Day 24 Sanderson to Del Rio

I have seen many animals that were killed by vehicles as I pedal the roadways. They include deer, coyotes, squirrels, fox, skunks, boar, the occassional cat, and even an eagle. Generally the carcasses are in various states of decomposition or dismemberment. We callously refer to the unfortunate creatures as "roadkill", not warranting our time to take them off the road or to bury them. Perhaps these animals deserve more consideration. I remember a time years ago when a fawn darted in front of my car at night, and I unintentionally killed it. The mother wouldn't leave it's dead baby for hours, hopelessly employing it to get up. We should have more compassion for all sentient beings. Each time I pedal past some "roadkill", I think of Eric. He wasn't that different from those creatures we dismiss. I still cry for him to get up.

The ride from Sanderson to Del Rio was 122 miles, much more than I have previously pedaled. I departed an hour and a half before sunrise to avoid the wind. Unhappily, I still pounded into a headwind for 90 miles, struggling to go 10 mph on the flats. I was on the drops all day. The only landscape I witnessed was the pavement right in front of my wheel. Man, did Del Rio look good! A glass of wine never tasted so good. Tomorrow is an easy recovery ride 38 miles. I will need it!