Silver City to Oops to Hachita I really enjoyed my day off in Silver City. I got a hotel in the historic downtown area, parked my bike and just walked everywhere. I took my tent to a little park and spread it out to dry, wandered into 2 bike shops just because, and visited several restaurants in the neighborhood. My riding companion Alex rolled into town in time for a late lunch, so we caught up with each others’ riding adventures since we parted ways. I was relaxed and content with where I was, and was able to process almost being done with the adventure and get to a place of excitement about it. I talked to Jill a couple times and we made a plan for meeting at the border—she was in Abiquiu, a place I was in not so very long ago! In a rare event for me, I had trouble getting to sleep. I think I was excited to finish up the ride, thinking about what’s next, etc. I did eventually fall asleep, of course and I woke up feeling fine and ready for the day. I had a plan to go to breakfast in the morning, then get on the road relatively early to avoid the heat and headwind. I planned on doing a relatively long day today—87 miles—so I would have a shorter day for my last day to the border. The started out according to plan: Alex joined me for breakfast at 7:30, and by 8:30 I was ready to go. A quick call to Jill and I was rolling at 8:45. Perfect. I really enjoyed the views and terrain once I left Silver city. The road wound around through the desert, slowly gaining a little elevation so the views back toward town were amazing. I enjoyed the desert plants and critters—lizards, birds and insects we don’t see at home. One thing I didn’t enjoy was the sand. In every low spot there was a section of sand from runoff. Some were rideable, some not. I actually crashed in one spot, as I hit the sand at speed and immediately began fishtailing. No damage to man or machine, but man and machine had sand everywhere. And I mean everywhere. I hoped for a shower later in the day. Despite my sand shower, my spirits were high. The gravel roads were in good shape, in fact most had been freshly graded! I rolled along enjoying the views and solitude. It was hot, but not uncomfortable and I had brought plenty of water to make it to a small store at Separ, 60 miles in. I stopped at an old abandoned homestead with a working windmill and a pond with a big willow tree beside it. There were hundreds of goldfish in the pond. I imagined the life and love the people that lived there poured into the place. They made a true oasis in the desert. They nested while they were there—that’s how it works! I pedaled the last few miles into Separ, passing the grader just a couple miles out. I gave him a wave and a heartfelt thumbs up for the smooth road. Upon arrival at the store in Separ, I was pretty pleased with my day—I was there about when I expected, and after a quick snack and soda, I would be on my way to Hachita, only 27 flat miles away. I parked my bike next to the store, dismounted…and my right rear bag was gone. The whole thing, just…not…there! I stared at the empty rack for what seemed like a long time, processing what I was—or wasn’t—seeing. How could I not feel a 15 pound bag fall off? How long have I ridden like that? Can I get by without what’s in that bag? Anyway, after the initial shock and awe period, it was clear I simply needed to ride back and look for the bag. I remember it was there when I stopped to take pictures of the homestead, so I thought worst case scenario I would have to ride back about 10 miles to get it. And 10 miles back. Ouch. And THAT is how to turn an 87 mile ride into a 100 mile ride! Off I went in the opposite direction, getting a quizzical look from the grader operator. I hoped no one had picked up the bag, but I hadn’t seen a single car on that road all day. Searching for silver linings, I thought “at least I have a tailwind now”! Just over 5 miles back, I see my bag lying sadly face-down in the sand. I combination of joy, relief and anger washed over me as I picked my prodigal bag out of the sand. I felt like you do when your dog runs off, but eventually comes back. You’re mad at it, but happy to see it and the happy outweighs the sad at that moment. I put the wayward bag back on the rack and threaded a strap through it so if it fell off again it would get wrapped in my spokes, and for sure I’d notice THAT! I rode once again back by the grader operator, and we traded shrugs as I sheepishly pedaled by. Once in Separ AGAIN I got my now overdue snack and soda and sat outside deciding what to do. Not wanting to put my tent next to a convenience store that was next to a freeway, I decided to forge ahead to Hachita anyway, and simply be later than expected. This 27 mile section is really one to just put your head down and get done. The first 7 miles are on a gravel road that parallels a busy freeway. Then, a right turn onto a laser-straight paved road all the way to Hachita. I was starting to get a little fatigued about half way down the straight road, so I sputtered in to the only store in Hachita hungry and tired. After another coke as a pick-me-up, I felt better and asked where the community center was, as the community allows access to the building for hikers and bikers. I found the building, and was so pleased to find it well set up for cycling nomads, with cold water, cots for sleeping, and a shower!!! I took a shower right away and wandered back to the store to see if they had some ice cream (they did). After a meal of burritos I bought at the store, I sat on the porch of the community center watching the bats hunting under a streetlight. It was a warm, beautiful night and I was grateful to be there. Tomorrow I will finish up this beautiful ride. I will see my wife and my dog and will put my bike on a rack for the long drive home. I will post more philosophical musings for sure, but as for today—it’s sinking in that I’m done. And I’m ready. Thanks for reading. It was a good day…in the end!