Day 16 Gunnison to Coaldale featuring Monarch Pass! (Todd LoFrese)

The crew had a big day today and took advantage of cool temperatures to sleep in until 6:30. We then dined in the Wingate Hotel’s breakfast room. Nothing fantastic but coffee, waffles and cereal to fill the tanks.

The ride started at 7:30am with temperatures in the upper 30’s. We layered up. 20 miles up the road we began to shed layers. At mile 31 we arrived at the Tomichi Trading Post for a Bobo bar (Colorado’s own version of a PowerBar) to eat before the big climb.

Over the course of the next 2 hours all of us ascended to the Summit of Monarch Pass at 11,312 feet.

This represents a major milestone, we crossed the continental divide and are now headed towards the Atlantic Ocean.

We enjoyed some burritos, pizza and ice cream at the summit. We then had a long descent all the way to Salida, CO to purchase dinner and snacks (which we carried in string bags 18 miles further up the road to the Big Horn RV and Cabins along the Arkansas River).

Tomorrow we have one more day of up and down to Pueblo where we will take a rest day on Thursday.

Day 15 - Ridgway to Gunnison (Jim Ray)

We rolled out of Ridgway at 7:00 a.m. in cool, comfortable temperatures, happy to leave the smoke and burning ridges behind us. The forecast called for favorable tailwinds, and it didn't disappoint.

Our first stop was Montrose, where we enjoyed our  "second breakfast" at Ray's Corner Café before turning east toward Gunnison.

The day featured two long climbs, but the tailwind made them much more enjoyable. We rode alongside Blue Mesa Reservoir, where the water level looked noticeably low, exposing large stretches of shoreline.

A smoky haze was visible throughout the day, softening the mountain views, but fortunately it never affected our breathing or our ride.  Dinner at Sky Thai Pho & Sushi. Sleep, ride, eat is the cadence. 

Tomorrow brings one of the highlights of the trip as we climb over the Continental Divide.

Route Video

Day 14 Dolores to Ridgway (TJ Laughrey)

The Dolores River greeted the crew this morning with a chill in the air.  After a snack and coffee at the motel, we followed the river for the next 4 hours of climbing.   The 14k ft snow capped peaks welcomed us to the Rocky Mountains with magnificent views.

Second breakfast and mid ride snack breaks were at Rico and Sawpit.   Two quiet mountain side towns that were once home to booming mining economies.

We spent the last 1/4 of the route climbing another high elevation pass with the lovely assistance of a tailwind.  Finishing up the day with a 12 mile decent into Ridgeway.

The crew has shown incredible perseverance thru heat, thirst, aches/pains, and the daily push to meet our objective.   The route toward Monarch Pass continues tomorrow……..

Day 13 Blanding, UT to Dolores, CO (Andy Olson)

Today started like most days lately. Get up, swallow some coffee, jam some food down, and pack the bike. We all slept well after the long day prior. My legs feeling surprisingly fresh, I opted to make an effort on our first climb of 6 miles and 3% grade. Once the others crested the hill it was apparent TJ was in the same mood. He decided to skip the breakfast stop and work solo today. The three of us set off with full stomachs and chased him for the next 60 miles, over the Colorado border, in the nastiest winds any of us have ever ridden in. The funny thing is, we were all having a great time! A quick stop to fill our bottles and we’re off again. Shortly after we had our first flat of the trip. Not bad for over 1000 miles. Todd showed extreme skill having it fully repaired in under 5 minutes-and while fighting the wind! All the work was quickly forgotten when we arrived to our destination this afternoon and a cool mountain stream awaited us. This is Colorado.

Day 12 Hanksville to Blanding (Todd LoFrese)

Today’s stage had been on our minds for months. A vast stretch through Utah with absolutely no stores or water anywhere along the route. We checked the weather and it called for strong headwinds increasing throughout the day.

We opted for a 3 AM start to get a few hours of riding with just a light breeze. We departed carrying 5 liters of water (11 extra pounds).

3 miles outside of Hanksville we stopped, turned off all our lights and looked up at billions of stars and the Milky Way. The picture doesn’t do it justice.

As daylight broke across the canyon we were approaching the Colorado River. It made for a good photo op.

From that point it was battle the winds uphill pretty much until the very end.

As soon as we arrived we got cleaned up and headed to a pizza joint to start to refuel the tank. Tomorrow we head to Colorado.

Day 11 Torrey to Hanksville (TJ Laughrey)

Leaving breakfast in Torrey, we embarked on a melo velo to Hanksville.  Expecting a few scenic overlooks, historical markers, and interesting geological formations…..  The crew was in for a surprise!  The trip thru Coral Reef Canyon was filled with breathtaking rock formations, petroglyphs from the Hopi, one room school house, and fruit trees.   Perfect descending tarmac and a tailwind made the ride comfortable and quick.

Upon arrival in Hanksville, we rehydrated with raspberry soda and ice coffees at a refurbished service station.  Preparing for our grueling route tomorrow, we soon made our way to the market for snacks and water.   Our plan is for an early dinner and bed time.  Possibly, a 3am start time for the Hanksville to Blanding route may provide us with perfect riding conditions?

Day 10 Henrieville to Torrey (Todd LoFrese)

We started early again with more climbing out of the door. We quickly entered Grand Staircase Escalante area with spectacular canyon views of rock formations.

At mile 30 we entered the town of Escalante and ate second breakfast at the Roasted Root Cafe. That was essential fuel for the 9 mile climb through another beautiful canyon to reach Boulder for a snack and hydration.

The climbing continued for another 14 miles until we reached the summit of Scenic Byway 12.

At the summit of the day’s biggest climb we were a bit spread out and could see rain clouds and hear thunder. We made the decision to descend a few miles to the Wildcat National Forest Information Station. We were greeted by Bill and Sara who took great care of us while we awaited for everyone to arrive. During our time chatting we learned that Bill lived in Chapel Hill and that he also drove a school bus in retirement. Sara was also a former teacher supporting students through the Title 1 program. They helped us track the storms, topped off our water and provided TJ with some teaching artifacts for his class.

With a break in the rain we departed for Motel Torrey, our home for the night. A blistering descent had us close to town and we could see more rain rolling in toward us. The final stretch was against a strong headwind but we beat the rain nonetheless. We will rest up and relax a little in the morning because tomorrow’s stage is much shorter and mostly downhill. Just what we need before a much more challenging day on Friday.

Day 9 – Cedar City to Henrieville: High Passes, Fast Descents, and Red Rock Country (Jim Ray)

We left Cedar City at sunrise, wheels rolling by 6:00 a.m. ready for 95 miles and more than 7,500 feet of climbing.

Out the door we started a  gradual 22-mile climb up Cedar Canyon Road (Highway 14) where we caught glimpses of Zion National Park in the distance, left onto Cedar Breaks Road (Highway 148) and continued climbing to 10,500 feet. The views of red cliffs, canyon,  alpine meadows, wildflowers, and pines made the effort worthwhile.

Then came the reward: 10 miles of smooth fresh asphalt, fast downhill riding, with speeds topping 50 mph.  Only stopping to let the cows get out of the way.

Lunch in Panguitch at the Smokehouse was perfectly timed. We saw huge columns of smoke rising to the north from a wildfire near Salt Lake City, some say 300 miles away.

The afternoon brought more climbing along Scenic Highway 12 and a short stretch on the Red Canyon Bicycle Trail, but the rough trail sent us back to the highway. Downhill sector included  an 8% descent. TJ led the way, hitting 56 mph. We passed thru Bryce Canyon with incredible views all around. 

We stopped in Tropic for groceries before heading to our Airbnb trailer in Henrieville. Dinner planned is Todd's famous pasta with Italian sausage, baguettes, salad, and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Tired but happy, we ended another unforgettable day in southern Utah.

Rest Day in Cedar City, UT (Andy Olson)

And on day 9 we rested. After a grueling week, today is a big mental hurdle. We are well into the ride and ready for more. A home made spaghetti dinner kicked off a relaxing evening after our biggest mileage day yet. We’ve all noticed our bodies adapting to the work and each day has gotten a little easier to start.

Each of us picked our chosen ways to renew ourselves prior to the next block. TJ, Jim, and I took a cold plunge in a near by waterfall. Todd went for a therapeutic massage. A trip to the bike store for supplies. And dinner out provided by our good friend Rick Wallace. Overall, a fine, relaxing day that will help us prep for big things to come. And there are many!

Day 8 Baker to Cedar City (Todd LoFrese)

Last night while indulging in delicious burgers at the 487 Grill, we decided that today’s ride would start in the dark at 4:30 AM. The crew was up early ready for the big 137 mile trek to Cedar City, UT. It was 49 degrees at the start but we knew the sun would soon peak over the range to warm us up, plus the day was filled with plenty of climbing.

Along the way we saw elk, cattle, and numerous hares. Near the top of Frisco Summit were the remnants of the Frisco Charcoal Kilns used to smelt silver back in the 1800s

83 miles later we descended into Milford and filled our tanks with milkshakes, chicken and waffles, Pepsi and banana splits.

An hour later we rolled into Minersville and topped off our water bottles and food bags at Todd’s Market.

From there we had one more big climb before a long descent to Cedar City, UT.

So far we have traveled 803 miles since our start 8 days ago and we all plan to fully relax on our rest day tomorrow.

Day 7: Ely to Baker (TJ Laughrey)

Every long distance cyclist has a tough day!  Dealing with injury and mental fatigue, yesterday I was feeling in a low place.   This is where the crew let me get out some frustration, but doubled up on supporting me and providing the necessary guidance to get me going today.   Turn the page, I felt great today!   Mentally rested and knowing we got each others backs. The hills seemed shorter, the headwind was lighter, and the heat was manageable.   Multiple 15 mile descents at the base of Mt. Wheeler made the miles disappear.   Tomorrow is going to a big day, but I know with the support of the crew, we will crush it!!!

Route Video

Day 6: Eureka to Ely (Todd LoFrese)

Another 5AM start, not because of the heat, rather high winds/fire warning predicted for the middle of the day. Clouds and cool mountain air made the climbing comfortable. Highway 50 is truly a lonely road. Not much other than spectacular vistas, an occasional chipmunk, and a few cows along the way. We arrived in Ely before the warning commenced (which made my mother happy). In town early we had a nice lunch and visited the Nevada Railroad Museum. Tomorrow we head to Baker, our last stop in Nevada.

Route Video

Day 5 Austin to Eureka (TJ Laughrey)

One direction, no turns.  Starting out from Austin at the break of dawn, we were loaded with extra water and confident in our 11am ETA.  Our goal, get out before the heat and avoid having to carry gallons of h2o.  After climbing a beautiful pass, we could see the valley that awaited.   First order was a long decent into a valley floor of fresh new tarmac.   When we passed our one possibility of obtaining unfiltered water (dry stream bed), we knew our plan was spot on.   We cruised into town, led by Andy’s monster pulls.  Passing the Fad Shaft and the famous Eureka road sign (2nd graders - do you remember this from IRLA toolkit?), we stopped for chocolate milk and Doritos at the grocery store.   An afternoon nap is #1 on the agenda, followed by ice cream and beef jerky.

Day 4. Fallon to Austin (Todd LoFrese)

Today’s 112 mile ride started before sunrise to beat some of the predicted heat later in the day. We rolled out of the Super 8 Bonanza Casino at 5:15 AM. We pulled into the only establishment of any kind, Middlegate Station. What a treat. Super nice folks and pancakes bigger than frisbees! Fueled up we started rolling again uphill with a 16 mile climb. After the big climb we crossed two enormous valleys to reach our home for the night…the Cozy Mountain Motel.

Day 3 Lake Tahoe to Fallon (Andy Olson)

Day three has us climbing out of Lake Tahoe through a tunnel. Then, on to the only real climb of the day. There was construction so a lane closure allowed us safe passage up, up, and up. Then a 10 mile descent hitting speeds of over 50mph. Once down, the landscape quickly turned to desert. Long straight roads with wide shoulders and courteous drivers allowed us to tuck our heads and pedal quickly to our ending destination of Fallon, NV. We enjoyed a restful afternoon of bike and body maintenance while we planned for day four.

Day 2: From the Valley Floor to the Sierra Crest: Davis to Lake Tahoe by Bike (Jim Ray)

We rolled out of Davis in the cool morning air, leaving behind the flat farmland of California's Central Valley with a much bigger challenge waiting ahead—the climb to Lake Tahoe. I have been looking forward to seeing Lake Tahoe, but knew this would not be an easy day.

The first miles were relaxed and enjoyable as we connected to the American River Bike Trail, following the river through shaded sections that provided a nice escape from city traffic.

We ended up missing a turn and the reroute took us through historic Sacramento, we rode through Old Sacramento Waterfront, where Gold Rush-era buildings and wooden sidewalks gave us of a brief glimpse into history before continuing east toward the foothills.

From there, we worked our way through Folsom, picking up sections of the Johnny Cash Trail. Riding beside the famous Folsom State Prison, and Johnny Cash's legendary prison concert. The trail's bridges and artwork made this one of the most memorable urban sections of the day.

The real work began after the foothills. We stopped in Placerville for a much-needed second breakfast, knowing the biggest challenge still lay ahead. Fueled by coffee and extra calories, we pointed our bikes toward the Sierra Nevada.

What followed was a relentless 23-mile climb along U.S. Route 50. The road steadily gained elevation as the temperature cooled (not enough though) and the scenery transformed from oak-covered hills to dense pine and rocky. The valley disappeared and we finally caught glimpse of snow-capped peaks in the distance.

We climbed on, eventually reaching nearly 7,400 feet above sea level.

We thought we might arrive around 8pm, but we pulled in closer to 6:45p, nearly 10 hours of riding. after 127 miles of riding and 11,000 of feet of climbing, the reward finally appeared, Hilton hotel.

It was one of those days that captures everything great about bicycle touring: river trails, historic towns, mountain climbs, and a finish line so beautiful that it makes every hard mile worthwhile.

Route Video

Day 1 Goosebumps on the Golden Gate…San Fran to Davis (TJ Laughrey)

Leaving the rental, thru the park, to the Golden Gate we roll.  We left leaving the city for the hills, miles of smiles ahead.   Over the bridge and thru the baby giants, to Jeanne-Marie’s home we march.  The heat, hills, mud, and gravel will not impede our hunger and thirst.   A special thank you to the McPherson family for dinner and laughs!   Day 1 completed.  Rest up fellas, we got a a little climbing tomorrow…… powered by burritos, sushi, cherries, cheesecake, sweets, drinks, and pickles!