48- 48 bucks to camp!?!

50ish miles to West Yellowstone
We took another short day so we wouldn't have to rush through Yellowstone. I really enjoyed my time in the Park. It was beautiful, and mostly pleasant to ride through. We had a few RVs that came a little too close, but at least they were traveling 45 and not 65mph. It is very expensive to do anything in the park however, like $3.45 for a shower and $8.95 for a bbq sammich.
We saw two moose, were not eaten or mauled by any grizzlies, nor were we charged or gored by any buffalo.
We did come out from the general store at Old Faithful to find two bikes on the sidewalk and one very badly crushed helmet. I hope it was a freak gust of wind and not a meany-mean person. Abi rode the last 30 miles to West Yellowstone with no helmet, what a rebel!
We got here before the bike shop closed and Abi was able to get a new snazzy helmet. Thanks Free Heel and Wheel, yall rock!
Then came the chore of finding a place to stay. Camping for more than I have paid for a hotel? No Way! A hotel room for more than a entry level hybrid bike? I think not!
Thanks to our new friend Sam, we have a nice warm and free place to stay here in highdollarville. Sam is a cyclist (who has even done some touring in South America) who offered his kitchen floor to us when he saw us riding around with looks of hopelessness.
He sat through all 4billion of my photos from the trip and shared a few of his touring photos. Sam can't thank you enough, you are the man!
Stoked to see what tomorrow has in store.
T.
PS we got state #8 today. Montana!!

47- Yellowstone!!!!!!

40 some odd miles from one beautiful national park to another.

Wow! I had no idea what to expect with the Tetons or Yellowstone but I have been amazed by the past two days. We got a good view of the Tetons for the first half the day then we hit Yellowstone. I had been told that we would be crushed by a convoy of RVs the moment we crossed into the park. Knock on wood, but it was a very pleasant ride. We stopped at every opportunity and took a ton of photos.

We called it a day 30 miles before we had planned on, but hey its Yellowstone no need to rush.

I got a shout out from a fellow Hokie on the road when we first entered the park. He had spotted Blacksburg on my jersey, very cool.

T.

46-Grand Tetons WOW

64 miles DuBois to Grand Teton National Park
The Tetons rank #1 for the best view of the trip. It was a absolutely beautiful day of riding.
I must have said wow a 100 times while riding. Seriously blown away by their beauty... Not quite moved to tears but close.
The park traffic is not too bad, plenty of shoulder in the G.T. park
No grizzly sightings..yet..
T

44 & 45- Rest and.......uh

0 miles- rest in Lander
76 miles- Lander to DuBois
Yesterday we took a zero in Lander. We stocked up on groceries, I got my bike shop loitering quota for the month and we ate our way through the town.
This morning we got up before the sun to beat the wind. We had completed 40 miles before the head winds started. I love Wyoming, not sure it loves me though. Staying the night at the KOA. It was expensive but really the only option short of bumming it under a bridge. At least we got to swim, shower, and were treated to dinner from the couple camping in the next spot over.
Wish I had more energy to type buut. I'm sleepy so blahhhh!

43- The biggest bust of them all.

91 miles from Lamont to Lander.
I woke up this morning to blue skies though I wasn't quite sure if I had slept the night through or just woken up from a hour nap since. (it was daylight when I went to bed)
We got a early start to beat the wind.
We motored out the first 33 miles to Jeffery City.  Jeffrey was a uranium boom town in the 60's with 5,000 people calling it home at one point. By 1986 the optimism wore off, the mine company changed owners and the families fled. 50 people call the city home now. Ghost town to say the least.
We caught a quick lunch and watched a bit of pawn stars in the Split Rock Cafe (super friendly btw). A rancher by the name of Charlie was waiting on a phone call and enjoying a few cold ones while he waited. He had his border collie "Sleepy" with him, man oh man did,that pup make me miss my Dutch man. Sigh.... I hope he knows I love him and didn't just dump him.
We hit the road yet again but this time a strong wind from the west joined us. We earned the remaining  58 miles. There were 2 nice down hills that I had to drop to my middle ring and down shift to stay moving. Not so much fun to ride in but  stayed happy and positive despite the gusts.
Lander rewarded us for our perseverance with a very nice indoor public pool. A shower, dip in the pool, and splash in the hot tub had me feeling like a new man.
The Lander Bar was recommended to us twice for dinner so we checked it out. Good food and local beer = happy Thomas.
Camping tonight at the city park. Very nice place, though I'm a little worried about midnight sprinkler attacks.
Wyoming rocks, though windy it is very beautiful and the people are very nice.
Sleeeeeeeeepy T.

42- Pleasant Valley Sunday

Saratoga to Lamont
75 miles
Last night we were nearly carried away my a swarm of hungry devilish vampire bugs. I put up my tent as fast as possible and dove in. My bug bite collection is pretty impressive.
We hit the road super early this morning and crushed 42 miles in time for church.
By the time we got out the wind had picked up and temperature had too. No worries we crushed the remaining 33 miles and found a little slice of heaven right here in Wyoming.
When we got to Lamont the cafe had just closed but a lady poked her head out to see if we needed water. We told her we didn't and that we were planning on heading to Muddy Gap to camp. She strongly suggested that we didn't.
She pointed us towards our home for the night, a bicyclists hostel just a 1/2 mile up the road. I am sure glad she did. This place rocks!  It has teepee's to sleep in, ice cream in the freezer, and juice boxes chilled in the fridge. The price you may ask? Fo free.
Yet another awesome day in the life of Thomas and Abi. You all should check out Abi's blog, she had a few breakthroughs today. Should be interesting to read about.
I totally jinxed myself by talking about the nice shoulders btw. A good 10 miles of today's ride was gnarlier than any mountain bike trail I have ridden. Actually I kinda enjoyed it :)
T.

41- Why-o-ming

68 miles- Walton Colorado to Saratoga Wyoming.

State number 7!! Woop woop

Twas a good day. WE rode with our backs, fronts, and sides to the wind. Wyoming has been nice so far, empty roads with wide shoulders are always welcome. I saw at least 30 loaded motorcycles roll past at very high rates of speed.... Show offs.

We played in the pool here in Saratoga and dipped our toes in the hot springs. Very nice way to end the day.

Freshy fresh laundry is in the dryer and food will follow shortly after the buzzer sounds.

Loving life
T.

40- Crashin the Tour of Colorado

78 miles- Kremmling to Walden

Miles and miles of Colorado beauty. Wind from every direction, the most memorable were gusts that felt like 30mph as we were climbing (thanks mother nature for the help). We did a 29 mile climb today that snaked along beside a river, very nice. I looked all day hoping to see a moose or bear but no such luck.

We rolled into Walden after battling a cross wind for 24 miles. Welp as it turns out the bicycle tour of Colorado is also in Walden. 1,500 cyclists all enjoying the last night of thier week long tour. Abi and I were celebrities as we looked for a spot to camp. Our loaded touring bikes stick out in a world of 17lbs carbon bikes. I answered a string of questions as I set up my tent, but after stepping just feet away from my bike I blended right into the crowd of tan line sporting skinny folk.

With 1,500 cyclists comes live music, lots of food, a mobile shower truck, and a buuunch of tents. I am happy we lucked up and hit walden the same night as the tour.

T.

39- The Great Divide

So much great stuff today that I have to make a list. Otherwise I would be up all night typing.

Amazing climbs, stunning scenery, highest point on route, best downhill yet, breckenridge, lots of bike path goodness, met Katherine Wallace currently 13th place overall in the Continental Devide race (1,700 miles in 14 days), eight mile detour that was worth every mile, mountain goat just yards away, long boarders laying down on their boards going mach 7, rock climbers, mountain bikers, amazing views of the rockies, crisp mountain air, a bald eagle, two more racers, beautiful sunset, soo so many mossies aka blood sucking evil insects-not so great (cyclists behind me-get a hotel in Kremmling, you won't regret it).

Yes it was a wonderful day on the road. I love Colorado.

Go Katherine!! It was a pleasure meeting you and thanks for stopping to talk.

Hmm now to start planning a go at the Continental Devide race.....

T.

38- Goodbye Guffey

Woke up to a brisk morning in the rockies. We hung around long enough to get breakfast at Rita's Place. Guffey was great, you best believe I will be returning there in the future.

We rode just shy of 50 miles from Guffey to Fairplay.

I love love the Rockies, the head wind that joined me in the Rockies, not so much.

We checked out the South Park Museum, a 1800's town here in Fairplay. Over 40 buildings packed with olld items and photos. My personal favorites of the buildings was the pharmacy and the general store.

Going to see Hoosier Pass tomorrow and catch lunch in Brekenridge. Going to be a great day.

Yeeeeehaw!
T!

37- Guffey aka coolest place on earth

Canon City to Guffey aka coolest place on earth.

We got a super early start this morning to beat the heat. We climbed around 3000 feet to Guffey, where we were planning on stopping for lunch. Little did we know we would like the place so much.  Guffey isn't the biggest place we have stopped, its hasn't got the most shops, its not the most senic, but it has the most personality.  We got lunch at Rita's Place and it was delicious.  Rita is the sweetest, hardest working woman ever.  We ate, rested, debated and made the call to stay here for the night. Rita gave us directions to the Guffey Garage where they offer cabins for cyclists.  As I rolled up I relized I had landed in hot rodders heaven. Lots of sweet old cars would be a understatement. 

I got to tour the City Hall, garage and check out all the lil buildings spread across the place.  Man o man is it cool.  I am now a offical member of the G.G.G. (Guffey Garage Gang). Everybody here is nice, and super chill.


I was offered a job at Rita's who knows I may just take it... nah I have alot of good riding to come. 

More climbing tomorrow and more fun to be had.


Peace and Wheelies.

T!

P.s. I am so stoked to have Abi joining me for the second half of the trip, she is pretty much the coolest thing since water cooled engines.

36- Reunion!

Abi chose company over cali. Good call.

Rode 50 miles to Canon City.

First day of climbing in the Rockies tomorrow.

Rest days are great but the luxury may have spoiled me a bit. Camping in a rv park...i miss the king size cloud bed.

So sleeepy!
T.

35- Rest in the rockies.

I am in Colarado Springs for the weekend. Now you may say Thomas, pueblo and co springs are a-ways apart and weren't you just in pueblo.yesterday? My response, I have awesome friends.

Cody Morehead, my neighbor growing up, good friend, and all around bad arse fella made the drive down to see me in Pueblo. He and his fiance Joy roll up to me sitting on a bench chilling with my big green bike and bunch-o bags. I hadn't talked to him much about specifics of this SWVA reunion but it all worked out perfectly.

I was hoping for a rest day in Colarado Springs, though somehow after biking just shy of 200 miles in two days I forgot to mention that to Cody. They were very hospitable, and open to the idea. One small problem though, I have a bike to worry about.

How do you fit three people, four paniers and a touring bike in a sporty little vw golf? You don't, but luckily I had just made two new friends minutes prior to Cody's arival. Dave and Doug of the Marriot in Pueblo had stopped on their way back from dinner to get my spill about my trip. I shared my story, and gave them a card so they could follow my adventure through my blog. They were very kind and told me if I needed anything to go to the front desk at the Marriot and ask for them. I thanked them assuming I was set for the night.

Long story short, my bike stayed at the Marriot last night. Dave, a cyclist himself, was kind enough to let me store my Jolly green bike in his office for the weekend. What a blessing to be have a old friend who drove down to visit, and a new friend to make that visit possible.

I am laying on Cody's ultra plush couch as I write this looking out the window at Pikes Peak. I am so very excited to spend the day here in Colarado Springs, catch up on rest, and visit with Cody.

Woo!

Rest day continued- I went to church with Cody in Co. Springs and man was it amazing.

I got the grand tour of the area compliments of tour guide Cody. We checked out Pikes Peak,  and the Garden of Gods.

I stopped by a outdoor store and picked up a wool base layer, and some cord so I can keep my bag of food out of bears reach.

I am staying tonight were my bike stayed last night at the Marriot in Pueblo. The hospitality I have recieved is amazing. Thanks so much!

34- Our trio is down to, well.. Me

Haswell to Pueblo
90 something miles.

Abi and I rode with the wind at our backs for the majority of the day. On one 20 mile section, we averaged 22mph... On loaded touring bikes.

I got my first sight of the rockies, at first I couldn't tell if they were clouds or mountains. As I got closer I was able to see they were mountains, really big mountains. Woah

It was another day of riding into storms. Shortly after I realized it was a mountain range, my view was obstructed by a big ol storm.
I upped my pace trying to get to Pueblo before the storm did, but no such luck. I got wet.

Pueblo is the half way point for the transamerican bike route, it is also where the western express route splits and heads west to california.

It was a bitter sweet day, I was excited to have reached Pueblo, but bummed to loose my friend and partner in crime. Abi is sticking to her origional plan of heading to Cali on the western express route.

We had a blast singing, goofing and laughing our way halfway across the country. Abi you shall be missed greatly.

I was able to meet Abi's brother and sister in law as they came to pick her up so she could visit them in Denver. We hung out in Pueblo as the sunset. It was a blast.

P.s. If you change your mind I will be in pueblo on monday. After all flexibility is the key to air power.

33- 100

Leoti to Haswell
103 miles

Big day yesterday including the first century ride of the trip and the craziest storm. Will post more later.

We rode with a storm chasing us out of Kansas for the first part of the day. Funny because most people I know that go to Kansas go for storm chasing. Yall are crazy, I head the other direction.

State #6- Colardo
The welcome to colorful Colarado sign was a very welcome sight indeed.
I saw my first tumbleweed (i didn't think they acctualy existed)

We stayed in Haswell, population 76. Though we avoided the first storm of the day, we rode right into the second one. The storm made for a beautiful sunset, but once it got dark boy did it get crazy. Abi and I took shelter in the tiny lil post office and waited for it to blow over.

It eventualy calmed down and I was able to go back to the park to see if my tent was still there, luckily it was.

Great day on the bike, Abi's first century, all around awesome

T.

32- Power of positivity

Ness City to Leoti.
80 miles
I woke up totally un-enthused about the idea of riding my bike across the notsogreat plains, much less in the wind. That attitude made the first 16 miles miserable, all I could think about is how much I hated the state of Kansas. I didn't do my usual smile and wave at every other car that passed, no singing with the radio just sat there grumpy.
I made the decision at lunch to stop focusing on the negative and enjoy the ride even if it wasn't the most fun. It worked, the sky was a bit bluer, the car drivers waved and smiled, and the wind felt like it was helping a bit more than it was slowing. The rest of the day was a blast after I changed my outlook.
Moral of the story, don't be grumpy when you are riding your bike. It defeats the purpose of riding. If you do happen to find yourself grumbling about- stop, relax and quit being a idiot.
I saw 6 cyclists heading East today, none of us stopped to chat- though I don't think we could have heard each other over the wind.
More feed lots, combines, and yup that's is about it.
I have clean clothes thanks to the laundromat in Leoti. I will now be able to go into stores with out clearing the place out.
Camping at another city park tonight. Woot.
T.

31-Power naps do the body good

Larned to Ness City- a very very windy 50 something miles.
I missed riding with the three amigos by thirty min or so this morning. Abi and I are just a hair too slow getting up, not to mention the fact those three are completely silent in the mornings. I think they may be ninjas.
I would compare today's riding to a dog sticking its head out the window for a 5 hour car ride. Only I don't happen to enjoy that experience as much as my Dutch pup would have.
The wind blew a steady 15 mph from the south all day long. Not so much fun for riding, but that was a great excuse for a long breakfast stop, a power nap break, and a two hour long lunch stop.
We got onto route 96 today which is the road we will follow all the way to Colorado. Yay for 4 days on the same road.
I was passed by at least 10 combines being trailered West. Apparently land owners contract out the harvesting. These rigs take up a lane and a half but luckily they are very respectful to cyclists. I prefer to pull over and gawk rather than brave riding the shoulder with one of them passing. Also I saw three blades to a wind turbine being hauled east. These suckers were huuge! I'm not sure how long but I sure hope I get to see a functioning one before this trip is over.
We met a cyclist heading East in Ness City. His name was Scott McCrarry, the owner of a  shop specializing in tandems, recumbent, and touring bikes in South Carolina.  He joined the five of us for dinner at the Mexican restaurant. He was a very personable fellow with lots of good info to share with Abi regarding the western express route. He snuck off right after he finished with his dinner and payed for all of our dinners. So Mr. McCrary thank you for dinner it was nice meeting you and safe travels.
http://www.ttrbikes.com/
Yet another good day on the road.
T.

30- Do you hear that? Me neither

Today was a good day. Abi's bike has been silenced (big thanks to Bob at Harleys Bike Shop for getting it ready so quick). We got a late start but it was no problem. As Zac Brown puts it "i ain't in no hurry today" or any day for that matter. Rushing through this is a good way to miss out on alot of good stuff.
We rode 75 miles to Larned today. It was a flat windy day. Luckily the wind was at our back and the radio stations were coming in loud and clear. There was a 58 mile stretch with no services, but I was able to stop and fill up my water bottles at a church. Thanks Peace Baptist Church for the use of your water spigot.
As we were getting back onto route from our bike shop stop I spotted a few funny looking horses in a field. As I got closer I realized it was a field full of zebras!
Turns out it was a exotic animal farm and bed and breakfast. We got to see the giraffes, ostriches, kangaroos, a big ol tortoise, and even a miniature donkey.
Also on today's route was the first feed lot of the trip. I have always heard you will smell a feed lot before you see it. Well, the feed lot is just outside of the town we are staying in. It is a bit smelly here to say the least, and if you look up at the street lights you can see a haze from the dust. Poo fog, ewww!
Smell and haze aside, Larned is a pleasant town. Abi and I crushed the Pizza Hut buffet. The park were we are camped is very nice, & Abi and I impressed all the pool goers with our stylish tan lines. (cyclists swim free and there are even showers)
Btw the Brits did a 106 mile day and caught up to us. Somebody is a bit competitive, cough cough Miles. Seriously though, it's always a pleasure to get the chance to hang out with them. I think we shall ride with them tomorrow, that is if we can wake up early enough to catch them.
T.

29er- Snappy

Today was a short day, we traveled 50ish short miles to Hutchinson. Its a little off route but there is a bike shop here that is going to preserve team turtle's sanity. By noon tomorrow the bottom bracket in Abi's bike won't sound like a blacksmith hard at work anymore.
Hutchinson is the biggest place we have gone through so far. In fact it is where the Kansas State Fair is held.  There are lots of cool shops, restaurants, and a nice little stream that ran right through.
A nice little stream that was home to a snapping turtle.
We are staying at a hostel here in Hutchinson, pretty sweet to have such nice accommodations even off route.
T.

28- Great day for sailing.

Eureka to Newton
75 miles

It was a great day for sailing, kites, and wind farms. Luckily its always a great day for bike touring.

Today I saw beautiful ranches, a bunch of cows, a sweeet modle A, and some motorcycles.

For 17 sweet sweet miles I had the tail wind of my life.
15mph winds gusting up to 25mph ohh yeah. It was so much fun. I felt like I was on a spaceship, and uhh I'm not sure what to do with my hands.

When the wind was not at my back, it was doing its best to blow me off the road.

Wind wind wind windy wind

Tonight we are staying at a hotel since its going to storm here tonight.

T.

27- Safari!

Walnut to Eureka
94.idon'tuseacomputerandacctualyhavenoideahowmany miles today
Highlights of the day.
Toured a safari museum with a collection of artifacts from Martin and Osa Johnson's world travels. I learned alot about their lives and their adventures. Also fun fact, they pioneered the genre of nature documentaries, and product placement in movies. Osa was from Kansas, and met Martin there. It was really fascinating!!
http://www.safarimuseum.com/
Saw a 56' olds for sale with a rocket 88 in it. They were only asking $2,800.
Rode 90 some miles in 90 degree heat.
Drank my weight in water and Gatorade.
Ate four meals.
Rode 20 miles with a rocking tail wind, and paid for it the rest of the day with a cross wind from you know where.
Met 9 cyclists today. Six of which are biking from Beijing to London. From the last Olympic location to the location of the upcoming Olympic games. A super cute couple from Georgia, and a gentleman by the name of Randy who is from Roanoke. Randy is actually a East Coasters customer.
We are camping by the park in Eureka, nice place with showers and yet another pool.
Yet another day of goody good goodness by bike.
Love T.

26- KANSAS!

Golden City Missouri to Walnut Kansas
60ish miles.
The park last night was a interesting experience. Turns out when there is no WalMart parking lot to loiter in, high school kids hang out at city parks. There was a steady flow of cars and trucks in and out until 11pm. I had my fill of  bad loud music and yelling 17 year olds'. Mom and Dad if I was ever that obnoxious when I was a teen I am very sorry.
Aside from that it was a pleasant place to stay. The shower was very much so appreciated.
We hit up Cooky's Cafe for breakfast on our way out of town. I had a piece of Dutch Apple pie for dessert. I am going to miss all the delicious pies of Golden City.
We hit state #5 today. Kansas!!! Goodbye Missouri you were great to us. The first stop in Kansas was in Pittsburgh at the local bike shop. It was no East Coasters, but they had the bare necessities.  We picked up chain lube and a continental gator skin to replace the worn rear tire on Abi's Felt. The U.S.S. Adventure is looking sharp now with a fresh tire. (the bottom bracket however decided it wanted to start creaking just outside of town, it will have to wait till pueblo.)
Tonight we are staying at the Immanuel Lutheran Church just outside of Walnut Kansas. There was a nice little sign out front welcoming cyclists.  Its a very nice place with a loaded pantry which they invite cyclists to make use of. We fixed farm fresh eggs for dinner. How very nice!
No turtle rescues in the past few days but I was able to stop at a bridge and turtle watch today. Some folks like bird watching but I find reptile gazing to be far more interesting. I saw seven different turtles at once at this particular spot. All floating with their heads above water enjoying the warm day. I got some nice photos of them with my real camera.
The drivers here are amazing, most of them give you the full lane when passing.
Love T.
P.s I fixed the blog were anyone can comment. You're welcome ;)