Telluride, Colorado Rest Day — We say goodbye to Uncle Joe! Two weeks into the ride we are changing a member of our team. Joe Roy from San Francisco, California, is swapping out for Mark Wilson from Westfield, Massachusetts. I'm not sure we could have made it this far without our trusty caretaker driving through the Sierras and the Utah mountains. Here is a list of Joe's duties, which he carried out each day with careful thoughtfulness so that we could stay on track:

• Joe would rise at 5 a.m. and get the morning coffee underway, and then take our dog Buster for his first walk.
• Once I rose for the day, Joe would get my bike off the rack and check it over to make sure it was in good order and clean. (That's right he cleaned the bikes every day!)
• Once I was off on the road, he would disconnect the RV's power and water and put everything away and get up the road to meet me. That was the routine more or less for the morning.
• At the end of the day Joe would park the RV, get the hookups set up and then arrange chairs and occasionally set up the canopy if we were to dine in direct sunlight.

It is safe to say we will miss Uncle Joe and all that he has done for us. Joe, thanks for your time. I know it was not easy for you to take that much time for us, but we deeply appreciate all your help and expertise over the last two weeks. We will press on and see if we can maintain the same rhythm. I am sure we will be missing all that you have done. Take care and get some much needed rest!

June 29th — Blanding, UT to Telluride, CO — 144 miles At the RV park we met the nicest hosts, Duke and Rose Simpson and Renis Hylton, who run the Blue Mountain Trading Post and RV Park. They are about the friendliest people we have encountered with the best maintained RV park since we started. They have a store filled with jewelry made of turquoise and silver, Native American rugs and all sorts of artifacts, including some dinosaur bones. They gave me the scoop on the ride I was about to make and told me how beautiful the scenery would be riding into the Rockies. They were right.

As I made my way to the border and stopped for a picture under the Colorado sign, I noticed a wall of mountains off in the distance capped with snow. It gave me a glimpse of what I would be witnessing later in the day.

This day was all about gearing up for my first Rocky Mountain climb. I told everyone that since the mileage would be the longest of the trip (140 miles) I had doubts that I would make it to Telluride this day. We might have to call it around 120 miles, drive back the next morning and finish then since the next day was a rest day. So I had two concerns: the mileage overall and the ascent from 6,000 ft. in Blanding, Utah to the top of Lizard Head Pass, just outside of Telluride, at 10,500 ft.

Once I reached the base of the mountains at 80 miles into the ride, I just kept my focus on the short-term, riding 10 miles at a time and 500 feet of ascending at a time. This was the best strategy as I just concentrated on what I had to accomplish every 30 to 45 minutes. I left at 5:42 a.m. and at 5 p.m. the day wasn't over, but I was only 15 miles or so from Telluride. I had to finish; in my head I couldn't stop with just 15 miles to go. I actually felt pretty good. As you get closer to the goal, adrenaline kicks in and you know you are going to do it. At 6 p.m. I rolled into the Peaks Resort in Telluride. Tonight we sleep in style! 11 hours on the bike today.

June 28th — Hanksville, UT to Blanding, UT 121 miles — Today was sort of a surprise for me because the arrival in Hanksville tricked me into thinking that the red displays of rock art were over. About 20 miles into the ride we rode through the Glen Canyon area, and holy cow! There were the most unbelievable red rock formations you ever want to see. I rode through towering slot canyons 300 ft. high on both sides of the road for miles. We rode our way past Lake Powell and then over a very high bridge over the Dirty Devil River, which I estimate is at least 300 feet high. In just a few miles we crossed the Colorado River, and again the bridge was about the same height and allowed me the chance stop and enjoy the view of the river. The Colorado River in this section of Utah was very tame and muddy, with a current of just a few miles an hour on it's way to Lake Powell.

This was going to be a tough day as I had to ascend from 3,900 ft. to 7,000 ft. to the Blanding, Utah area, and I had to climb a ridge at a 12% grade for more than 5 miles to get into Blanding and town. 9 hours on the bike today.

June 27th — Escalante, UT to Hanksville, UT — 110 miles We departed at 6:00 a.m., and we had another good day of weather. The day started off pretty flat, but I had a large climb ahead of me. Last night we noticed smoke coming from the direction we would be traveling so we wondered if a forest fire had developed. On the way out of Escalante the route was awesome: Winding roads worked their way through red canyons as we worked our way to Boulder, Utah. Southern Utah is breathtaking. If you ever get a chance to visit, you will not regret it.

As I got closer to the mountain, I had to climb it when it became obvious that indeed a fire had broken out. The smoke was coming from west to east and in our direction. I was heading northeast, but it looked like the fire was to the west. I noticed two helicopters fighting the fire and small vehicles that were supporting the fire fighters. As I worked my way closer to the fire I had to ascend from 5,500 ft. to 95,00 ft. Luck was on our side as the smoke just held up enough for me to pass by without having to go through the thick white smoke. (The fire stayed to the west as well as the thick smoke.) Once I descended the mountain we worked our way to Hanksville, Utah where the scenery changed dramatically from red rock to an ash gray with piles and piles of sand. I thought we were in some kind of geological transition to Colorado. 8.5 hrs on the bike this day.

Photos of Days 11-12

Scenery on Route 24 to Hanksville, UT

Lake Powell on Route 95 in Garfield County, UT

Route 95 near Blanding, UT

Route 95 on Day 12, near Hanksville, UT

June 26th - Rest Day in Escalante, Utah

June 25th — Cedar City, UT to Escalante, UT 122 miles — This ride was one for the books: A big climb with large mileage to get to the much-needed rest day in Escalante. Started out at 6:45 a.m. to begin the ascent of the "Cedar Breaks" summit (10,500 ft.). We started the day at 6,000 ft. The good news was I was to ascend all morning (better than in the afternoon heat). The grade started out at 4% but the higher I climbed, the steeper the road became until it reached about 7%. All in all, it took me 3 hours to scale this monster of a hill. I was curious about the altitude, and it's effect on my climbing. As I reached 9,500 ft. I could feel the difference in my breathing. I felt slightly lightheaded, but I must have adapted because it did not last too long.

At the summit the view of the red rock formations in the canyon below was breathtaking. Mostly covered with white and red limestone, we received a quick lesson from the Forest Ranger on how the canyon formed. This ride was the most spectacular in terms of views so far. Now for the fun part! The descent was very cool; it lasted for miles, and the views were amazing.

I had to ascend two more big mountains, both at about 7,500 ft. My team was telling me that the last mountain had an elevation of 7,300 ft. "No problem," I said back to them on the radio, but they were not at the top. When they reached the top before me, they quickly realized it was 7,600 ft. with an 11% grade for the last mile. They tried to warn me on the radio, but I was busy with the climb; I heard something but I did not pay much attention.

Just then I looked up, and I saw what looked to be three roads above me. But wait! It was one road with 3 switchbacks 500 ft. above. What I couldn't believe was the grade! It went straight up to the point that I questioned if I could climb it at all. This was at the end of the day, so I just kept my head down and didn't look up until it was over. When I reached the top and the support vehicle, I was totally spent with not much left to give.

The best part of the day was an 18-mile descent where I didn't have to pedal for 30 minutes. From what the team was telling me, we averaged about 35 m.p.h. the entire way to Escalante. This was by far the best payoff for the day and, man, did I need it. 10 hours on the bike today.

Photos from Days 7-9

Rey at the NV border

Rey in Baker NV

Old stone house near Baker, NV

Rey at the Utah border

Waterfall on Route 14 near Cedar City, UT

View on Route 14 across from waterfall, near Cedar City, UT

June 24th — Halfway Summit, UT to Cedar City, UT 102 miles — We departed at 6:30 a.m. We lost an hour crossing the border so the sun did not rise until around 6:10 a.m. unlike days before when it rose at 5:15 a.m. Today was all about crosswinds. It was apparent after descending the summit where we overnighted this was going to be a tough day. The winds whipped from the southwest at an estimated 20 m.p.h., and since we were heading south, well, you get the picture.

I had to climb three major climbs, Wah Wah Summit (6,439 ft.), Frisco Summit (6,445 ft.) and the last summit which was not named at 6,500 ft. Frisco summit was the toughest since I had to climb starting at 5,000 ft. with the crosswind blowing hard. I met a few riders along the way to Cedar City 90 miles into the ride. A nice young dude by the name of Scott Chambers was towing a 55-lb. trailer. Turns out Scott and his female partner (did not get her name) departed San Francisco in early June and were pedaling about 60 to 80 miles per day. The amazing thing was that he works for the county I live in, Prince William County, Virginia. How weird is that?

Scott, if you read this, I bumped into your partner a few miles down the road. You guys are doing great! Keep the positive thoughts and hope to catch up with you after the trip to compare stories. Take care and stay safe.

June 23rd — Ely, NV to Halfway Summit, UT 90 Miles — We were scheduled to travel from Ely, NV to Baker, NV and log in 68 miles, which would have have set up the next day for 120 miles. Leaving Ely I had to make a few climbs to Baker, NV, including Connors Pass (7,722 ft.) and Sacramento Pass (7,154 ft.). Both climbs were around 7% grades at the steepest part and were challenging, but in the back of my mind I could not get the mileage out of my head for the next day. So when we arrived in Baker, NV, I asked everyone if they were up for adventure.

Instead of staying at a KOA in Baker, we decided to press on for the Utah border and stay at one of the summits in Utah overnight. All we would have to do is find a level spot to rest for the night. So we pressed on and made the Utah border! We took pictures of the border sign and since I missed the Nevada sign (actually there wasn't a sign), I walked across the street and took a picture of the Nevada sign.

I pressed on for the next summit, and then it happened: My first major crosswind at about 20 m.p.h. just slowed me to a crawl for 25 miles. But eventually I reached Halfway Summit at about 6,100 ft. There we found a great spot and spent the night. The weather was perfect and the night was spectacular. I think two or three cars passed by all night, that is how remote we were. Since the nearest town was more than 30 miles away it was pitch black on the summit. The stars were amazing.

June 22nd — Eureka, NV to Ely, NV 75 miles — Another light day in terms of miles but still more climbing to get through as the mountain ranges are beautiful but numerous. Eureka is also located on the side of a mountain so I had to climb the grade of around 6% or so for 5 or 6 miles. The summits we ascended today were Pinto Summit (7,351 ft.), Pancake Summit (6,521 ft.), Little Antelope Summit (7,438 ft.) and Robinson Summit (7,588 ft.). Just another gorgeous day in the 80s. Five hours on the bike today.

June 21st — Austin, NV to Eureka, NV 70 miles — This day was all about recovering with lower mileage but with one catch. The Nevada terrain wasn't just going to roll over for me so I had to get the recovery underway with some climbs ahead of me. Austin is a very small western town on the side of a mountain. In order to get out of town I had to climb a 7% grade road 6 miles long to get to the peak of Austin Pass (7,484 ft.). Then all I needed to do was to ascend two more summits: New Pass Summit (6,348 ft.) and Mt. Airy Summit (6,679 ft.) before arriving in Eureka. From what I have learned, Eureka was a boom town of sorts in its day, boasting 10,000 people mining silver. The name of the town was said to have been come from a miner who discovered ore and shouted "Eureka!" I arrived early in the afternoon, which was a great break in terms of seat time. It seemed like an easy day with just five hours on the bike.

Photos from Day 5

Rey on US 50 between Austin, NV and Eureka, NV

The Town of Eureka, NV

Uncle Joe & Rey in Eureka, NV

June 20th — Fallon, NV to Austin, NV 118 miles — Today we departed Fallon on Route 50 across the Great Basin of Nevada, which I'll ride through for the next four days. This part of the trip is going to be mentally as well as physically challenging due to the long stretches across the desert landscape to the mountain ranges. Outside of Fallon, in Salt Wells, you can see miles of salt flats alongside Route 50 with interesting markings from people who made their mark with red colored-stones against the white salt backdrop. When you bike instead of drive you pick up little things like this very easily.

Further down the road an interesting sculpture of sand several stories high caught my eye so we had to take a few moments to see what it was. The name of this sand sculpture is "Sand Mountain," which draws many dune buggy and four-wheel enthusiasts to vacation there. This sight was used by the Pony Express riders as a landmark. A Pony Express station is said to have been just a mile or so from the site.

My next stop was something I have been waiting months to see. I have heard of this strange roadside landmark called "The Shoe Tree." The Shoe Tree is nothing more than a lone tree on the side of the road with thousands of shoes hanging from its branches. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make a contribution to the tree. I don't know how this tradition of throwing shoes onto the tree started, but after four attempts, I succeeded in hanging my New Balance sneakers on the tree.

One basin from Austin, I was lucky enough to witness an air show from naval fighters who were honing their flying skills. At one point, the fighters were as low as a few hundred feet above my head, too quick to take a picture since you can't hear them until they are right on top of you. I noticed a sign that said "Pony Express Trail 1860 to 1861". As I got closer the sign was there to show the actual trail right alongside and only a few feet from Route 50. I ended up in Austin around early evening. Nine hours on the bike today.

Photos from Days 2-4

At the summit of Carson Pass

Cattle drive near the Nevada border

Journey of Hope Riders near Carson Pass

Near the Nevada border

On the loneliest road in America (US 50)

Pony Express rider in Genoa, NV

Sand mountain east of Fallon, NV

Rey's contribution to the Shoe Tree

The Shoe Tree east of Middlegate, NV

Departure Complete

June 17th — San Francisco to Folsom, CA 120 miles— Tuesday, June 17, at 7 a.m. we departed Ocean Beach just south of the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco welcomed us with a fog bank for our start. California sure is a bike-friendly state with bike lanes and bike trails that provided me with a sense of comfort on our first day.

The temperature was high, around 90 degrees, in Sacramento as I passed through. It was quite a shock to the body since I have not ridden in that kind of heat this year. I made it to Folsom fine, although very exhausted. Ten hours on the bike for the day.

June 18th — Folsom to Woodfords, CA 106 miles— Wednesday, June 18, at 7 a.m. we left Folsom with a good temperature, around the mid 60s. This is the day I was worried about since planning this trip. The day was all about climbing in high altitude from 500 to 8,500 ft to the top of Kit Carson Pass.

The worry wasn't necessarily the altitude, although I haven't biked at 8,500 ft. The concern was the grade of the climb, and it proved to be the case. I left Folsom at 7:00 a.m. and did not arrive at camp until 7:30 p.m. after covering 106 miles. It was a very long day, but I made it up fine. Just barely, but fine.

Today we encountered a group of college students who were selflessly giving up their summer to ride for those who are disabled. The name of the ride is Journey of Hope. Out of about 40 riders, I met a small number of the group on our way to the summit of Carson Pass. The Sierra pines were gorgeous along the way, but that gave me little comfort and I kept climbing to the summit. Another 10-hour day.

June 19th — Woodfords to Fallen, NV 102 miles— Thursday, June 19, at 7:30 a.m. we started the day at about 40 degrees, and when we ended the day it was around 90 degrees. This was mostly a descending day, working my way down from 8,000 ft to about 4,400 ft. I thought we would get a picture of the Nevada border welcoming us, but there was no sign on this secondary road. Bummer. But there were a lot of cows on the road!

The coolest town we went through was Genoa, and it was good timing as the townspeople were reenacting the Pony Express Route, which was one of the reasons I selected the San Francisco to Pueblo, Colorado, route. At one point I even got a chance to race one of the riders along the route, which was the coolest thing! Six hours on the bike today.

Photo Gallery

Following tradition, Rey dips the rear wheel of his bicycle in the Pacific Ocean.
He'll do the same with the front wheel, once he reaches the Atlantic Ocean.

The journey begins.

Wearing the colors.

One minute into his cross-country ride, Rey begins
the climb up San Francisco's Balboa Street.

1 day to go !

Arrived safe and sound in San Francisco. Our dog Buster arrived in good spirits as well and seemed to take all the hubbub in stride. My uncle and I (Uncle Joe, who lives in San Francisco and will be driving the first two weeks of the trip) picked up the bikes yesterday and the RV today, so we are all equipped for the trip, packed and ready to go.

Tomorrow morning we will drive to Ocean Beach, just south of the Golden Gate Bridge, and follow through with the traditional "dipping of the rear wheel" in the Pacific Ocean. Not sure how this tradition started or who was the first to do it, but I like the idea of it. Of course, once you reach the Atlantic Ocean the tradition is to finish with dipping the front wheel. From the beach I will ride to the the Ferry Building next to the famous "Fisherman's Wharf" and embark on the Vallejo Baylink Ferry across the San Francisco Bay to Vallejo and begin our journey. We will post some pictures sometime tomorrow at the start of our "Changing Gears Ride." We are very excited and look forward to finally getting underway.

5 days to go...

Things are picking up, and final details are being taken care of. Bike #1 is at the shop in San Francisco, and Bike #2 is supposed to arrive today (always good to have a backup). I have the GPS waypoints stored in the bike computer, (this way I will be told which way to go and can't get lost!) and all the backup maps are finished in case the GPS fails. We have already booked all the RV parks three weeks into the trip. There's nothing left to do but watch the news of the wild fires in Sacramento or the tornado reports in Kansas. I'm hoping all the bad stuff will be done by the time we pass through.

Saturday we are departing for San Francisco. Sunday we pick up the bikes and get a quick fit from the bike shop fitter. Then we will do a dry run on the bike out of town. Monday we will pick up the RV, and Tuesday we will depart from the coast outside Golden Gate Park at 6 a.m. (PST).

12 days to go.....

Well, I have shipped one of my bikes out to San Francisco, and soon the second bike will be shipped. I am now on my taper schedule. (This is where I wind down the training to give my body a rest before you know what.) We have lots of details to take care of before we leave, inventory checklists, packing etc.

We are all concerned a bit about our dog Buster, our "big-brained dachshund" ( inside joke ). He will have the plane ride of his life coming up, and he doesn't suspect a thing. We always thought of him as a wonder dog, but instead of flying under his own power, he will be in the belly of a Boeing jet. Hey, it's still flying, sort of.