Friday 11th July 2025 Ciudad Victoria to Villgran
My little legs are a bit tired, so get an Uber down to an ATM, sort the money out, then an Uber straight back, that’s the cash sorted, now a meal, next door to the hostel, all good, not sure what we ordered, loads of plates kept coming, they were not wasted, good meal felt great to eat loads. Only a little walk back to the digs all full up, and a few beers nice feeling, will not take much rocking for me tonight, was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Least it’s not raining when we get up, still pretty dark mind you, maybe have to put the alarm back 15mins, as we are like two caged lions, wanting to get on the road, pacing up and down the little room, lets go.

Bingo had a little shortcut in mind, so followed him diligently , saved us at least 1/2 mile, but every bit counts, heading to a small town / village today, Villagrain, only one hostel, lets hope its still open! Soon back on the route, going out into the wilderness a bit today, all a bit vague on google maps, so a bit uncertain if we have any decent places to stop, filled up with water and chocolate so let’s go.

Same as yesterday, not much wildlife about, maybe too much pesticide not sure, but good riding conditions, getting in the early miles while it’s not so hot, riding good and hard, miles are whistling by. Stop for a coffee and a soft drink at the normal “Oxxon” shop always adjacent to the service stations, probably their best customers now, couple of little urchins loitering outside the shop, so placed the bikes by the window so we can keep an eye on them, the little blighters kept looking but could see we were always there. Not the most relaxing of stops, but least the bikes were OK, cheeky buggers asked for a tip for looking after the bikes, guess what, they did not get one.

On we trek, wildlife a bit sparse to say the least, just us against the road, no contest today, we won hands down, churning out the miles, like they are for fun, only got a little 67 mile ride today, if we are not careful, we will be finished before we start, maybe I am still asleep and just dreaming this, so feels like it sometimes. Always a silver lining, be nice to finish early and get some proper washing done, think my sister Deb, will not let us within 100yrds of her place at the moment. Just as we were entering the village, I have decided it is a village Villagrain, even says it in the name. Another Oxxon pops up, stop for a little light refreshment, right in the middle of an audit of some sort, loads of people around, as we quietly had a cold one, just as we was about to leave, got a text from Sandra, she is at the hospital visiting Steve, another brilliant video call, he is getting better everyday, really good chat and so refreshing to hear him ask all the right questions and be alert when he knows I am taking the micky, can’t swear as my Mum reads this. It is so great the family have all pulled together visiting Steve and caring for my Mum. We are stretching every muscle and sinew to get home ASAP, to help out, but once again a massive thank you from Bingo & Gringo, both apt names now, look like we have gone native. Even a policeman today questioned us, English hey you don’t look like it with a big Mexican grin, well I thought it was a grin under his massive moustache, featuring his last three meals at least, cheerful guy though.

After the lovely video call, we ambled at least 1/2 mile down the road, found the hostel, no one around, nice guy tending the garden called the owner, she turned up straight away, all booked in, few extra beers from the little shop over the road, sorted, no WIFI, not too bad, leads to a relaxing afternoon.

That relaxing we decide to have a picnic for tea, little walk down to the supermarket, well shop, got the rolls, onions, tomatoes, cheese mate we are having a feast, Bingo concentrating on the serious things, me putting loads of chocolate in the basket, all good in the end, only came to seven shillings and sixpence good at half the price, what the heck does that mean! I was still tasked with going to the other shop to get a top up on the beers, nice picnic though.