Day 42: Joshua Trees, Cholla Cacti, Lakes, and the Rim of the World
A beautiful day of riding through Joshua Tree National Park, Big Bear Lake, and Lake Arrowhead along the Rim of the World Scenic Drive in San Bernardino County CA.
Day 41: There are More Joshua Trees in Death Valley Than in Joshua Tree
Through Death Valley and down to Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms, CA. A long, hot day in the saddle rewarded with some lovely views.
Day 40: Into the Valley of Death rode…just me.
From the Las Vegas area to Parhump NV and crossing in to California! The Shoshone entrance to Death Valley National Park, Badwater Basin, Furnace Creek Visitors Center and the Ranch at Death Valley. Let’s say it was warm.
Day 39: Dam!
Visited Hoover Dam and took the tour. The scale of things here is just immense, it reminds me of Kennedy Space Center, where things are just huge. If you’re in the area, take the tour.
Day 38: The State Parks Need Love, Too
From St. George, UT to Las Vegas. Two beautiful state parks, but camera (operator) problems mean not so many pictures, sorry.
Day 37: Panguitch, UT to Zion National Park and St. George, UT
Zion National Park is unlike every other canyon park I’ve seen. You’re in the valley looking up, not at the rim looking down. It’s a totally different perspective.
Day 36: Torrey, UT to Scenic Byway 12, Bryce Canyon NP, and Panguitch, UT
All American Road Utah 12. Some amazing views and some “vertiginous twisties” on the way to Bryce Canyon National Park. Canyons and Hoodoos and 1,000 foot Drop-offs. Oh My!
Day 35: Moab, UT to Canyonlands National Park, the Bicentennial Highway, Capitol Reef National Park and Torrey, UT
The second longest day so far. Moab, Canyonlands NP, Utah’s Bicentennial Highway, Capitol Reef NP, and an adorable B&B in Torrey, UT. Oh and a massage chair in my room. How nice.
Day 34: Hanging Out in Moab, UT
No, Not my picture. Just hanging in Moab. Laundry, restocking stuff and a nice dinner.
Day 33: Mexican Hat, UT to Arches National Park and Moab, UT
By far, today was the most visually stunning day so far. Monument Valley is impressive. The town of Mexican Hat was disappointing (although the “hat” is pretty cool). Arches is amazing—the landscape is like another planet.
Day 32: Dolores, CO to Monument Valley and Mexican Hat, UT
Into Utah. Monument Valley and Mexican Hat. From the mountains to the desert in about 3 hours. A dramatic change in landscape.
Day 31: Durango, CO to Mesa Verde National Park, and Dolores, CO
Decided not to do the Million Dollar Highway in the snow, which I think it the right call. Instead, I enjoyed Mesa Verde National Park and am spending the night in Dolores, CO.
Day 30: Durango, CO to Silverton, CO to Durango
My ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. No riding today, but an amazing day of soaking in the beauty of the landscape.
Day 29: Pagosa Springs, CO to Durango, CO
A great breakfast in Pagosa Springs with a former TI Colleague, and the long way…from Pagosa Springs to Durango, via New Mexico.
Day 28: Salida, CO to Pagosa Springs, CO
A nice ride down to Pagosa Springs, CO. Over Poncha Pass and Wolf Pass. A nice afternoon in town and a very memorable burger.
Day 27: Castle Rock, CO to Salida, CO
Through the Royal Gorge and along the Arkansas river to Salida (with a long i). A very nice town with nice people and a vibrant downtown art, coffee, food, outdoor vibe.
Day 26: Denver, CO to Castle Rock, CO
A very short day due to high winds. Caught up on laundry and had a nice dinner.
Day 25: Manitou Springs, CO to Denver, CO
The Cog railway (mostly) up Pikes Peak and a beautiful ride up to Denver. A lot of wind, and dinner with old HS buddy, Paul.
Day 24: Pueblo, CO to Manitou Springs, CO
A short ride today to Colorado Springs to get new tires and a software update for my bike. Then, off to the Garden of the Gods to see the amazing rock formations. Lots of views of Pikes Peak.
Day 23: Pueblo, CO Loop
My first full day in Colorado didn’t disappoint. A 175 mile loop arund Pueblo included the San Isabel National Forest, amazing views of the Rockies, Royal Gorge, Skyline Drive and Liberty Point.