We leave the chaotic mess of a hotel in pitch dark at 5:30 AM, after arguing over some trivial part of the bill. Something like the 10 cent coffee not being paid for on top of a $200 dinner bill for 15 people last night.

Today I'm riding with the Ford Bronco Team from Michigan, a two car team with five guys, one of them a mechanic.

This stretch is going to be a real killer. 700 miles,with no gas stations, pavement, food or hotels. Nothing. These roads are the highest in the world. We'll be rising up to 18,000 feet.