Today started out as another blue sky day but 20 mph cross-winds right away. We biked on a cattle truck highway and crossed the Texas State line and into Central Time Zone.

Today marked a very sad day because one of our best riders and a great human, Mark Hansen, U of Chicago law professor, fell from hitting a rumble strip awkwardly, and broke his collarbone, a rib and his pelvic bone. He was transported by ambulance to Dalhart “medical center” for X-rays and an MRI and is now being transported to Amarillo for potential surgery. We wish him a speedy recovery and all the best.

As we approached Dalhart, all we could see on both sides were these vast cattle “feed lots”. It was amazing but a little disturbing. Fortunately it was in the low 80’s so it didn’t smell too bad. Dalhart, population 8,450, comes from the name of the two counties it represents, Dallam and Hartley. It was founded at the site of a railroad junction, which contributed to its growth. The town was in the center of the Dust Bowl , an area adversely affected by a long period of drought and dust storms during the Great Depression.

We had a great barbecue tonight and are preparing to cross into Oklahoma tomorrow!