Arriving in Moab the next day with a full day to play and explore made me very happy. Being there with those that I love made me euphoric. After eating lunch at Milt's, pedaling to the grocery, bike shop and liquor store we headed straight to the hotel pool. We carbo loaded on margaritas and soaked up the sun. I have a true love for Moab.
After swimming and drinks we...well, we had more drinks and went to dinner.
Really, no need to explain why I love this place. As we headed out on our river boat tour a storm moved in over the mountain.
Sunday we began riding. Blue ribbons were worn by some for my friend Edie who was receiving cancer treatments as we pedaled across Utah. Positive energy was sent into the universe for her by many, and I got a wicked cool tan line from wearing the ribbon.
Day one began with a bang...literally for some. Traveling a road not suitable for any motor vehicle let alone cycles. Whoever chose this route is OBVIOUSLY not a cyclist. Numerous flat tires were had and this wore on some of our nerves...not a good start Les.
Day 2...we learned early to expect crazy shit. Like maybe the road we're supposed to travel being torn out.
Riding 500 miles in remote locations you find yourself improvising when it comes to natural human processes. Once, just before arriving in Hanksville we stopped to powder our noses and I stumbled upon this...it was a sign of things to come in Hanksville.
As previously stated, Hanksville was something to behold. I will never forget that place, nor will I ever find another like it. I will forever treasure the Hanksville t shirt not only because it was a gift from an awesome friend but also because it holds all of our fond Hanksville memories.
Here begin the images of my favorite day. My favorite scenery and my favorite memories with my people. Day 3 was unforgettable.
Riding through Capitol Reef was a highlight. Surrounded by beauty while pedaling my bike, I experienced pure and total bliss. I love the picture below because it captured so much of that day. I was with the people I love, we were surrounded by natural beauty, and (as can be told by the laughter on my face) we were enjoying each other.
Cheers to Kara. Day 3 was Kara's day, the day I remembered her and rode every pedal for her...and in dedication I wore "the" socks.
And here we have Uncle Bob. This guy was such a blast and I count myself better for now knowing him. I'll never see a box of Frosted Flakes again without thinking of him.
From Capitol Reef we climbed some more on our way to Torrey. While climbing we noticed this big rain system on the horizon...
Which eventually made its way right to us! But I pulled into the campground in the nick of time.
I had some fun with the propane tank before dinner. I was trying to get in the mood for the cowboy poet who was scheduled to entertain us after dinner...didn't really work. 
Oh day 4 how I love you! This day consisted of more climbing than I once would have thought humanly possible but I now know that it IS in fact possible because I did it! But in my exerted physical state I believe I became delirious (at least that is the excuse I'm using for the story I'm about to tell you). As we rode over Boulder Mountain there were some cattle that crossed the road in front of us and made their way up a steep bank. As I heard them falling on the rocks I said, outloud: "I don't think cows were made for this." Thank god I have good friends who keep my idiocy in check and replied, "They were here before the roads were."
Again, LOTS of climbing and I summited!
The best part about the horrendous climb that day: What goes up MUST come down...fast!
Riding through Escalante... 
Only to have to climb back out again.
Here we have Uncle Bob again who had to buy new sunglasses on the trip. When I saw the sticker, half way through the day, I said: "Uncle Bob, are you leaving the sticker on for a reason?" His response: "I was wondering why I couldn't see anything!"
After the insane climbs of the Escalante Day we went out to a special dinner and slept in a hotel room...VERY fun night.
And here you have the Iowa team I met on the first day of the ride. They are from Ft. Madison, 40 miles from the town I grew up in..but that's not even the kicker. Here it is, are you ready?? Nancy (the lady in the picture) was Susan Haight's college roommate and the had gone to high school together! Whoa. Mrs. Haight was one of those who loved me through the "formative years" and even took me into her home for a summer. I was very glad to have met Dan and Nancy after getting to know them, it's no wonder they're friends with the Haight's. Good People.
The morning of day 6 in Cannonville brought frigid temperatures. Very frigid. I tried to eat breakfast but really I just needed the sun to come out so I could feel my fingers.
We hiked in order to see....
...this
And how could one not be inspired after seeing a sight like....
...this,
...or this?
After passing Panguitch Lake and again climbing more hills than I believe possible we came upon our friends taking pictures of a tree creature. Turns out it wAs a condor. The bird was cool but I was more thankful for the break from pedaling than anything.
After all that climbing we had the pleasure of cruising on Highway 10 down this beautiful canyon into Cedar City. It was a fun descent at high speeds.
The night of the finish we partied. We celebrated the ride, nature, new friends. I celebrated doing the coolest thing I'd EVER done.
