"The Road Most Traveled"

Baja, Mexico Mid January

For the next 18 days, our route takes us down Baja on Mex 1. It's really the only road in town--the only paved route going north to south. Mex 1 is a narrow highway with little or no shoulder. On most days, you're competing with trucks and buses for a small strip of pavement. At one point, and 18-wheeler came so close, I felt I was in the cab with the driver. On these days, I find myself clenching my teeth and hoping my limited cycling skills will keep me out of a ditch--or worse.

It's no wonder, then, that on Mex 1 we would pass one shrine after another dedicated to loved ones who have died on this road. Many of these shrines are simple testaments--a metal cross, artificial flowers and perhaps a candle. It seems most of the people missed are locals--except one.

It made me wonder how safe we would be..how many times I would find myself clenching my teeth and hoping for the best on days when the road seems made for only one form of transportation.

Postscript: Soon after we passed this monument, one of our riders was hit and injured by a car. He was taken to a hospital and had surgery on his leg. He's hoping to rejoin us in the coming months.

DATE: 1/15/2000

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