It was colder today, though thankfully not as cold as the storms brewing up north. During a fuel stop break to warm up, I saw ice on my seat. Water had leaked from my canteen. Could not remove the ice from the sheep skin. Late in the day, I did cross paths with another solo biker coming the opposite way. In the brief moment, he appeared to be on a Harley. Dressed to the max in leathers, he looked like a buffalo on two wheels with all of the layers he was wearing. I probably appeared as a synthetic version of the same. Biker waves not to be missed.

It was windy too. Dapple has responded to most everything I’ve asked of her. Today at full throttle, riding into the wind, she could barely reach 60 at some points. Gas mileage has been cut by more than half to 23 mpg. More stops are an excuse to go inside and warm up. Sometimes you just had to, because the credit card slot was frozen. The riding suit with a down under sweater has worked well. In restrooms, I’d open up my suit, and head for the hand blower. Shove the suit panel underneath and flush out the cold air. Did the same for gloves, shoes and socks. I’m glad to have opted out of electric hand grips. Don’t need them for this bike. With a squat, low to the ground little burro like Dapple, you can easily warm your fingers. Lean down a little, the engine top end provides warmth. Your right hand will require the aid of cruise control. Valve covers are right there. How’s that for Honda engineering?

We pass Hancock, Texas. That's where Andy Dufresne and later Red crossed into Mexico. Sorry, no postcard. Today’s destination is the border town of Del Rio. Then it’s a straight shot to Saltillo, Mexico. Dapple will get her first taste of roja gasoline.

Every cashier at each stop wishes me a safe journey. Warming up at a fuel stop, I am pleasantly introduced to Texas politeness. A man calls out, ‘how ya doin’ brutha?” A man my age, wearing a cowboy hat passes saying, “you’re a lot braver than I am!” Midwest translation: Boy, are you ever crazy.