Day Twenty-three Statistics:

Elapsed Time (ET): 4:30:00

Distance (DST): 48.5 Miles

Average Speed (AVG): 11.6 MPH

Riding Time (RT): 4:11:35

Maximum Speed (MAX): 18.7 MPH

Odometer (ODO): 24,030.6 Miles

Temperature (Fahrenheit): 78-87

Wind Direction and Speed: South 10-25

Route: US 77

Cities Traveled Through: Lyford, Sebastian, Combes, Harlingen, San Benito, Rancho Viejo, Olmito, Brownsville; Matamoros, Mexico

Motel: Hotel Plaza Matamoros ($47.50)

Comments: I left Raymondville about an hour before sunrise. The shoulder was huge and there was little traffic in that area, so I figured it would be safe. The temperature started at 80 and rose into the upper 80s later in the morning. Forecasts were calling for highs above 100 in the afternoon, so I needed to leave as early as possible. The winds never died down and started from the south at 17 with gusts to 22. I made okay time considering the wind conditions. I brought some water with me from the hotel in Raymondville and planned on getting some more liquid later. I had the luxury of larger towns with services today which was really nice. I was able to stop by a Harlingen gas station and got some cool pop and food. Shortly before leaving Harlingen I saw a sign that said Brownsville was only 25 miles away!! For some reason I thought it was a little further. Now I realized just how close I was to accomplishing my goal. The temperature wasn't too bad since I got to Brownsville around 10 AM. I kept on the frontage road near US 77/83, but eventually strayed off a bit and was going to ask for a map or directions to Matamoros. However, I quickly saw a big saw that said something about Matamoros!! Could this really be?!! I went through the toll area which charged me a quarter. Later, I had to have my backpack inspected which turned out fine. I could hardly believe that I was finally at my destination! I wasn't even positive that I was in Matamoros, but after asking someone I knew I was! I just kept heading along the road I was on and found a tourist information place. The guy (Joe) was very friendly and he walked across part of town and helped me check into a hotel since I didn't speak Spanish. He talked to the owner of the hotel about bringing my bike in which was okay. I still wasn't sure if this guy was trying to scam me somehow. He seemed nice, but I never know for sure. Later, he took me to a restaurant where English was spoken okay. I told him that I was going to go to the hotel after that so I no longer needed his help. I paid him something for his help before he left. After I ate, I went back to the hotel where I was glad to have a phone this time! Unfortunately, it's one of those old dial phones! I was still able to hook my computer up to the line though! I'll probably go outside and explore the area a little in a while. Matamoros is an interesting city. It's just too bad that I don't speak any Spanish. Some of the people here don't even speak any English. I went into a gas station and I asked the guy a question and he just looked at me and told me he didn't speak English. It took me a long time to find a cash machine. I finally did, however. I also saw a van with a North Dakota license plate!!! I was so excited to see something familiar that I almost went up to the person and talked to him, but didn't. The last time I remember seeing an ND plate was near Sioux Falls. I'm still trying to realize that my trip is finally over! Overall, I had great luck in the weather for avoiding storms and I only had one day with flat tires after my Valley City experience! It's great to know that I was actually able to finish this trip! All these days of constant wind really tested me. I never thought about giving up, but got really discouraged. Finishing is definitely worth all the hassle, however.

Photos