Out in a West Texas town of El Paso…
Some rides start out as a pilgrimage.
Being a lover of country music and having a son who loves the album Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs by Marty Robbins, the song “El Paso” is definitely on my list of favorites. The song is easy to sing, and easier to remember. The story of a young gunfighter who falls in love with a dancer, Feleena, at Rosa’s Cantinain El Paso.
I’ve always wanted to go to Rosa’s when I found it was still an active place, but never made it happen.
When I mentioned this to Luke sometime back, he suggested we ride to Rosa’s, have lunch, and ride back.
This last Saturday, the pilgrimage to Rosa’s was realized!
Luke, Christian Dupret and I left Las Cruces at about 0735, and started due south towards Mount Christo Rey in El Paso, TX, the base of which is where Rosa’s Cantina is closely located.
That geographic area in West Texas, Southern NM and Northern Mexico is certainly unique. Within a stone’s throw, you can find yourself in three states (Texas, NM, or Chihuahua, the largest Mexican State) or two countries: The USA or Mexico. Mount Christo Rey is actually in Sunland Park, NM, while Rosa’s Cantina, less than a mile away, is in El Paso, TX, with no indication on the ride that you have actually crossed into another state. There are signs that you are in NM, those signs being the numerous Cannabis shops within feet of TX!!
Back to the ride…
We estimated we could leave Milagro at 0730ish, arrive at Rosa’s at 1100, and leave there after lunch at 1200. Back home in LC at 3:00PM.
The weather forecast called for winds out of the south to start the day. In this case the weather forecasters were dead on accurate. 5-10 mph winds greeted us as we started out on the route Luke had planned to take us south to Rosa’s. Now, riding with Luke and Christian, together is a unique experience for the chunky guy in the group. I don’t think either of them realize how strong they are, at least in comparison to the other member of our trio.
I would love to say that I ride off the back of their duo as an homage to the Tour Divide creed of not drafting, but that would just be a lie. I ride back there because even staying in their draft is tough. They are great guys (Don’t tell them I said that) and either humor me that having to wait a bit doesn’t bother them, or they are fantastic liars. At any rate, there were numerous stops along the route to east and let Shane catch up.
We arrived in Sunland Park about 1045, which gave us the opportunity to ride to the start of the Mt. Christo Rey hiking trail. I vetoed the opportunity to ride to the top of the Mount, as I am lazy and fat. No more needs to be said. After some pictures, we rode the mile or so to Rosa’s. It is, to say the least, an unassuming place to look at from the road.
We parked out bikes and ventured inside. What a surprise!
Well decorated with plenty of Marty Robbins memorabilia and shots of bull riders and cowboy, it was a comfortable place!. Large with a well-stocked bar!
The food and beer were reasonably priced and a welcome treat. Refried beans made with the traditional lard were delicious!!
We relaxed, and as planned were back on the road north at exactly 1200!
Christian and Luke again were ripping down the paved trail near El Paso and we made quick work out of the first 15 miles or so. It was at this point that Christian left our group to go meet his wife for some El Paso time.
Luke and I continued on our way, with the wind now firmly at our back. After a few stops on the way home, we rolled back into the Milagro parking lot at 1500 on the dot! Mission accomplished. 6 hours of ride time and 88 miles in the bank. A great day and a ride I look forward to doing again.
Ride On!
Shane
