Near the crest of China Ranch Road, I chat with another bicyclist before heading down to Tecopa Hot Springs to end the day

I'm not the only crazy guy on a bike out here.

At the crest of China Ranch Road, I meet another cyclist staying around here, also from the Bay Area, who is heading down to China Ranch to buy some date loaf before the store closes.

I'm out of disposable cameras, and there's nowhere around to buy another one. And the trip is almost over, with tomorrow's 55-mile-ride back to Baker marking the end of my desert pedalling.

Tonight's moonlight and mineral water soaks remains, and one last instant backpacking meal waits for me back at the tent.

Next photo album: Tecopa Hot Springs back to Baker, where I'll catch Amtrak tomorrow to San José