Day 15 – Across California and into Las Vegas Another incredible day out on the bike—big miles, big climbs, and some big surprises. I left Shoshone a little later than planned after dealing with a flat tire. My rear tire is pretty much done at this point—a big gash in the sidewall and another tear on the bald tread. I’m definitely overdue for some fresh rubber. Once rolling, I pedaled south out of Shoshone (population 31) and into Tecopa. After filling my bottles at a coin-operated water station, I set out along the Old Spanish Trail Road. The scenery was breathtaking—wide open desert, distant mountains, and a landscape that feels both timeless and harsh. After cresting Immigrant Pass, I crossed into Nevada. It felt amazing to finally finish my crossing of California and officially turn this into a multi-state ride. The road was desolate, and traffic was rare. As a Jeep passed me, it suddenly pulled off onto the shoulder. I was a little on edge as I rode by, but the driver rolled down the window and said, “Brian Greeson?” “Yes…” “It’s Brian Van-Cise!” I couldn’t believe it. Brian and I were friends 20 years ago—training together in martial arts back in Michigan before I joined the Army. Running into an old friend in the middle of nowhere was surreal. We caught up for a few minutes, swapped stories, and made a plan to meet up again when I reached Las Vegas the next day. I rolled away from that encounter with a big smile on my face, feeling like the world had just gotten a little smaller. I pushed on toward Nevada Highway 160. The highway was busy, but it had a wide, smooth shoulder and a great bike lane. About the time I started relaxing, my back tire went flat again. I took the tire off, cleaned the inside carefully, and installed my last emergency tube. It had to last all the way to Vegas—I was completely out of spares and patches. The final big climb of the day took me up and over Mountain Springs Pass. My original plan was to camp up at the pass, but as I started my descent, the view of the city lights far below was absolutely mesmerizing. The smooth, winding road and the glowing skyline pulled me onward. I missed my planned turnoff without even realizing it, and before I knew it, I was completely swallowed up by the lights and bustle of Las Vegas. It was an unreal moment—starting the day alone in the middle of the desert, crossing two mountain passes, and finishing the night riding straight into the chaos and brightness of Las Vegas. One of the most surreal and unforgettable days of the trip so far. If you’d like to help spread the word, please share the fundraiser with your friends and family. Every share helps raise awareness and makes a difference. https://gofund.me/730f7a59 More trip updates and photos on Instagram if you want to follow along there too: @briangreeson Thanks again for all the support. I’m really looking forward to sharing more of this ride with you and keeping everyone updated as the journey continues. And as always, keep on pedaling.