Rob and I crashed early last night soon after sunset and before I knew it, the last day had arrived and it seemed to have been brought in with rain and overcast skies last night. Rob was quickly all packed up and after putting some much needed air in his two tires, off he went.

I was on standby this morning waiting for Erin to report SP and then I would take off at SP+45. Erin and the kids were coming from El Paso and we had a pretty good plan to ensure they get to the border before I arrive. I was on the road by 8:25 am as Erin had the troopers up and moving at break neck speed this morning.

Once out of Hachita, a town of about 40 humans, the right turn was made onto Hwy 81 and the last 45 miles was underway.

Immediately, I was passed by border patrol and played a game of pass and be passed by two agents on ATVs looking for tracks on a dirt road parallel to the highway. They rode standing up and looking straight down. I also was passed by a border patrol truck hauling horses. Seems the border patrol has it all under control out here.

So there I was, this is exactly how combat veterans start a sometimes half true combat story, riding my bicycle to Old Mexico on a long and lonely road when I hear a really loud noise behind me. I at first thought it was possibly a huge truck barreling down the road and I had a shot of adrenaline start pumping through my body as I moved to the right. Then the noise became deafening and was all on top of me.

Both hands were gripping my handlebars and there was no way to cover my ears. As quickly as it got on top of me, it was now in front of me. I look up and see an Air Force jet screaming down the highway and I guarantee he probably had a good laugh at my expense. Air Force 1. Army 0.

Erin sends a Zoleo message that they are in Hachita and I send a text I am 20 miles out. She sends another text requesting my mile marker and I reply 19. I look back and see a yellow school bus behind me and move over. I then see a white van behind the bus and I stop. Hey, she must have been making some seriously good time or there was about a twenty minute delay in between the messages! A quick meetup and off the family continued to the border.

The mileage countdown started as I came within 10 miles of the border and I was creeping closer and closer to the end of this epic adventure. The excitement was building and even the tailwind in my face was having a problem holding me back.

The site of WL and the family by the road at the border is one that will be a lasting memory as I raise my hands and have a moment of shared celebration with my loved ones.

I made it.

Done.