By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
A Del Rio trail ride designed to salute Border Patrol was deemed a success by organizers after more than 100 riders rode 12 miles in the mid-day Texas heat.
The ride kicked off at 8500 Highway 90, about a mile past Laughlin Air Force Base, and riders rode alongside the highway until they got to Jap Lowe Lane. They followed Jap Lowe Lane to Dodson Street and the ride ended at the fields adjacent to Walmart.
An estimated nearly 500 people went alongside the riders in vehicles, all working to show support for Border Patrol agents.
MIguel Zuniga, the event organizer, said he was pleased with the turnout.
“We just wanted to show support for our Border Patrol,” said Zuniga. “We wanted an event that united our community and I think this did that.”
It not only united Del Rio, but brought visitors from throughout the state.
Zuniga came up with the idea a little more than two weeks ago and made a flyer, posted it to Facebook and as they say, the rest is history.
Local businesses quickly anted up helping the event become reality and the event received national attention from several national brands including Resistol hats, Wrangler jeans and the Professional Bull Riders tour, who sent information out to their fans.
Danny Quinlan, a realtor from Houston who came and rode in the event, said he was onboard the moment he heard about it.
“I’m a Texas and I’m an American,” he said. “And I think the Border Patrol agents have been getting the short end of the stick on a lot of fronts so when I heard
about this, I knew I was coming to support these heroes.”
Community leaders are convinced Zuniga has stumbled onto something special.
“Miguel made something great happen here today,” said Lewis Owens, Val Verde County judge. “We are going to support him and help him grow it bigger.”
Zuniga was completely onboard with growing the event bigger. “I see this becoming an annual thing,” he said. “We’re going to do it the first weekend in October and make it an even bigger celebration of Border Patrol and our law enforcement community.”
Regardless of what or when a celebration is held, the agents were appreciative.
“On behalf of Del Rio Sector, I want to thank the Del Rio community and those who participated in today’s event in support of the U.S. Border Patrol and our agents. It is humbling to see how much love and support we have received throughout these unprecedented times. Thank you! -Chief Garcia,” was posted on the Del Rio sector Facebook page.
For a video from the start of the event, go here: https://fb.watch/8z5KUiRvXM/
For an interview with Miguel Zuniga, go here: https://fb.watch/8z5NetwSry/
The writer can be reached at joelalangton@gmail.com.
