Shaun Rides His Bike

The wind forecast was a little inaccurate, and I ended up having a slight tailwind most of the day, so today became a really easy, short day.

I started off the ride taking pictures of the Slug Bug Ranch, which was just around the corner from my motel. I didn’t stop there yesterday, because there were a bunch of people there, but it was just me this morning.

I kind feel about the same regarding the Slug Bug Ranch as I did about the Cadillac Ranch the last time I saw it, in July, 2000. It’s a little depressing, because there was so much litter around it, including lots of empty spray paint cans. But it is very colorful!

The rest of the ride was uneventful until I passed several miniature donkeys and horses. I stopped to say hi, and they were very friendly and curious. One of the donkeys was smaller than many dogs! They nibbled on my fingers and let me pet them, but I knew better than to give them any food – a friend of mine told me they have sensitive digestive systems and can get really sick if you give them the wrong things to eat.

Video: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdbXy1w2/

When I hit Amarillo, I noticed the fields next to the road were filled with prairie dogs. They didn’t pay any attention to passing cars, but they scrambled as soon as they saw me on my bicycle. I stopped to wait for some to poke their heads out, but it was a little chilly and very windy, so they outlasted me. They’re also really cute!

I stopped at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, because it is just so hilariously over the top. There is nothing but meat on the menu, but I love its tacky exuberance.

Riding through Amarillo wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. The roads I was on were all either really quiet or really wide, and the drivers were more patient than they’ve been in some cities.

When I was about 2 miles from my motel, it started sprinkling. Just as I pulled into the covered entrance to the motel, it started pouring. As I was checking in a minute later, my phone sent me two notifications: Severe thunderstorms in my area, and a tornado warning near the area I left this morning. When I looked outside, it was hailing! I was less than a minute away from getting soaked!

In anticipation of smoke as I get closer to New Mexico wildfires, I ordered a P100 mask from Home Depot, with curbside pickup, and I will get it on the way out of town tomorrow. I know from past experience that I can ride while wearing one (but I might have to shave my beard!😒).

Finally, an observation: Texas LOVES chipseal pavement. And Missouri loves rumble strips.