the winds come from the south, so they plan the route so you are going into the wind on the first part so that the wind is at your back on the last part.  well.. mother nature felt we needed a little character building!  the wind was from the North and East, at least 20 miles we rode into the wind or at least it was coming at us from the side. 

here we go...

our first rest stop..  (really only came for the food!)

after 3 hours and 28 miles in the wind and rain.  we don't look too bad!

the sun came out about 15 minutes after we finished.  and the winds picked up too.  a stop for Mexican food and a walk around the flea market before heading back for a much needed nap.

we had fun, and although the wind put a damper on our plans it was fun riding together for the whole route.  hope to do it again next year!