The lower reaches of Indian Route 13, which had taken us from Lukachukai up to Buffalo Pass, were blasted by a dust storm as we made our way back to the Totsoh Trading Post. We took a short break as the winds died down.

After arriving at the trading post, I thought perhaps I should climb into the van. I knew I could finish the century, but I didn't want to hold up the Rapha riders. Everyone encouraged me to continue - at my own pace - and I did. One or even all of the riders always stayed with me, or let me escape up the road for a while.