I had a nervous energy last night as I knew today would be the last long ride of the adventure. I eventually fell asleep and woke up a little after 4 am ready to get this show on the road. I was on the road before 5 am this morning and out of Silver City before all the hustle and bustle.

The only climbing today would be out of Silver City and near the mine in Tyrone. After Tyrone, the traffic essentially disappeared as it seems people from Silver City successfully made their way to work at the mine.

The last of the dirt and gravel roads would be about a 32 mile stretch to I-10 and then about 7 more miles on the frontage road. Prior to the frontage road, the dirt road was absolutely pristine, the frontage road was unfortunately a washboard situation.

I had amazing views on the dirt road and was soaking it all in for the last time. My eyes were full of some salty watery substance as I was recalling special moments of the adventure and also simply thinking of how damn lucky I am to have the support of my wife and family during these epic adventures.

I eventually made it to the Continental Divide Historic Trading Post and sashayed in like I owned the joint. I was just so happy to be this far along. I did some shopping and bought some refreshments. I may have chatted with the cashier longer than I should have, but I did find out Michael was not that far in front of me.

Leaving the store and following the frontage road brought me to the highly anticipated exit towards Hachita and Antelope Wells. Those signs really bring it closer to reality.

Seeing a ghost bike really reminds you not to get complacent and to never let your guard down no matter how close the finish line is away.

I officially crossed the Continental Divide one last time. Next stop would be Hachita and that is where I found Michael. We soon called Jeffrey and made our way down to his bike ranch.

Jeffrey is the man that runs a shuttle to and from Antelope Wells for cyclists. He also helps out with the CDT hikers. He will be taking Michael to Tucson tomorrow and he actually let me drive his vehicle down by myself to Antelope Wells to receive Michael at the end of his journey after Michael continued on after a quick lunch.

Michael and I will be staying at his bike ranch tonight and I will be waiting to ride down to Antelope Wells myself on Thursday where my family will be waiting! I am so ready to see my favorite humans!