Day 34 Swainsboro to Tybee Island

Andy Olson

One last sunrise. One last second breakfast with the boys. 34 days. It only took that long to make the memories I’ll be reliving the rest of my life.

Todd LoFrese

Goosebumps!  This crazy idea was hatched a little over a year ago.  Shortly thereafter Andy, TJ and Jim confirmed they were in and I got goosebumps.  At about 6:30 AM on June 14 it happened again.  We had launched from San Francisco and were about to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and it happened again, goosebumps.  As we approached Tybee Island the last few miles went by so fast.  Before I knew it we were riding down the boardwalk about to hit the beach and it happened again, goosebumps.  It will take some time to reflect and think about everything I experienced over this journey.  One thing I already know for certain.  Andy, TJ and Jim, thanks for making it fantastic, I love you guys!

TJ Laughrey

We made it! Arrived at Tybee Island and the Atlantic for the end of journey front wheel dip.   Full kit, socks, shoes, gloves ….. swim time!    

Coming into the finish, the feeling of accomplishment is real.  After my Middlegate meltdown on day 4, I was unsure of my future.   The West almost broke me, but I made it through.  I plan on using this great feeling to propel myself into another great school year.  The power of perseverance and determination is amazing!  Thanks for joining our journey.   

Jim Ray

2500 miles, 6 states, 107,000 ft, 73,000 calories, 156 hours = one unforgettable experience.

For me, some highlights included crossing the Sierra Nevada into Lake Tahoe, the endless expanse of the loneliest road, Highway 50 across Nevada, and the daily routine of early starts, sunrises, and desert heat and low humidity  through Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. 

Utah's canyon country was the standout scenery of the trip. Colorado delivered Monarch Pass at 11,312 feet,  the Rockies, and several days riding through smoke and falling ash from active wildfires.   Long descents (50+mph) and cross winds don’t mix well, but after each descent, was thankful to have stayed upright.

Kansas brought greener landscapes (grass and corn grew before our eyes…actually just got taller as we traveled East), time with family in Tribune, an article published July 8th in the Council Grove Republican. They interviewed me about the ride and my family's history in the area. My great-grandfather, William Hopper, founded the Wilsey Warblerin 1905, and they still report from Wilsey, KS under that name today.

The final leg across Missouri on the Rock Island and Katy Trails into St. Louis included three days of intermittent rain, mud, fallen trees, flooded roads—a reminder that the trip wasn't over until it was over. The Mercantile on the Katy was one of the best overnight stops of the journey.  But Cedar City Utah and Pueblo CO were also great rest days in Airbnb homes. KC rest day was special with the Lumpkins and my sister’s place.

Beyond the scenery, the team was the highlight. Every day had its own challenges—deciding where to eat (our most frequent discussion), how much water to carry, what time to roll out, and how to deal with headwinds, mountain passes, or how much power to put down. Fortunately, mechanical issues were minimal.

Leaving the group in St. Louis was hard, but getting home to family and job was the right finish for my ride.  I heard there were bets at home if I would continue on to Tybee or stop!

Congratulations to the rest of the team for completing the final miles to Tybee Island. What an accomplishment.

 A special thanks to Todd for all the planning for this adventure.  The 42 page itinerary is an impressive document. He handled the route planning, ridewith gps files, and every overnight stay—from hotels and motels, Airbnbs, cabins, trailers, and even a hostel. Very well done!!

Day 33 Milledgeville to Swainsboro (TJ Laughrey)

The end is close, but not today.   Another early start with hotel coffee and pastries.   We began the morning with a full assault on the breakfast bar.  Those morning calories burned off quickly for me after the first hour.  However, I was ready for the calorie bonk with a bagel PB&J that I had stuffed in my frame bag.  Went perfect with root beer.   

As Andy and Todd crushed the short 75 mile course, I easy pedaled and made an additional two stops for cold drinks and chats with locals.   

Georgia has not let up on the climbing. The past week’s mileage and climbing totals are equal to that of the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountain totals.   Even though we’re from the east coast and are familiar with western Carolina climbing, the ups and downs have taken a toll on the legs!   

Our extended afternoon will provide us time to refuel our tanks, rest the legs, and strategize our breakfast plan.   See y’all tomorrow…

Day 32 Atlanta to Milledgeville (Andy Olson)

This morning we woke up in Atlanta. We haven’t often slept in a big city and I was a tad nervous about getting out safely. Since we’re leaving so early and it’s Saturday, we’ll be taking a more direct route out of town saving us valuable time on the bike.

As we were doing our final prep in the lobby, a group of four women arrived. It was just before 5 AM and they said goodnight and Todd explained we are just starting our day!

Starting off on a gentle up hill in relatively cool, moist air, we were very quickly out of town. We watched the scenery turn more and more rural until our second breakfast at mile 60 today in Monticello.

The second we walked in, we met Paul and Danny. Both were very friendly and very interested in bikes and our trip. They seemed to know each person that walked through the door and there were many. This was the sort of place you’d like to spend more time because of these kind people. As we ate, we discussed Moab mountain biking with another customer and soon after, yet another cyclist walked through the door and introduced himself. Truly the highlight today. But-the worrisome heat is not far away now so we keep moving.

A few minutes out of town and we’re riding through the Oconee forest. Low traffic, dappled forest light and gentle rolling hills gave way too soon to much higher traffic, impatient drivers, and heat! It was time to get to our destination. Upon arrival we’ll hurry our recovery and even catch some of the Tour today. Until tomorrow…

Day 31 Summerville to Atlanta (Todd LoFrese)

The planning for this adventure began about a year ago. Early on I had learned about the Silver Comet Trail (a paved rail trail) that goes from Cedartown all the way to Atlanta from a Georgia cyclist (Lawrence Tanguilig) that occasionally visits Chapel Hill and rides with us. We made our way there in the darkness of a 5 am start. About halfway the sun began to rise and we probably saw about 30 deer along the way. We also intersected with the Trail of Tears again today near Cave Spring. After a quick second breakfast at Bojangles in Cedartown our journey on the Silver Comet commenced.

It was absolutely fantastic. High quality pavement, gentle grades and virtually all shade made for ideal riding into Atlanta. Along the way we traversed on bridges, through tunnels, across ponds, and as we approached Atlanta, navigated around joggers and walkers enjoying the same natural environment.

We stopped about 20 miles to go at a DQ for a Blizzard to power us to the end.

As we entered Atlanta we felt a bit of stress initially with a lot of traffic and super hot asphalt. Fortunately the route took us mostly through shaded side neighborhoods with ample space for cycling. The last few miles of course gave us a few hills to climb, but we arrived at Hotel Clermont in great spirits knowing our finish is on the horizon.

A shout out to my cousin Kim and Aunt Pam who have been tracking our progress each day. And my Dad who has been on the computer following the ride tracker and Google Maps in an effort to guess what restaurant we are eating at each day. As this adventure gets closer to conclusion we have all been thinking about our families, friends, and furry friends. We have been on the road for long time and just a few more days until we can be with them again.

Day 30 Sewanee, TN to Summerville, GA (Andy Olson)

This morning will be our last in the central time zone. That’s what was on my mind as Todd, TJ, and I were pedaling easy through the humid darkness. Despite leaving at 5 the sun was peaking through the trees already. It’s a good thing too because when I looked down I realized I left my bottles in the fridge at last nights lodging. No matter- I was only a few miles out and I knew today was going to be a good one.

Once I picked them up I had a few hours to myself while I pedaled through Franklin State Forest. The whir of my tires and regular deep breaths I’m accustomed to when the chase is on. I’m not worried about pacing myself these days. It’s become an involuntary task and I can just enjoy the ride.

Once again crossing the Tennessee River and shortly thereafter, the Alabama State line, I’d finally caught TJ for a quick picture and we were off to catch Todd at the Georgia line for our last State line group photo.

It’s been a lot of work to get here. But-it’s voluntary work. We chose this. When I’m having an especially tough day I try and remind myself of that fact. Nobody chooses to get cancer but it happens every day and it’s hard and sometimes impossible to fight. The three of us had over a year to plan, think about, anticipate this trip. What happens when you go in with a nagging pain only to find out your very life is in danger?

Today we made our fundraising goal. Through the extreme generosity of family, friends, colleagues, and strangers we’ve met along the way, more progress treating young adults can be made. We’re all proud to be riding in Sophie’s name and hope that she can see team after team over the years carry her name across this great land of ours. But-there’s still work to do. Until tomorrow…

Day 29 Bellevue to Sewanee (Todd LoFrese)

Our push to the finish continued today in Tennessee.  The route was fairly hilly like yesterday and everyone seemed to be in a personal zone working hard today.  We left early again which was a good thing considering all the traffic heading towards Nashville.  Fortunately we were headed the opposite direction so aside from just a lot of road noise it didn’t impact us significantly.

Once we got south of Franklin the traffic faded and we were once again on hilly back country roads.  A quick stop in Shelbyville for second breakfast and called Gretchen to say Happy Anniversary and I love you.

On the way to our destination, we road along a section of the Trail of Tears.   As we approached Sewanee, we could see the mountain ridge ahead.  

The last 6 miles was all uphill to our Airbnb which was appropriately named “House on the Hill”.

Georgia here we come.

Day 28 Grand Rivers to Bellevue, TN (Andy Olson)

We all knew today was going to be a big, hard day. We had a lot of miles to cover and the elevation profile looked like a jagged saw blade. But for some reason I wasn’t worried about it today.

I didn’t expect much from today’s route. We’re getting closer to home and my excitement about this trip was all about the West. I’ve been pleasantly surprised and today was no exception. Right out of the door we entered the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. 50 miles of rolling hills with Elk, Bison, and lush forests. 2 cars passed in these 50 miles.

A few biscuits from McDonalds and we were off for the next 50. This time we traversed road after road devoid of vehicles following farmland, forest, and a river we crossed over and over.

This being the South, we are all drenched from the humidity by now. But-most of these roads have been tree lined, providing us with plenty of shade. Worn out from climb after climb I couldn’t help but smile and pray my legs would hold out.

As we climbed the last hill to our hotel, Todd flatted just in time to ride it in. Todd’s drivetrain also needed some TLC and Phillip, Roca (shop security) and Dakota at Trace Bikes got everything running smoothly again.

Exhausted from today’s ride and prepping for tomorrow’s-it’s time for bed! Until tomorrow…

Day 27 Carbondale to Grand Rivers, KY (TJ Laughrey)

The adventure continued into Kentucky.   Our day began early in Carbondale with coffee, fruit, and yogurt.  The headlights were on high beam as we set out for Grand Rivers, Kentucky.

The route put us into beautiful rolling hill as we headed south for Metropolis and an appointment with Superman.  If you’re a fan, this is where you need to be!   

The second breakfast was a delicious stack of French toast.  The locals gave us a nice sendoff and warning of the state line bridge.    “Don’t look down,” warned one the gentleman!

Crossing into Kentucky, the metal grate bridge offered an up close view of the Ohio River.   I was glad to be done with that one!

Into Peducuh, the adventure continued.  We had to traverse suspect roads, barricades, and closed gates.   

Arriving in Grand River was a relief from the increasing mid day heat.   This evening will include lots of calories, planning, and strategizing for tomorrow’s big day.   Lot of miles and climbing!   See y’all tomorrow….

Day 26 Columbia to Carbondale (Todd LoFrese)

Our routine of going to bed early and being on the road before dawn is really paying off. We are able to get a bunch of miles in before it gets too hot.

Today’s ride took us through a rolling countryside of farmland, through quaint and charming towns, and along the mighty Mississippi River.

We also visited Chester, home of Elzie Crisler Segar, the creator of Popeye. The cute town had different character statues at every turn. Andy and TJ must have eaten their spinach because they had a lot of spunk in their legs today. My legs, let’s just say ouch.

In Chester we stopped at a Hardee’s for a biscuit sandwich and had a nice conversation with a group of local veterans who appeared to be regulars.

We arrived early to our Airbnb and we were able to get groceries and get settled to relax and refuel before another long ride tomorrow.

I also FaceTimed with my mother to wish her a happy birthday.

Tonight’s dinner is pasta, Caesar salad, baguette and some Tillamook ice cream.

Day 25 Hermann to Columbia, IL. (Andy Olson)

This morning I woke up and stepped outside. A light drizzle. Checking the radar it looked like we just might have a dry morning start. It had stormed all night so it was a guarantee the Katy would be a soggy mess this morning.

Todd had worked an alternate route, jumping on and off the trail as the roads would allow. Even though it had started to rain a few miles into the ride, we were all thoroughly enjoying ourselves. These little road breaks from the mud did the trick.

It was apparent that we’d missed some very big storms the night before, as there were several trees blocking our path. I don’t know what changed, but our frustrations from yesterday turned into glee today. Laughing as we navigated our loaded, heavy bikes through a myriad of branches and poison ivy, we all found our sense of adventure and even gained a little of our soul back.

A second breakfast seemed to come quickly at mile 62 today. Excellent coffee, tasty breakfast burritos, and a bike wash (courtesy Jack at the Bike Stop Cafe) really lightened our moods and we were all excited to hit the road. Our next stop: the St. Louis Arch! This stop would be bittersweet. Today we say goodbye to Jim after a month of riding together. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him and riding alongside him. I know I speak for all of us when I say we’ll miss him at the finish. We waved goodbye about 10 miles prior to the arch but not before one last adventure of riding through some floodwater that came over our cranks and shoes.

As Jon, Todd, TJ and I rode on to the Arch I could feel the excitement build. The last 5 miles were car free on a greenway along a very industrial area along the river. The first sighting coming a few miles out. I saw the Arch as a young child with my parents. Never did I ever dream I’d be back on a bike! It really sank in that we’re going to do this. We’re going to make it. We’ve skirted wildfires. We dodged severe storms, we’ve slogged through hundreds of miles of mud. This arch is a gateway. We’re going to make it.

After taking our pictures and talking to some of the touring families, we said goodbye to Jon. I really wish his first time on the Katy could have been dryer and maybe a more relaxed pace. But Jon is a strong rider and he jumped in and kept our attitudes positive through some very messy trail.

Just 20 miles to go to our hotel and of course we were racing a storm. Guess what? We won!

Until tomorrow.

Day 24 Pilot Grove to Hermann (Jon Lumpkin)

The journey continues with unplanned adventures today. After a great nights sleep and a delicious biscuits and gravy breakfast from Jerry at the Katy Junction B&B we hit the trail about 0630.

Trail conditions were far better to start the day than yesterday and we moved along pretty well the first 25 miles or so. Todd caught a thorn in his front tire that took several minutes to find and remove. I would find myself nursing a slow leak that eventually sealed later in the day.

Shortly thereafter we saw rain clouds on the horizon. For the next hour an a half we rode through a light steady rain. Luckily it wasn’t dangerous but it was plenty to get the trail, us, and the bikes absolutely filthy.

We stopped in the Village of Hartsburg hoping for second breakfast but found nothing open. Spoke with two other riders on an out and back from Jefferson City and they advised to find anything between Hartsburg and Hermann we would have to venture a few miles off track. None of us felt like adding extra miles today and I was quite happy for our hot breakfast to start the day and having extra snacks and drink mix in my bag.

Shortly after Jeff City we found a large tree down and blocking the trail. It was too large to move, the sides looked full of poison ivy/oak, so the only way through was to portage our bikes up and over. It was at this point that I saw Todd lose his soul, sense of adventure, and any desire for future gravel riding.

Despite all this I felt far better than yesterday. My heart rate stayed manageable after spiking yesterday afternoon. Sunday Chug gravel rides out of Lawrence also prepared me well for gravel, grit, and unplanned adventure.

We worked together the best we could and eventually made it in to Hermann/McCormick. Happy to have another day in the books with great friends and to have been invited to join them these three days.

Route Video

Day 23 Lumpkins to Pilot Grove, MO (Todd LoFrese)

We are not in Kansas anymore. Overnight storms delayed our start this morning out of KC. After about 35 miles of riding we had second breakfast at a delightful cafe in Pleasant Hill, MO adjacent the Rock Island Spur to the Katy Trail. After breakfast the crew relished with being off the roads and realized it would be that way for the next 200 or so miles.

The overnight rain softened things up on the trail so it was slow going in some spots. There were also a lot of sticks down from the storms that we had to dodge. Aside from that we were generally under a canopy of trees for most of the day.

At about mile 100, I spotted a bicycle shop, Pro Velo cycles in Sedalia. Lowell helped me with a quick repair to a damaged light mount. A+ service and what looks to be a great shop!

We rolled into the Katy Junction Bed and Breakfast and was warmly greeted by our host Jerry Selbach. After a quick shower we enjoyed a nice dinner together prepared and cooked by Jerry.

Everyone was zonked from a long ride today and in bed early.

Rest Day in Leawood, KS (TJ Laughrey)

The final rest day of Bike Loud ‘26 was a wonderful time to refresh our mind and bodies.  The Lumpkin morning started with coffee, bagels, and fruit.   The various to do’s were discussed and a lunch plan agreed upon. Kansas City BBQ. Yum!

Jim Ray visited with high school friends and spent the day with his sister Mary and family.

As our legs rested, the bikes got a bath and lube, batteries recharged, and various cycling parts tweaked.   

We are about to start the final push of the trip.   Twelve riding days, no rest.   Each one of the crew is highly motivated to finish and get back to Chapel Hill life.   

This evening, as we sit down for a taco dinner prepared by Jon, we will discuss the upcoming route, sights, breakfast spots, and strategize for the remaining twelve stages.   Heat, heat, and more heat will be be our nemesis as we inch closer to the Atlantic.   “The mountains, dryness, and wind don’t scare me like the heat,” exclaimed one of the crew members!    

How to get the miles done without overheating?   Ice bags, extra ac cooling time, never stop in direct sunlight, and swimming holes! I’m sure the crew will hatch a plan.  See y’all tomorrow….

Day 22 - Emporia to KC (Andy Olson)

Our last day in Kansas started out with a beautiful 60 mile stretch of smooth pavement devoid of vehicles.

Well, unless you count the two extremely large combine tractors that silently pulled up behind us! Then on to a proper second breakfast in Ottawa.

While in Colorado we all planned on how to best get through this state as quickly as possible. It's turned out to be such a great experience that I'm sad we're leaving it. On the bright side, our last night, just a few miles from the Missouri State line, we're spending the night and our rest day at our friend Jon's house.

Having dinner and playing Xbox, a new board game, and watching some of the tour with his family has been awesome-even if it's made me extra home sick for my own family. Jon will accompany us on the Katy Trail since he's never done it before.

It's getting warmer the farther East we pedal. Early starts are the rule now. Seeing the sun rise every morning is a habit that I'm really getting used to. Until tomorrow...

Route Video

Day 21 Lyons to Emporia (TJ Laughrey)

As stage 3 of the Tour of Kansas concludes, the crew has been reminiscing about various highlights and lows of the journey.  Topics such as best hotel, swimming hole, burger, and breakfast spot have come under hot debate.   One thing that has us all in agreement is the awesomeness of the Kansas local people.   These folks have shown great hospitality, kindness, and patience.  Everyone from the passing big truck drivers, Harley guys, and minivans have given us plenty of room and a honk of encouragement.   The genuine excitement when speaking with the locals at the coffee shops puts a jump on our positive vibes.   Many areas on the journey have been a one and done. However, I would return to the Flint Hills!    

We began this morning fully rested and amped up for the third stage of the TdK.   Another long straight shot to Emporia with a slight headwind.   We all shared the time on the front of train, pushing each other with familiar nods and grins.   The scenery in Kansas has become spectacular.   Changing from the high plains arid environment into lush green rolling hills with endless swimming holes.   Even the cows seemed happy!

Andy was able to detour the last 25 miles for the much anticipated “Unbound gravel” experience.   He enter the hotel a few minutes after us, and he loved it!  Jim, Todd, and I stuck to the tarmac, got a cold drink, talked about the following day’s route (big no no), and shared a few observations.   

Once checked in, showered, and relaxed, our afternoon will include the the eventful how much can we eat.   The shorter days on the saddle have been a lifeline for our aches and pains.

We have been starting early, pushing the average speed, and beating the heat.  Being able the take an afternoon nap and enjoy World Cup action has been a mental boost for the crew.   

Tomorrow, we will conclude the Tour of Kansas and begin the Katy Trail.  Our Chapel Hill friend, Jon who now resides in Kansas City is eagerly awaiting our arrival.  A fellow long distance cyclist, he is well aware of how much ice cream the crew devours!  He too, will soon get in on the joyful gluttonous ice cream routine.   See y’all tomorrow….

Day 20 Dighton to Lyons (Todd LoFrese)

In bed early last night with ear plugs and the head sandwiched between pillows to drown out the abundant amateur fireworks. The alarm went off at 4:00 am and we awoke to silence. After some instant oatmeal and a cup of motel room coffee we packed our bag and rolled into the darkness at 5:00 am.

Unlike yesterday, today’s winds were light and favorable. We quickly got into cruise mode and the miles ticked by. When we reached Ness City, everyone else was still in bed, so no second breakfast options. We rolled on and arrived at Great Bend (mile 95) before 10 AM and each fueled up with second breakfast.

We were rolling again by 10:30 and arrived at our motel by noon. The owner operator quickly checked us in. By 1:00 PM we are all showered and are relaxing. Dinner will be early with a likely early start tomorrow too.

Day 19 – Eads, Colorado to Dighton, Kansas (Jim Ray)

Today’s ride took us from eastern Colorado into western Kansas, with the scenery shifting from open prairie to corn fields, grain elevators, and cattle feed lots.

For the first time on this trip, I saw a route with 127 miles and no turns—just one cue on the GPS: Dighton Inn.

Departed at 5am from Eads knowing we had a long day ahead. The terrain was flat, but the first 50 miles were tough thanks to a steady 20 mph cross-headwind. We rode in an echelon and kept moving.

A highlight came in Tribune, Kansas, where my cousin Joyce and her son David met us at the Cenex station. It was great to see family, hear a little about Tribune from a lifelong resident,  refill our bottles, and grab some carbs.

My recollection ... the Kansas Border Sprint at mile 40.8 was on the itinerary. Previous state lines had come and gone without much action, but not this one.

Todd launched the first attack when he spotted what he thought was the state line sign. I jumped on his wheel, only to realize the actual border was still a long way off. Andy then came around us, and I followed, but we still weren't that close to the line. Andy eventually blew up, and I came around with a seated effort. Todd responded, standing on the pedals to open a gap. As I recovered and started closing the gap again, Todd caught sight of me and found one more acceleration, holding me off by about 20 meters at the line. A quick glance back confirmed my second-place finish, while TJ gave Colorado a goodbye wave as we crossed into Kansas. Our legs and lungs are not used to going above endurance pace!

By afternoon, the wind eased and turned into a tailwind. After struggling to hold 12 mph in the morning, we were suddenly cruising over 20 mph.

It was a long day of wind, sound of tires on pavement, and light traffic on Bicycle Route 76. For the most part we had the road to ourselves for 127 miles. Dinner in Dighton will be whatever Dollar General can provide, and tomorrow we continue east across the Kansas plains.

Day 18 - Pueblo to Eads (Andy Olson)

This morning we opted for a 5AM start to avoid the wind and heat. It turned out to be a great move as we glided out of Pueblo with ease and very little wind. Our first stop at 50 miles was easy with the wind at our back. The promise of fresh biscuits didn't materialize since we made such great time and the cafe hadn't opened yet. Down the road we went for some gas station fare which fit the bill just fine.

Back in the saddle and now into the wind. Things got steadily more difficult as the miles continued to tick by. None of us were prepared for just how flat this part of Colorado is. It rivals Nevada with even less scenery. We met not one, but two tourers today near Haswell (home of the Nation’s Smallest Jail). It always lifts the spirits when we meet a fellow traveler.

Once we finally rolled into Eads we were all very thankful Todd made a late change to the lodging plans. An almost brand new hotel in the middle of nowhere! The original being right next door, we could easily see what we were missing out on.

Once checked in, Tanner, our front desk hostess set us up with a full breakfast for tomorrow morning since we'll be gone when they start serving. Thanks Tanner! We're well into the flat land now, and we all know we could have some really hard days ahead battling the wind.

It's important for us to communicate with each other since our bodies respond and work differently each day. We're all relying on each other to work together and get through these walls of wind in the most efficient way possible. Our next rest day being just 5 days out, we have something to look forward to and a goal to reach. Until tomorrow...

Rest Day - Pueblo, CO (Todd LoFrese)

As we made our approach to Pueblo yesterday, we were greeted by Dave Parker (cycling friend that moved to Colorado Springs). We rode in together the last 15 miles of the ride to arrive at our temporary home nestled above the Arkansas River.

Dave helped us get settled, get groceries, and then we all went out to dinner along the Pueblo Riverwalk. We returned to the house to watch USA soccer pull off a remarkable win. Dave departed and we all went to bed shortly thereafter.

Today we had a great breakfast including pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, and multiple cups of coffee.

Everyone then recharged in their own way.

Andy went for a casual bike ride along the river on a lovely bike path. Jim practiced yoga and went for a walk and swim along the river. TJ explored the neighborhood, took a nap, and got a massage. I had a massage early and returned to sit on the couch to watch Wimbledon and snack all afternoon long.

We are about to make dinner, rigatoni with a nice sauce of crushed garlic, diced pancetta, tomato puree and a bit of heavy cream accompanied by Caesar salad, and baguettes to fuel our ride tomorrow. After the past week in the cool air of the high mountains we are mentally preparing for the heat dome we are about to enter. Early starts and fluids is the plan for the next 5 days of riding as we finish our tour of Colorado and cross Kansas.

Day 17 Coaldale to Pueblo (TJ Laughrey)

Wow, making our way down the front range of the Rocky Mountains from Coaldale to Pueblo, we soon realized our major climbing was complete.   We left out at 7:30 am from the banks of the Arkansas and quickly descended down the infamous Highway 50 to our turn onto a mountain plateau backroad. Beautiful cattle ranches lined both side of the road.  

Our breakfast stop was in Westcliffe, a small quaint town with a growing Amish community.   After breakfast, we had a few short climbs which provided us with the best decent of the trip.  Switchback turns thru the canyon for miles of smiles.  It took incredible skill and power to catch Todd!   He learned from the best.   

After the “amazing” overtake of the XC26 leader, I couldn’t hold back.  Tummy and legs felt good.  

I made them chase me for a bit until we rendezvoused with Dave (a cycling friend who recently moved from Chapel Hill to Colorado Springs) for our guide into Pueblo.  The joy of seeing a brother cyclist has been a huge lift in positive vibes.   I then payed for the solo attack by quickly getting dropped on the rolling “flat” 15 mile headwind into town.  Chercher l’erreur!  Allez comprendre!

As our night and second rest day begins, we plan to relax and watch team USA kick butt.  We would also like thank all of the people supporting our journey.   The new people we meet daily, Jeanne-Marie and Dave, Strava followers, blog followers, donators, and our families.   As we approach the heat and wind of the Midwest, we will need those positive well wishes!   See y’all tomorrow…..