Stage 7: Kelso to Amboy Turn (Dario)

This was the shortest stage for me, only 33.2 miles with 2,280 ft of climbing. It basically consisted of gong up a hill (fairly moderate gradient) and then a long moderate descent.
Here are the stats of the stage:
- Distance: 33.2 miles
- Time: 1:48
- Total climbing: 2,280
- Avg speed: 18.75

I felt really good during this stage, maybe because it was the last one but I felt that I could continue riding for a while. TS6 was in the middle of nowhere right by some railroad truck, the good thing was that there were some bushes and trees (that help with the toilet situation) and some shade to park the truck. I as soon as we got there I got my road bike ready to go. When Jessica showed up I was ready, a quick pass of the baton and I was in my way. The uphill part felt easier than I thought, it was getting a bit hot but the temperature was still on the 70 I think. I keep pedaling and about 30 minutes into the ride the crew went by me, they asked how I was feeling, I gave them the thumbs up and I asked to meet me at the top. When I was getting to the top I saw the truck park at the distance but no people outside of the truck, they must be inside I thought enjoying some ac. I continued to get closer but nobody is around, they were park well outside of the road so I didn’t want to stop or ride over there. I started waving my arms and still nothing. Finally I was passing almost by the truck I saw Peter struggling out of the truck, I threw my bottles to him (I was out of water) and I told them that I need 2 bottles and kept going. The summit was about 5 flat miles and I was riding as hard as I could there. A few minutes later the truck is beside me giving me some bottles and I told them that I will meet them at the TS7. They speeded up ahead. The next 15 miles are quite desolated and given that we are at the end of the race the support vehicles that were frequently passing me and such are not longer there. At this point I am moving at 30 to 35 miles per hour and I keep thinking: God let this be the right route otherwise it was going to be a long way back. I started to get nervous; I kept looking around and trying to figure out where I am going. A few cars passed me but they are not part of the race. Then finally a support vehicle passed me and I got the must needed confirmation that I was in correct road. A few minutes later I can the intersection with National Trails Highway and the TS. Once again Jessica is ready to go. I gave her the baton and I am DONE, no more riding for me. I washed myself with a bottle of water, changed clothes and jumped into the car to start lead frogging Jessica. It was getting really hot and I started to get concern about Jess getting enough fluids and such so I suggested to the crew if we could stay close to her, we all agreed.
The plan for here onward was to stay close to Jess and wait for her in every turn, then I will jump in my bike and ride with her the last 500 yards of so. It is so nice to be done.