Loveland.

Today's ride was possibly the best one we will have all summer. However, it did start out quite rough. We left Breckinridge and rode about 15 miles to the base of Loveland pass. From there we had a grueling 10 mile climb to the top of the pass. On the bright side, the whole ride up was surrounded by ski resorts and beautiful peaks. The whole climb took about two and a half hours, but once we reached the top we had breezy ride down the mountain into Empire, Colorado. As of today, we have officially conquered the West and the Rockies! Sorry if this post seems to ramble, it's pretty late. More details tomorrow, just thought I'd give a bit of an update! -JP

Wendy on Wheels Goes to Colorado.

Yesterday we finally made our way into Colorado, and I may have to add it to my favorite states. The weather has been the best we've had all summer (cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon with a breeze all day). Today's ride was a pretty gruelling 90 miles, but when we arrived in Craig, we were greeted by all the kids of the Boys and Girls Club. After an hour of basketball and Dance Dance Revolution, we sat the kids down and read them Wendy on Wheels.  This children's book series was written by a Pi Kapp's wife, and it is...awkward to say the least. Let me point out that this series is about a girl in a wheelchair, and is supposed to show chidren that having a disability shouldn't stop you from doing things you enjoy. One of the books is entitled "Wendy on Wheels Takes a Stand," and is riddled with off color puns, including, but not limited to, "I won't sit for this," and "I must put my wheel down." I'm not sure if the author did this intentionally, but it makes it difficult to take the books seriously. On the upside, most of the 7-10 year olds listening to the book don't pick up on these subtleties, so hopefully they are getting the deeper message. Tomorrow we are headed to Steamboat Springs. Its only a 45 mile ride, but there will probably be a few tough climbs. The next few days will be exhausting, but there should be a pretty good reward... After monday, we are done with the Rocky Mountains. Alas, monday is a long way from now, so until then enjoy this image that I finally learned how to upload onto this blog thing. -John Patrick Welsh II

Colorado State Line!



On to Bigger, and Taller Things.

Tonight is our last night in Utah. I have to say I'm gonna miss it. Salt Lake and Park City were a lot of fun, and the whole state is gorgeous. I would definitely suggest visiting to anyone who has never been. Yesterday we explored quite a bit of Park City. We wandered around Olympic Park for a while then hit up Main St for some delicious subs at a local deli. I spotted a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, so I obviously had to get a carmel apple (it was just as good as I had hoped). Today we had an 85 mile day. I've been told that I've been a bit too cynical in past for posts, so I'll just say that today's ride was a breeze. The next few days we have some longer rides into Colorado. I'm a bit nervous about the 105 miler from Steamboat to Breckinridge, but I'm sure it'll be cake. Hopefully Colorado will be full of some awesome rides and great friendship visits. I'm looking forward to dominating the rocky mountains and telling y'all all about them. Until then, enjoy sea level. -John Patrick

The Salty State of Utah.

Today was our first day off in over a week, and it was much needed. We spent last night and today exploring all that Salt Lake City has to offer. ...and by that I mean we went to a filthy Chinese buffet called "Crazy Jim's China Buffet." I'm now %65 sure I will wake up with a stomach flu. On a lighter note, four buses of "natives" filed into the buffet right when we got there so we got a refund after they ate all of the choice delicacies. Oddly enough, most interaction in SLC was in the city's fine eateries. Last night we (about 15 of us) wandered into a nearby Red Robin for dinner. After eating, we were approached by two Mormon girls from Utah university. They asked us which sports team we were on, then we ended up talking to them for an hour or so (these are the first girls we spent any time with in almost a month). Of course this story ends with them attempting to evangelize, and wrangle, us into joining them at their "ward" this morning. I politely informed them that I was catholic and I would not be joining them. Over all a pretty nice couple days in Salt Lake. Tomorrow we head to Park City, where I believe we will be kayaking. More details to come. Happy Father's Day. -J.P.

The "Great" State of Nevada.

Apologies for the time between posts. It's seems as though there is not a single wifi connection in northern Nevada. This is, of course, just one of several things about this state that I was misled on. At the beginning of Nevada, we were told it was flat. It's not. We were told it was a desert. Deserts are hot, right? Wrong. It's been between 30 and 50 degrees every day since California. We have two days left of riding in Nevada and I never thought I'd be as happy to go to Utah...but that's enough complaining for one post. Only two weeks in and I can say I've already met so many awesome people. Even the longest days on the bike have been some of the best times I've had. Though Nevada may be ruled off my list of places to move, I have enjoyed how beautiful and unique this high desert really is. Still, I can't wait for the Rockies! Hopefully the next for town have more than 500 people, and with a little luck, an Internet provider. Until next time, JP

Kirkwood.

Yesterday was the most physically enduring day I can remember. We started our day at 6:00 am, had a quick breakfast at Mel and Fayes Diner (one of our great sponsors), then jumped on the bike. We literally climbed the Sierra Nevadas the entire day. Beginning at 1500 ft, we slowly crossed 95 miles up the mountainside at an average pace of 6 mph. There was one point we my pace line and I inched along at 3 mph for well over an hour. There were a couple times when I was convinced I wouldn't be able to finish this infamous day on the Journey of Hope. Without the encouragement of my friends, I'm sure I would have been just another victim of Kirkwood. Never again will I take car travel for granted. Today we have our first day off of the trip. After yesterday's events, it is much needed. We are going on a boat tour of Lake Tahoe and spending the rest of the day. After four days of biking, we have finally made it out of California and into Nevada. Two years ago, if I were asked if I'd ever cross a state with a bicycle, I would have laughed. I guess a few things have changed. It's good to be here in Tahoe and I can't wait to cross the rest of America. Until next time, -J.P.

California Love.

After two days of riding there are a few things I can say with certainty about California. The west coast is much colder than you may assume, their "hills" are much more like mountains, and it has some of the most beautiful scenery. Today we road 2,800 ft in elevation with a 67 mile day over all, and with two days under our belt, we are nearing the 150 mile mark. About half way into the days ride we got caught in the rain and couldn't seem to escape it all day. Of course, the 50 degree weather didn't help much either. I feel good so far, but the next two days will be the test. Wednesday we take on the most infamous day on the Journey of Hope: Kirkwood. It's a 95 mile day, 70 of which are continuously up a mountainside. We will be going from 75-4,800 ft. It's going to be tough but I'm sure very rewarding. I never really knew just how amazing the California country side is, but today I was completely in awe. Staring at gorges and rivers cutting through the side of mountains are a great way to avoid burning legs. We eventually made it out of the "hills" and coasted into Sacramento. We were greated at the state Capitol before heading to a friendship visit/sweet concert. So far this has all been a great experience. I can't wait to see what's in store. I'll do my best to post more frequently, but until next time, stay cool. -J.P.