Sunday 13th July 2025 Santiago to Sabinas Hidalgo
After last nights late night swim, or late for us, they were still going strong, when the two weary, skinny athletes left the pool / party, buenas noches (good night), you can party all night long (another song) no way you are going to keep me up, I can sleep on a washing line.

That 5 o’clock alarm call came pretty quick, I must add, not the usual bright cheery self this morning, manage to get a bit of breakfast and fruit into the old machine, did not help with the knowledge that we have another 80 odd miles today, with the first 40 odd through the centre of a massive city Monterrey, not the best riding, you reap what you sow, our mistake yesterday so bring it on.

It was urban sprawl from the start, luckly it was a Sunday, so the first couple of hours was OK, light traffic, but massive roads, six lane highway with flyover and underpasses, mate it was difficult. Basically just following Bingo, my Garmin looked like a plate of spaghetti, could not make head or tail of it, just ride. It seemed never ending and took an age to get through, fair play to Bingo just kept yelling at me, stay left, go right all clear to be perfectly honest it was just a blur to me, would have loved a song, to busy trying to stay upright, maybe time later for a few. The only thing I could remember from the map was the Norte Airport, when we get passed that we have done it, seemed a long , long time, but eventually went passed the airport, just a few industrail parks, then into the open cactus fields I hope.

Had a celebratory coffee when we hit the scrubland, with a few cactus trees I might add, tough 50 mile start to the day, the worst is over now and already booked a place to stay. Happy riding now, really not keen on the urban stuff, but needs must sometimes, smashing the last bit though, as sun starts to get a bit warm, riding hard and fast trying to get to the hostel as quick as we can, 2 1/2 hours out in the sun is enough for anyone, even mad dogs and Aylesham men, took a little break under the shelter of a bridge, chocolate cake, apple and a banana, as we enjoyed a mini siesta.

Only 17 miles to go, of we trundle, keeping up the pace, maybe chocolate and banana is as good as beer, but I know what I prefer, that will come as we push through the final miles of another long day in the saddle, first bit very tough and demanding made my attention span quiver a few times, but all done and dusted.

Booked into the hotel, great guy on the desk so helpful, bikes in the room flip flops on then next door for some food. Lovely meal was planning on coming back later for more but unfortunately they close at 5, back to the room and rest, with a little bit more rest.

Lovely chat with are Deb, sorting out meeting Vitoria’s (Alex, Deb’s son wife’s parents), anyway they are from Aylesham: at Nuevo Laredo tomorrow evening, hope its not a posh do, got no clothes and my hair needs cutting! Also nervous as I need to be on my best behavior, not sure i was last time we met them at the wedding.

Early night tonight, good night.