May 2017 by John E.
This outstanding business exceedingly met my needs; please read on to learn the details! On Friday, 26MAY2017, I had departed from work [8600 Alameda, El PasoTX-USA] on my Doublevision, excited for a 2-day biketour on the "International Ft. Hancock - Las Cruces I-10 Bicycle Bypass" because I planned to enter magnificent Mexico at the Ysleta-Zaragoza Port-of-Entry. Once South of the border, I would pedal the bike-friendly Ruta Dos East to the Tornillo-Marcelino Serna (namesake is WWI combat hero who had emigrated from Mexico to the Tornillo area) Port of Entry (POE), a fantastic multi-lane (3 lanes in each direction) toll bridge built high above the Rio Bravo/Rio Grande carrying pedestrians, motor vehicles, and non-motorized vehicles (bicycles!) between the USA & EUM. However, I was uncertain if I could pedal that far before darkness forced me to camp at any of several sites along Ruta Dos; I would just go as far as possible. A strong tailwind helped me move pretty steadily, stopping briefly in San Agustin, home to the Museo de Valle de Juarez (not open due to late afternoon/early evening hours) and an abarrote (small store), where I bought and quickly consumed yoghurts, juice, & bottled water. With perhaps an hour of Sun left, I continued pedaling East, wind at my back. In the last rays, I entered the Mexcian side of this amazing POE, casting my eyes on the single-lane, flat bridge just downriver, remembering many times I had pedaled across this crumbling and crowded structure. After paying the 6-peso toll, I geared my Doublevision down into the granny range, and slowly climbed the highest point anywhere on the river between El Paso (Cordova Bridge/puent libre/BOTA POE) and Del Rio. I stayed a bit longer at the USA POE, having stirred great interest in my Doublevision and intended route, which terminated at TornilloTX-USA. That is, until I stopped at the junction with Alameda/TX20. The Westerly had diminished greatly, it was dark under a sliver of Moon, and I had superior lights. I have over 40 years/100,000miles/160,000kms cycling experience, and KNEW I had to take advantage of this opportunity. Turning West on Alameda/TX20, I slowly pedaled into the community of Fabens; seeing the brights lights of 7-eleven/Alon, my salvation filled me with anticipation. Stopping just outside the door, I greeted both attendants, politely requesting ice water from the dispenser. Told that only ice was available, I chuckled, telling her that it'll become frigidly cold water in the heat. Without a doubt, this clean, fresh water (ice) is a life-saver when biketouring. I was extremely grateful, and wholeheartedly give this fine convenience store 5 stars as well as my "Wheel of Approval!"
