Yesterday afternoon Mike Halstead and I finished up our ride across South America. The biking on the last day was the easiest of the entire journey. About 125 miles. Was it because it was flat with no headwinds and little sun? Or was it because I was getting stronger and fitter? I believe the answer lies somewhere in between.
Not a remarkable riding day other than the torrential rain again throughout the morning. Many cyclists opted to skip the first leg and join later on. Not us as we needed the exercise. We came in with the lead group. It became more and more apparent to not only me but also to other riders that Mike was the strongest cyclists on this tour. Me? I came along for the ride. Yesterday he made some moves that had the best cyclists shaking their heads. Big shout out to Halstead who let me draft him across another continent.
The finish line was pretty amazing. I was ready to leave not long after we got there but we waited till all had finished. People were genuinely thrilled with the accomplishment whether they had ridden 40 miles a day and taken the bus for the rest or if they had done every mile. One fellow who I very much respected who happened to also be a very successful businessman called the trip the most epic moment of his life. Very fascinating results. My response? What’s next?
We of course were the only two flying out the same night and so we got the firs ride (1.5 hours) back to the hotel. On the ride back I had a great conversation with the trip director who was a horsewoman in a prior life and I knew many of her employers in the UK. Very nice lady. Also learned a lot about her job and the company. Very cool stuff.
We got to the hotel and took our two bikes apart and boxed them up for the trip home. Grabbed a quick shower and packed the dirtiest pile of clothes into our suitcases. Off to the airport.
I have a great number of photos that I will post Monday. I wish I could do it now but not in my pay grade. Thanks for following this trip. Until the next time.
