September 20, 2014

...in an adjoining room "working out" on their in-room excercise equipment. Good for you, guys! But finish this up quickly, 'cause I got some stories to write here...I need to concentrate!

In the morning, I awoke at 6. At seven, I already had my (styrofoam) cup of coffee at the OXXO next door. It was still dark out. Way ahead of your game, Senora Love Motel lady.

It was a clear and crisp morning. I had put my thermals under my mesh motorcycle gear and now needed to turn on my grip warmers. I also exchanged my fingerless gloves for the heavy duty ones.

The ride took me through flat terrain at first, with mountains lining the horizon. I had planned to make a brief stop in a town called Puebla. I didn't know anything about it, but when I read a sign "Historical Town", turned off the main road. I was impressed with the architecture, which made me feel slighty set back in time. Of course, there was at least one historical church, a castle on a hill and a town square. Most streets in this part of town were one-way streets. While driving by a, what seemed to be a carpenter shop with an older man working inside, I thought it to be a great photo opp. Of course, by the time I had realized it , I had cars behind me and was unable to park my bike. I had to circle several times through the narrow streets to finally find that workshop again. When I found it, the old man saw me getting my camera ready and closed the door. But, after all that work, I was faster. I still got my shot.

I then continued on different kinds of road surfaces, anything from freshly paved, to pothole o'plenty to dusty and gravel. I past through many smaller towns, some of them with a mom-and-pop store and one church, others with supermarkets and carwashes. But all these town had one thing in common. No matter how tiny the town was, it had to have "Topes" (Speed bumps). Usally, 20 - 50 meters apart, in varies designs and sizes, there to inflict pain. But more about that in my MexReview blog.

Speed bump...looks harmless, but inflicts pain to bike and body.

He needs protection when protecting the gas pumps...

One of the towns higher up in elevation, left a pleasant impression with me. I had ridden for several hours, couldn't decide whether I was hungry, thursty or both. I passed by one of those mom-and-pop stores that had fruit displayed in an "open window". Perfecto! Fruit is great when you ride long distance. It gives you energy and tastes good without filling you up.

Thanks for all the goodies...but where am I gonna put it all??

So I stopped, and bought one kilo grapes from the store's owner. She washed them, handed them to me, and I started eating. Before I had my second grape in my mouth, a bunch of people showed up. Some guys, a few women with children. Of course, someone in the group spoke English. I explained to her my plans, which in turn she translated to the others. I left everybody with wondering faces, some wristbands and back on the road I was again. Oh yes, the fruit lady gave me an apple and some mini bananas to take. Gracias, but where do I keep them???

This tuk-tuk driver in a remote town...has lived in Fremont, CA before...really? — This tuk-tuk driver in a remote town...has lived in Fremont, CA before...really?

I had wanted to cover some ground that day and therefore delayed my search for adequate nightquarters for as long as possible. Now it was getting dark. I pushed the "Lodging" function on my Garmin and several hotels came up. I considered a place near my route, but it turned out to be too far out of my way. I kept on riding. Now it is dark...pitch black. No cars, no people, no hotels. I had just refueled in a town, where I could've, should've, but not would've stayed for the night. So my gas tank was full. I kept on riding. The night was warm and clear...

It was not until about two hours later, when I reached Tuxtepec. Nothing special about this town. But, when you are in the saddle all day, it's 10 pm and your tired and sweaty, then all of a sudden this town becomes "special".

I pull up to a gas station. A cabbie(!).."They know of a nice cozy hotel in town for sure"', I am thinking. Bingo! He does. He says in English, "Follow me!" I follow. It's a very short ride.

And where do I end up...? Another Love Hotel...no, not again! But, tonight, I don't care...no morning curfew this time. Super!