Day 109 - Friday, September 17

Today marks the end of the loneliest road in America, Highway 50. The 460 miles over 13 days took me over massive ranges, long desolate valleys and unparalleled beauty. I left the Lohantan Resevoir under a blood red moon and headed back to civilization at 3:30am.

Along Highway 50 numerous cyclists came by with occasional crew cars and I learned it is the Silver State 508 cycling competition going on that starts and ends in Reno and covers 508 miles in which athletes have 48 hours to cover the distance.

The smoke in Carson City is intense as there are a few wildfires still active and there is an active fire warning for conditions that are ripe for more.

I covered 39 miles today to make it to Carson City and set up for what will be the toughest day of the entire trip tomorrow - getting over Squaw Valley to Lake Tahoe and covering the required distance to stay on schedule. The route begins with 6 miles to the base of the climb, an 11 mile up and over covering 5k’+ of climbing and then 20 miles around Lake Tahoe into Truckee, CA. I will be ready…

I also had a surprise visit from Tim who was in Tahoe and decided to recon the route for me on his Triumph motorcycle. While my original route is closed due to Caldor, there is another way we could go that Tim rode to confirm it had been opened today. I’ve decided that I’ll take the Plan B route and deal with I80 for 2 days instead of the extra distance and the risks of the fire. Was great to hangout with Tim and Chris whipped up perfectly cooked salmon, mashed potatoes and broccoli/string bean combo. Tim told Chris its the best salmon he has had!

All for today - thank you for your ongoing support.

Cheers,

David.

Blood red moon at 3:30am

Daily Brief

Heading out of Stagecoach NV

Last sunrise over the desert

Last Pony Express sign as I leave the route tomorrow

Highway 50 isn’t lonely anymore…

The smoke is thick in Carson City

Working the route with Tim