Cyclist's Observation: Guilt and love are powerful reasons to never forget Mother's Day.
This was graduation weekend for New Mexico State University, and Mother's Day weekend, so Bill and I shared our motel with numerous other guests. We felt lucky to even get a room. So in an inspired moment, we decided to explore motel etiquette for cyclists.With a few extra days in a motel room to go along with the other 24 days, we determined it was necessary for all motel guests to understand cyclists. Cyclists rise early and are first to the breakfast buffet. Please take heed that you should keep the children at a safe distance while cyclists are eating. Eating is an art fully developed in the cycling world. You should also understand that other behaviors are less becoming. Motel check-in for cyclists is unique. Cyclists arrive with a glassy eyed appearance and as much as 100 miles of road grime, helmet hair, sweat, and always a touch of grease. You have immediately created a negotiating presence. Nobody wants you in the lobby very long. I put my helmet on the counter for effect. Helmet sweat is good, but four or five days of salt accumulation on the straps is hard core and motel rates start to come down. Age also has its privileges. Bill and I usually qualify for a senior discount which is very nice; however, being able to do your laundry in the room and hang some disgusting items outside, priceless. We are never questioned and frequently even supported in these borderline activities in the motel. As you can see, Bill and I have pushed the decorum limit of motel etiquette by trying to erase our cycling
This was graduation weekend for New Mexico State University, and Mother's Day weekend, so Bill and I shared our motel with numerous other guests. We felt lucky to even get a room. So in an inspired moment, we decided to explore motel etiquette for cyclists.With a few extra days in a motel room to go along with the other 24 days, we determined it was necessary for all motel guests to understand cyclists. Cyclists rise early and are first to the breakfast buffet. Please take heed that you should keep the children at a safe distance while cyclists are eating. Eating is an art fully developed in the cycling world. You should also understand that other behaviors are less becoming. Motel check-in for cyclists is unique. Cyclists arrive with a glassy eyed appearance and as much as 100 miles of road grime, helmet hair, sweat, and always a touch of grease. You have immediately created a negotiating presence. Nobody wants you in the lobby very long. I put my helmet on the counter for effect. Helmet sweat is good, but four or five days of salt accumulation on the straps is hard core and motel rates start to come down. Age also has its privileges. Bill and I usually qualify for a senior discount which is very nice; however, being able to do your laundry in the room and hang some disgusting items outside, priceless. We are never questioned and frequently even supported in these borderline activities in the motel. As you can see, Bill and I have pushed the decorum limit of motel etiquette by trying to erase our cycling
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tan lines by the pool (see picture). As we removed our shirts all of the other guests disappeared. It's just another privilege we've learned to expect! It should be noted on this very special day that we enjoyed breakfast at Dick's Cafe (see picture). 
The morning was bright and sunny and to all you mothers have a great day.
We are the porky Old Land Cruisers, immobile for the moment.
Personally, I think that your peddle breakdown was the Universe's way of saying-"Hey, Guys...slow down, take a break, smell the flowers, soak up some rays by a pool, drink some Tequila, take in a little local culture, and salute all the great Mothers out there while you gather up some renewed energy for the last leg of your journey". It seems like a good reason to me, anyway. Enjoy the rest and have a great Day!
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