Bike Ride at Bentsen S.P. & Pepe's

Before I report on the great 'first ride of the season' at
Bentsen State Park, a brief announcement.

This Sunday, Oct 26th there will be a caravan to Pepe's on the River, leaving the front gate at 3pm.

If you've never gone, it's a must do! Pepe's is an open air palapa style building (but huge) built right next to the Rio Grande.

They have great food, beer and margaritas by the pitcher, and live music. It's terrific fun, especially with a great bunch of friends.

Now...the ride.

We caravaned to Bentsen State Park, on the western edge of Mission. A reduced senior discount entrance fee of $3 each was a nice surprise. We started out thru a mass planting of butterfly friendly flowers, all in full bloom.

We didn't see too many animals...could it have been because we were laughing and talking so much?

The park used to be a campground but the sites have been removedand cars

prohibited to encourage wildlife.

It is one part of the World Birding Center (many stations all the way to South Padre Island), with volunteers and naturalists leading walks and talks during the upcoming season.

Here is our group at the Hawk Tower.

Lots of watery overlooks, with ducks and other water birds.

Bicycling through it was delightful. It is mostly flat with a few areas to coast gently down hill. We rode close to 5 miles with many stops to read signs or take short hikes to view wildlife. Lots of butterflies and dragon flies. We did cross paths with a javelina several times. Jim got a nice picture of it grazing.

On the ride back to the parking lot my pedal fell off...three times.

Luckily Jon (H-less) had a repair kit with him and the guys were able to make temporary repairs. At one time they even beat the pedal with a rock. Durn thing would not stay on!
When we returned to the cars it fell off for the 4th and final time. But that's OK, we were on our way to lunch. A great Mexican feast at Danny's, a chain with terrific Mexican food. Then we all hustled home to prepare food for tonight's Harvest Feast Pot Luck.

Lovely Day! Don't forget about Pepe's on Sunday!