On this date 157 years ago, the Grito de Lares (Cry of Lares) uprising started in the city of Lares, Puerto Rico. In the mid-19th century, Spain was struggling with its imperial aspirations. It was in a war with Peru and Chile and had to address slave revolts in Cuba. In Puerto Rico, there was rising support for independence from Spain. Seeking to appease discontent in its overseas provinces, Spain formed in 1865 Junta Informativa de Reformas de Ultramar (Informative Board on Overseas Reforms) to hear complaints from the provinces. But they packed the Junta with mainland Spain-born delegates, who voted down almost every reform. In Puerto Rico, reform leaders in response formed Comité Revolucionario de Puerto Rico (Revolutionary Committee of Puerto Rico) in 1868. They began to write Proclamas attacking Spanish exploitation, some inspired by French revolutionary ideas, and local dissident groups were organized. The poet Lola Rodríguez de Tió wrote patriotic lyrics to the existing tune of La Borinqueña, Puerto Rico's national anthem. The revolution in the town of Lares began on September 23. Some 400–600 rebels gathered at the estate of Manuel Rojas, located in the vicinity of Pezuela, on the outskirts of Lares. Led by Rojas and Juan de Mata Terreforte, the poorly trained and sparsely armed rebels reached the town by horse and on foot at around midnight. They looted local stores and offices owned by peninsulares (Spanish mainland-born men) and took over the city hall. Spanish mainland-born merchants and Puerto Rican government authorities, considered by the rebels as enemies of the fatherland, were taken as prisoners. The rebels then entered the town's church and placed the revolutionary flag of Lares on the High Altar. That flag is recognized as the first flag of Puerto Rico. The Republic of Puerto Rico was proclaimed under the presidency of Francisco Ramírez Medina at the church and the revolutionaries offered freedom to the slaves who joined them. The next day, on September 24, the rebel forces departed to take over the next town, San Sebastián del Pepino. The Puerto Rican militia surprised them with strong resistance with troops from San Juan, Mayagüez, Ponce, and several other towns. The insurgents retreated back to Lares. Governor Julián Pavía ordered the militia to round them up, and the insurrection was over. Credit: https://w.wiki/FS2o I had a very enjoyable ride today! I joined the Santa Cruz club's Tuesday C ride, which started on the Riverwalk. Thanks to Maryann for letting me park my van at her place a leading me over to the start. I've been gone so long, I couldn't remember the best way. The club's route was up to Glenwood to Bean Creek and back, then a loop down to West Cliff and back up the Riverwalk. I added the rest of Glenwood from Bean Creek to Highway 17 and back, so I didn't see many of the club riders after the first part of the ride. And I decided to go up Bay to get back to Maryann's place, since I had already done the corkscrew bridge twice today. It was hot, but not too hot, and downright chilly in the redwoods! I ran out of water on West Cliff and filled up at the Lighthouse. I took some photos, nothing new, but such a beautiful day. I hope the club riders didn't resent me for leaving the regroups quickly and continuing on my own. Many club members enjoy the social interaction, but I just want to ride. I do almost all of my riding solo. But I sure do value the planning and motivation provided by the club and the ride leaders! After the ride, I got shrimp tacos at Tacqueria Vallarta, my favorite!