The scenery started to shift. The grass looked more sunbaked than before, and jagged stones poked out from the hills. The land felt drier, more rugged—classic semi-arid Wyoming.

We passed signs full of history: the Bozeman Trail, Edgerton, Salt Creek. This area has deep roots in oil, the “black gold” that once drove boomtowns across the Midwest.

The final stretch, 18 miles downhill, felt more like an uphill battle. Strong winds made each pedal harder. The heat hit the high 90s and didn’t let up.

Still, we all made it safely to Casper. Tired but thankful. Tomorrow’s a long one—102 miles—so lights are out early tonight.