A much better day today. Had a rather uninspiring breakfast from the shop we camped next to - should have just made my own porridge. But at least made for getting on the road in good time. The ride was much more varied and interesting than yesterday and had me humming the theme to Easy Rider. 

 

Caught up with Dan, a nice older guy from Washington. I’d met him on the road yesterday and he camped with us last night but there seemed to be a bit of weird tension between him and the Jeep crew. Dynamics are strange in a situation like this as you often cross paths with the same people, so there’s a judgment about how much you engage beyond the pleasantries and small talk. But we rode together for a bit and chatted before he said he was going to stop for a rest so I pushed on. A helpful wind meant I’d done the 50 or so miles into Cuba before midday so stopped for some Mexican food. 

 

From here I knew there was a longish climb up to the campground I was planning to stay at. Not ideal doing it at the hottest point of the day but nice to be up amongst the trees again. Was greeted at the campsite by a really nice host called Ben who said he was letting cyclists camp near him for free, rather than the $20 for one of the formal spots. But worked out great as I could pitch my tent under the trees near the stream. I sat by the running water for a while which was incredibly soothing having been through so much landscape visibly devoid of water. 

 

After making some food I was sitting reading when Ben firstly offered me a shower in his trailer - I politely declined as being completely honest I just couldn’t be bothered. He then offered me a sandwich which I duly took him up on. We made sandwiches together and talked about how he ended up volunteering out here despite being from Houston. He was really interested in my maps so I got out the whole set and we plotted my route north and he talked about places he’d been or cycled with the Houston Cycling Club and I signed the little book he had of the cyclists passing through. Another person who was just really interested in what me/the other cyclists are doing and keen to help where he can. 

 

Both Dan and the Jeep crew were staying in town. As nice as it’s been to spend time with others, I’m glad to be riding to my own rhythm and making my own decisions.