BREAK ON THROUGH TO THE KANSAS SIDE!! BREAK ON THROUGH!

Greetings jolly folks!

   This blog post is coming to you from Ulysses, Kansas! Today was a pretty easy day, indeed, it was a leisure day!
   We awoke in the basement of Steve's straw bail adobe house after a wonderful night of rest! Complete with a breakfast of pancakes (if you ask, maybe ill let out his pancake secret recipe!) and sunny-side up eggs! Washed it all down with a good, hot cup of jo and we were ready to take off for Kansas!
   The gang threw the bikes into Steve's old pick-up truck so he could take us back down his dirt road to highway 160. Man-o-man, if you thought you would be the first rider to join us for a little while, your wrong. Steve threw his old Centurion road bike in the bed of the pick-up so he could catch the first morning miles of our journey into Kansas!
  Once on the road, it was only a few seconds before the bikes were unloaded and all 4 of us were t/ires on the pavement and feet in the pedals ready to go. It was probably just a minute of biking before we reached the Kansas/Colorado border, also the Central Time Zone! Hello home time! Steve road with us all the way to Mantel Kansas, which was about 20 miles into our morning. He said that while biking with us, he felt he could bike forever. That the arthritis in his knees he didn't even pay attention too and that after years of biking, this was his best ride he'd ever been on! 
   We stopped at the first stop sign in Mantel and all set our bikes down for a goodbye. Steve said a prayer for us and after some hugs, he hopped up on his bike for the ride back to his pick-up. Steve, we cannot thank you and your family enough! Your family is inspirational, if they want something, they don't wait for it. Instead, they find a way to create their dreams, the same as they've done with their adobe house! Your an inspiration to us and it was the best stay we've had! It was sad to say goodbye, but I at least I'll be back (Joey) in a few years, if not just to see how big your adobe mansion will get! Can't seem to say thanks enough, so thanks! 
Doner family thank you for the stories, the food, and the hospitality. You were all great! Ill be back to see the stars and to get a long board from Drew. Next time ill do the cooking (Nate)!
   After Steve left us, it was only another 21 miles to Ulysses, our stop for the day. It was the flattest riding our route said we would see and I can guarantee that it was the flattest riding we would see. Rolled into Ulysses around 10ish, and stopped at the Ole Mc D's. Chatted some folks up and found out about a campground south east of town. Strolling on down to the campground; Matt found out that gravel and weighted down road bikes don't mix well. We talked to Dana at the Bentwood Golf course who hooked it up with a free place to stay. Thanks Dana! We dropped our gear under a tree and went to the playground. Jungle gym races and some shenanigans were had. Sonya was down at the playground with her grand kids whom we started to talk with. She called up the local news paper and told them about us. Michalynn Thryselius-English came down to take our picture and get our story for the Ulysses News. Sonya took off and while we were throwing a Frisbee around, came back with a surprise. Three foot long subs, soda, and chips from Subway. Delicious, thank you so much Sonya! 
   Now it's mid afternoon and we are all just hanging out in the clubhouse air conditioning watching Gone in 60 Seconds! As always, tell that Nick Wustruck to get a Donating! Don't forget to tell your boss, your uncle Tony, and your neighbor Shelly! Keep the peace with your enemies and have a cup of tea to cool yourself off at night! Thanks!

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 Nice to finally be on time

 look A PLAIN

 Us with Steve!

MERICA!

Trinidad to 3/4 of a mile from Kansas!

GREETINGS!

   What a time we have had on these past two days! We've just been encountering the nicest of people along the way!

   We all woke up a bit warm in our Co-op in Trinidad, but none the less it was a place to stay (a great one at that, thanks again Trinidad Community Co-op). After our daily yoga stretches we were all feeling sprite about the ride ahead of us to Kim, Colorado! 

   Just before leaving for the morning, Ed stopped by with some great news, LITERALLY! He stopped in to say his good byes and grab his keys when he broke the NEWS to us. We were in the paper! The Chronicle News of Trinidad, thanks to our friend we met the day before, had run our story! Complete with a picture of us and our blog as well (even though it was .blogspoRt. emphasis with the capital r... we hope Google knows well enough to just auto-correct it). So we thanked Ed for allowing us to snatch up our media and started off from Trinidad with a smile the size of a watermelon!

   The ride from Trinidad to Kim with our bikes at full load was a pretty intense day... This day nearly brought tears to my eyes from laughter and from beauty. We were about 10 miles out of Trinidad when we rolled up on a lone Prong-horn deer in the grassy field next to the road. Nate, being the muscle, turns to the deer and shouts, "Come on! Wanna race?!?!". BANG! OFF TO THE RACES!!! Right after Nate shouts at the deer, he jumps up and just guns it! Naturally, Nate being feisty got right on his high horse to race the deer down! From behind the race was neck and neck, neither of them loosing or gaining on the other, almost as if they were both just picking up speed with the wind at their backs! It's a solid downhill with an slow uphill right after, Nate sought the uphill as to gain the advantage. Speeding forward with his legs bursting buildings apart all the way in Rio De Janiro, he fought for and won the lead on the uphill! The deer however was not slowing so Nate had to keep a pushin' her! 

   The deer had finally admitted defeat.... Matt and I were shouting for America the Beautiful to have just won 1/2 mile race against a deer! Except, all of a sudden, the deer launches from haunches for a second wind! Nate nearly at the top of the hill, already exhausted, thrusts it into whatever gear comes after infinity! 5 seconds later, the deer slows to complete stop and with a last ditch effort yells out to Nate, "YOUR THE BIGGER MAN!"

   It is official, Nate has found his spirit animal, the Prong-Horned deer! He will forever be Nate the Wrangler, America the Beautiful, and the Muscle in our eyes!

   Shortly after our Nate becoming and unsung hero in our eyes, the most beautiful scene occurred. Every once and awhile we get to stroll on past a few horses. Yesterday was one of those days, except yesterday could have been for a documentary of why America is amazing. The horses, about 9 of them in all, including the little colt, just started galloping along with us, following their captive fence along the road. All of us had our heads turned as we cruised at 15 or so miles per hour watching the horses. With the grasslands stretching in the background, and the sun still glaring its beautiful morning light, the scene was a painted picture off of the past of America. I was nearly brimming with tears and its safe to say the others were as well. This scene will stay with us forever as something that is true to our hearts and if witnessed by all Americans, would be true to theirs as well.

   Whew, all that touchy, feely stuff... The road continued with rolling hills all the way to Kim. Our bodies were tired and the sun was HOT! We rolled into Kim around 1:30 in the afternoon and went straight to the burger place we were recommended to by our mid day water savior. We struggled in, tired and feeling beaten by our 70 mile ride, and asked for where the water was because we were nearly run dry at that point. We all filled up and since our ride was hard on the bodies, we all ordered food too! Nate got a Philly cheese steak with 3 eggs scrambled in it! Matt and I got the cowboys breakfast, hash browns, eggs, 2 meats, 2 cheese, and 4 slices of toast! UUUUUHHHHH DELICIOUS! How perfect after our ride! And as a prologue to that statement, to everyone there, we were dead tired so sorry if we talked quiet and slow, or confused, or sometimes not at all... 

   The kind citizens of Kim then told us where we could find the preacher of the church to ask if we could possibly stay there. After a walk across the street to the preacher and a go ahead on the church basement (the coolest place in town, not like "I'M SO COOL", but like "Ohhh ahhhh, it's just so cool in here") we then crossed back past our eatery to the next building over in the other direction... the church. (Do you get where I'm coming from... Kim is very, very small). We found our way into the basement and sure enough, COOL, COOL FREEDOM! 

   After our 3 hour nap session in the church basement merely minutes after our arrival inside, it was time for dinner. Set with some tea, tuna was great for Nate and I, while Matt enjoyed a nice PB&J. Then after probably an hour and a half at the most, sleep was inevitable right after a quick look at the sun setting over the plains. 

   The next morning was an early one, as we had learned our lesson from the day before to try and beat the heat. We awoke at 4:15 and actually started moving at 4:45. We knew it was going to be a long day with a scheduled 68 miles, mostly downhill. Our morning was dark, cool and fantastic. There really is nothing like sleeping in a basement while it is over 100 degrees outside.

     We had a hearty breakfast of trail mix, oranges, chocolate and coffee. I (Matt) enjoyed a second cup of coffee with half a Hershey bar in it. It was quite delicious. We got all sunscreened up and threw everything on our bikes and lugged them out of the basement and out of the church onto hundreds of bugs that had gathered outside of the church door. Don't worry they were slow and mostly dead so they posed no threat to our chiseled legs. 

     We started biking at 6:01, one minute behind schedule. The morning was cool and crisp and the sunrise was just peeking over the seeming-less endless horizon. Our biking day was wonderful and basically all we could ask for. The wind was at our back and we all felt great as we were crushing out miles like breadcrumbs for a pie. (Simile for all yall readers) Sidenote: While typing just now I walked outside and it was very windy and for the first time in over a month.........   I FELT RAIN!!!!!! Anywho, like I was saying the ride was great and we cruised from Kim to Walsch, a total of 68 miles in just over 4 hours. We arrived in  Walsch at 10:20am just in time to beat the heat. Mission Accomplished! 

      We sat down at Ben's Cafe and pounded some water. Nate got a pretty good looking chicken sandwich and Joey got a pretty weak grilled cheese. One piece of cheese between two pieces of wonder bread. While at the cafe a wonderful man named Steve Doner walked in the front door. He had seen our bikes outside of the cafe and came in to see what we were doing in town. We told him our story and why we were biking across the country and that we were looking for a place to stay. He said that he would love to have us stay at his straw and adobe house that he had built. We instantly said yes and he told us it was about 14 miles out of town, but 14 miles on our route. So we went to the grocery store and looked around before we started out for the end of our day to Steve's house. Too bad the wind had shifted and now was a headwind instead of a tailwind. With ease we busted the last 14 miles to Steve's road and waited for him to come get us because the last 3 miles to his house was on a dirt road. A little over 15 minutes later Steve was there with his truck and we threw our bikes in the back and drove to his super duper sweet house which I will describe.                                   

    The house is built out of hay bales that are covered with adobe mud and finished with colored clay. The house was initially just adobe but then he added on a few more rooms and built them using the hay bale adobe technique. This is a really cool way to build a house and it is also sustainable . 80% of the worlds population lives in mud houses. Only us few developed countries don't. 

   We want to give a huge thank you to Steve and Jan Doner for letting us stay in their lovely home and use their shower, kitchen, basement, living room and basement. Also for letting us play with their dogs Mattie and Koshi. Currently the storm just blew through and it looks like they got about 10 drops of rain and a bunch more dirt blown in. 

    For the second night in a row we will be staying in a nice cool basement. Tomorrow we are taking a nice 44 mile day to Ullysess and we will be saying goodbye to Colorado which has been so nice to us for the past  ten days. We will truly miss you. 

   Don't forget to tell everyone you know, especially all those people you haven't told. And as always tell Nick Wustruck to donate to the arthritis foundation. 

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 Epic days on the plains

 just wicked

Flying them colors

AMERICA

Hmm.... resembles our business cards

The adventure truly begins

Greetings from Trinidad Colorado!
   This blog will consist of two days of fun adventures filled with interesting and gracious fellows. The first day was monday and we awoke a bit warm, a bit late, but ready for the last of our major Colorado passes, Cuchara pass. We started our morning by saying goodbye to Marilyn as she was leaving us and starting her own long journey back to Michigan. We wanna give a huge thanks to Marilyn for all the things she did for us from cooking us delectable meals to making sure we had a safe place to stay. We truly appreciate everything you have done for us and we probably would have died or just not made it up those passes if it wasn't for your follow car fanatics and your strive to just help. Just so luck would have it as our follow car leaves we just happened to have our trusty, rusty pal, AJ, with us with his wonderful Cadilac to take over and haul our stuff up the last pass. Leaving La Veta we started on a steady climb from 7000 feet up to 9995 at the summit of Cuchara Pass. Side note; Why only 9995 feet? Why could they not make it 10000 just to make us feel good. At least all of our heads were over 10000 feet. Anywho, the climb was spectacluar. We agreeded that it was the most sceanic ride we have done thus far. With the massive Spanish Peaks to the left of us and rocky outcrops all around there was definitly something to look at as you struggled up 3000 feet.
    We passed through a small tourist town called, Cuchara, who would have guessed. We stopped for some stickers and chatted up some store owners before begginning again up the hill. The last part of the climb was a 4.5 mile 6% climb that compared to Wolf Creek Pass was a breezy piece of pie ala mode. Once to the summit we stopped for a few pictures and AJ told us that we should go down to North Lake for a quick dip before we went to Monument Lake where he had found us a place to throw up our tents for the night.
    North Lake was picture perfect with the clear blue apline lake look that you only see on Nat Geo. The lake was a bit cold seeing that it was at 8400 feet, but we all decided to jump in anyways seeing that it was our first alpine lake. With an instant brain freeze and a refreshed, rejuvenated body we biked the 3 miles to Monument Lake where we set up for a lovely lunch of salsa and anything you can or cannot dip in salsa. Side note; Oreos are delicous with salsa, also puff chettos, crushed doritos and ciabata bread.
    After lunch and a bit of crayfish huntin, we decided to go for a bit of a hike and some rock climbin. The rocks were on a ridge a few hundred feet above the lake and were full of great hand and foot holds so the climbing was fun and not as dangerous as you would think. Ok, maybe a few spots were a little dangerous. Once at the top, because you have to go to the top, we had a few photo ops and then made a short hike to the other side of the lake where the campground was and filled up our water as we were all quite thirsty after our rock scrambling adventure. Just as we arrived at the campground we spotted a black bear, who was brown, walking along the lake shore. We took a few pics and then on our way back to our campsite we saw the most badass thing you could see. A man reached into the water with his bare hands and pulled out an at least 3 pound rainbow trout. Just like a wild mountain man with no fear he put his life on the line to pull out a prize rainbow trout. O yea there are pictures. After that we sat down with a nice fellow named Mel, his son Mel jr. and his buddy louie louia, whoa whoa, we gotta go aye aye aye aye aye. We sat with them and had a few beers and watched them catch 3 medium sized rainbow trout. Monument Lake is full of fish. Get yourself there and catch some monsters. At about 7pm we said goodbye to AJ as he had to work at noon the next day and he had a 4 hour drive ahead of him. With AJ gone our adventure had officially begun. No follow car , no help, nothing but our bikes, our tents, our bags and our legs. We went to bed with a new outlook on how great the rest of this trip is going to be. 
   As I (Nate) lay in my tent in a light slumber, I was suddenly awoken by a sniffing and snorting sound.  I rolled my head over my shoulder to see... a big ole bear starin back at me! After the initial wave of shock rolled over me and the realization that the only thing between me and the bear was a net like mesh. I grabbed my knife and my hammer (that's right,I sleep with some protection) and continued to stare into the black figure that was the bears head as he sniffed my tent and nudged my back. After  a few min of the ole poke and sniff the bear walked off. I remained cleanching my weapons and thinking to myself, Holy #*!@*! 
Alright so after that I layed there for a couple of hours trying to go back to sleep but with the 30 mph wind gusts and the lingering thoughts of bear, sleep was no longer an option. It started to get light out, and I decided no point in laying here any more. Got up and hollered at Matt and Joey, whom where both awake. We got up, went thru our bags, strapped up  and hit the road jack. Matt with his favorite words its all down hill from here and we were off.
Cruising along Hwy 12 we had our morning chats about this and that. Feeling pretty good about the first day with all of our gear now on our bikes and backs like Manly men coming down from the mountains all geared up and comin in hot. 
   Trinidad, Colorado. Tucked in a nice valley sitting at 6,000 ft. this small tourist town right before the big mountains seemed a great first stop of just the three of us. As it turns out, it is one of the best days we have had so far. We've met some of the most interesting and nice people here in Trinidad!
   Upon entering the city, we strolled around and found a nice stop to chill at the Corner Cafe! Matt had what appeared to be a delicious Sante Fe wrap! I (Joey) had 3 good cups of jo and Nate was licking his lips drinking a tall, cool glass of lemonade! Whilst us sitting outside the cafe a man with a Nikon camera rolled around the corner... Just so happens this man works for The Chronicle here in Trinidad! Mike Albanese jotted down our information, what seemed to be some quote taking, our purpose, our thoughts, and finally snapped a picture of us! Hopefully Trinidad will be seeing our faces in their local news!
   We hung out some more at the cafe couch surfing (the website) and checking out warmshowers.org (a touring bike website). Upon uploading a few pics to this blogpost, we took off in search of our place to stay for the night.
   What a search it turned out to be!!! While aimlessley biking around the hills of Trinidad, we came slowly up to an intersection. I thought I heard Nate say, "go up"... As in go up that hill right there... Turns out he actually said, "Co-op"! Right then and there, out the door of the Co-op comes out Ed! We started chatting about our journey and what we are up to and he, out of the kindness in his heart, offers us stay at the Co-op! HOW COOL?!?! So, mission accomplished, with a place to stay, we went out to grab a few grocieries and go for a swim in the river!
   We've been in and out of the Co-op all day, chatting up people and telling our story. One of the fine folk we met was Raggio, an artist who lives in here in Trinidad! An amazing artist who opened our eyes to different avenues, he burst out of the "norm" and through his art displayed that abstraction can take the form of anything, and everything can take the form of abstraction. He was in a motorcycle accident in his first year of college which changed his life. After healing from the accident he, instead of forestry, took up ceramics. This is how he so perfectly described how art has changed him through out the years. "With ceramics, you first find a center, then you can dig in, then you open up from the inside and build from there." He is optmist in the very heart of the word, searching and constantly finding what makes him happy in life. He is philosophical in his words and made a lasting impression on all of us! He allowed us into his home to show us his transformations through art. We got the chance to see his personal gallery, all the way from his first every sculpture, to his workings of today. Inspiring in his work, enlightening to talk to you, with a positive vibe and message of let your mind wander and do what makes you happy! Don't get caught in your tracks, open your mind to new outlets, and don't be afraid of "changing lanes."
   So a huge shout out to Tara, the manager of the Trinidad Community Co-op! Ed for being the man and right off the bat offering us a place to stay and later telling me that I (Joey) "Have moose balls". Linda for being such a sweetheart! Joni and her Earth Mountain Farm! An awesome organic farm that hosts of WWOOFers. Niva, for being kind as we trotted in and out and bothered her with a few questions. Alas, to the rest of the members in the Co-op! Keep it up!
   Also a shout out to Francis, owner of the Corner Cafe, for allowing us to be smelly and enjoy her cafe!

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North Lake, look how blue it is!

Alpine beauty at its finest

Monument Lake from our rock top perches

On the rocks with the Spanish Peaks in the bakground

Who is taking these pictures?

Simply glorious

It be but a wee little bear

America here we come with no car

 Raggio's artwork. What do you see?

Raggio's gallery with the man himself. We got a personal tour.

 Matt defying gravity

 Huge trout caught with his bear hands

Perfect size table in our co-op home

Alamosa to La Veta and Some Unlawful Swimming!

Greetings World!

   This is the fearless leader Joey speaking! I didn't even have to wake up my fellow cyclists yesterday morning, what a way to start the day! Some bagels and cream cheese for breakfast are always a great way to juice up our mornings! After stuffing our packs with snacks for the ride, we set off during a beautiful morning!
   Upon filling our packs up/bladder bags with artisan water from the side of the road well, we were ready for 17 miles of drafting! Every mile we would switch leaders so as to keep everyones legs fresh. Ya know, like DUCKS FLY TOGETHER (Mighty Ducks FOR LIFE)!!! Then it was onto the climbing. We started off with about a 10 mile 2% grade, which was super easy and we killed it on gears 2-7 and 2-8! Then the 5 mile 4% climb came, which you'd thing would be easy. Upon all of us trying to destroy the climb we all hit the same wall. Right before the last mile everyone one of us had experienced the same exhaustion... Our legs burned and felt like they weighed tons! The best part, it didn't stop us! Everyone made it up quite quickly and within about 10 minutes of each other! It was our second to last 9,000 + ft. summit, with today being 9,900 billion ft.!
   Our descent was just grand! about 15 miles of all downhill to La Veta! Easy enough and as always, Nate was killing it! SO FAST!
   We got to La Veta and got a grand deal to stay at the La Veta Inn! A wonderful little Inn filled with the best staff! Kurt the owner, Rupey the wife, Gabriel the prep cook (UHHH!), Fernando the cook, Scott the Head Chef, Shilo another cook, and Shawn the front desk! All wonderful people! Keep Colorado nice ya'll!
   Upon getting our rooms we met up with a friend who now lives in Brighton Colorado. AJ! He went to college with Matt at UWSP and made the drive to meet us in La Veta, what a great guy! We all hopped in his sweet whip to go for a swim at a state park... LITTLE DID WE KNOW, that waiting for us at the Martin Lake, was two of the worst rangers we have ever encountered...
   We were strolling around the lake having a great mid afternoon walk when we spotted some awesome rocks that appeared to be jump off able. Just so happened that was jump off able! We all took a few flying jumps into the lake and then out of the thicket came Ranger Donald Derewitsch! "HEY, STOP THERE, DON'T MOVE"! Out of breath from his 20 ft. walk from his car he came up to us looking terrified! I guess we can't jump off those rocks, and I guess we can't go swimming in the lake... Supposedly there was a sign stating this, but none of us had saw it, honestly! At this point he had another ranger there named Glenn Ramsey, who was actually seeming to be a nicer guy... but still... They gave us all Unlawful Swimming tickets of 52.50 each! UNREAL! Thanks for taking $200 away from the Arthritis Foundation... Perhaps some leniency about 4 out of state guys who literally didn't see the sign that stated we couldn't do what we did! You guys have literally been the first, hopefully the only, purely mean people we've ran into on this trip. Thanks a lot for your lack of affection to the world and those of us that are trying to create change!
   After the swimming it was a delicious dinner at our little Inn! We ordered a bit of everything and all ate off the same plates! Cooks, props to you my friends! Then we had a few drinks thanks to Mark the bartender and Gabriel the prep chef! Twas a great night, except our room was about 100 degrees so we all just sorta sweat for the first 4 hours of sleep haha!
   As always, thanks to our planet for being so cool and supporting intelligent life! Without you planet, we wouldn't be here telling our story! Also huge thanks to all of our followers and readers! Keep on checking this out and sharing with everyone you know!

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 Views on the regular daily!

   This is how you post a blog dawg

 Great Sand Dunes National Park

 Zapata Falls

 The Coldest of Cold

 wheres this leading too?

 UH OH 

Left to think about your actions... unlawful swimming... stupid

South Fork to Alamosa Colorado!

Greetings Liquid Drinkers!

   It twas an early morning for Nate in South Fork, Colorado. With the stars still out, every time Nate shuffled the squirrel in the tree above his tent gave him some lip! Nate, after grumbling for multiple minutes, shook his fist and mumbled like a grandpa, "Simmer down now squirrel"!
   The squirrel replied in haste and a home owners manor, "Hey, hey, hey! Your sleeping on my nuts"!
   Nate then rolled over with a laugh and lightheartedly murmured, "I'll be off them in the morning"! This was all in the early morning of a glorious day.
   We had told Joey with vigor the night before that he should wake up and go back to sleep before getting us up in the morning. This is because of Joey's insatiable appetite for waking us up at the crack of dawn. With this in mind Joey did as he was told and we got up at 8am which is extremely late for our adventurous selves. We had a wonderful morning of blueberry bagels with cream cheese, Philedelphia cream cheese. With breakfast in our tummy and a bike ride on our mind we set off for a leisure day with no big climbs and happiness in our minds. We biked for about 10 minutes before we came to a police barricade. There had been an accident up the road and they were detouring traffic around the crash down a dirt road. As we have road bikes and not dirt bikes we decided that we would not take the detour and we would wait out the blocked road under a shady birch tree.
  While waiting under our shady rest nest we met a few rubberneckers who were teachers from southern Texas. One taught high school students and the other middle school students. What is impressive and inspiring about these two individuals is that they teach in one of the poorest places in America, right on the US/Mexico border. The high school teacher said 96% of his students live below the poverty line! You don't see too many teachers that are taking that school as their top pick for educating the youth of our country. Yet  they both are there and doing their best to educate those who perhaps need it the most! Inspiring and thank you for your hard work!
   The wait for the barricade was becoming a bit long... an hour long! So we decided, in canoe terms, to portage our bikes along the railroad tracks to just past the accident. Once we were on the open road, the wind was at our backs and pushing us to at least a steady 20-25 mph! In other words, WE WERE CRUISIN'!!
   In life, there are ups, and with the ups, always come downs... 10 miles of no traffic and wind at our backs we just so happen, out of the nowhere, to get hit by head on winds. We are pretty sure head on winds is what bikers fear the most, unless your nuts and love the hardest of challenges! So it was back to drafting each other and playing switch/follow the leader the rest of the way to Alamosa. There weren't any hills, just flat and windy riding! Even though we may seem to dislike the wind, hate is a strong word, I think inside of us three bikers the challenge is of utmost gratifying at the end of the ride. Yet, when the ride against wind is over, all we can do is talk about how horrible it is; but the under glow of the conversation, the jokes, the laughs, and the last bit of energy left in us seem to ignite under such an accomplishment.
   Upon lunch at our campground and a some showers, we decided to go and see Zapata Falls! It wasn't to far of a drive and we arrived there within 20 minutes and only had a 1/2 mile hike up to the falls. The place was pouring with tourists for such a tiny little mountain spring/stream/runoff/waterfall. We snapped a few photos of the Great Colorado Sand Dunes National Park from the parking lot before we trailed off up to the falls. A weird sight we'd all say, sand dunes right before a mountain, right next to a valley... The waterfall was  beautiful! You had to trek a bit up the stream to get to the actual falls but once you were there, the only thing to do was put your head under that ICE ICE ICE COLD falls! Once you were under them for only mere seconds, the life poured back into you, even though it stole your breath away! A wonderful spot that we would all recommend to anyone in the area!
   There was a few footbag tricks performed by Matt and I in front of spectators at the falls. A whole group of high school kids from just outside of Columbus was there cheering us on! We tossed out cards to everyone in hopes that they will follow our journey!
   Now we are just kicking it back at the campground. tired, full, and slurping up the moments of life like they're the last drop of your favorite soda pop! So as always, tell your friends, tell your family, tell Nick Wusterak, and tell your homies about our adventure! Share and repost! Our hearts go out to our followers, so don't get creeped out when we meet see you!
   INCASE YOU WERE WONDERING.... 1,000 MILES BIKED THUS FAR! 1/4 DONE WITH OUR JOURNEY! 2,452.58 CENTS RAISED! KEEP IT COMING FOLKS, BECAUSE WERE KEEPING IT COMING FOR YOU!!!
   A quick shout out to Jay and Kay, cross country motorcycling and have done 6,000 miles so far!!! Keep it up!

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10856 feet

Hello all yall followers

   Today was like any other day with a good breakfast, some yoga, sunscreen and lube except that today was our biggest climb to date and it would put us at the highest point we will be on our entire trip! Wolf Creek Pass was our goal and Wolf Creek Pass we done did. With a small climb from Pagosa Springs until we hit our 8 mile 7% climb to the summit of Wolf Creek Pass we thought it good to start the day the off at a leisure pace! Leisure it was, fast we did not go. Slow was in our heads, 10,856 ft. was in our heads, 7% climb was in our heads, songs about "pushing it" were in our heads, and a lack of oxygen was also in our heads... 

   Upon reaching the Wolf Creek Pass Summit 8 miles ahead sign, we met another biker after relieving ourselves to try and lose some weight before the climb (anything helps). A(lright, as always, we forget names, and today was one of those days where exhaustion is the only thing on your mind. Hence, we have forgotten a lot of names). He said we are crazy for biking up to the summit of the mountain... Matt returned with, "crazy for cause", a new motto! Then a quick view of Treasure Falls and the climb began.

   We all started with goals of time to finish the 8 miles to the top. Mine was 1 hour, Matt's was an hour and a half, and Nate's was an hour and a half with no stopping. Words to describe this climb include adjectives such as endless, long, painful, high, rewarding, gratifying, challenging, sweaty, a bit cool, SWEATY, smelly, and again very challenging. Matt just so happened to be the only one who met his goal... He cruised up in 1 hour and 15 minutes! Nate met his time goal by making it in 1 hour and 20 minutes, but had to stop once after a run in with the guardrail...I personally never stopped, but my time goal was a bit too intense. I made it up the mountain in 1 hour and 7 minutes! FAIL! I'm coming back for you Wolf Creek Pass, we will meet again in infamy!

   We met a lot of people on top of the Continental Divide and we would like to throw a thanks out to all of them! Especially the biker who followed us up Carl! Keep killing it Carl! Also to his photographer friend Wood! Keep taking those pictures! 

    We had an amazing downhill into South Fork, Colorado! Although we missed the campground and had to get picked up by Marilyn a few miles past the campground! That's okay though, we have a great campsite right next to the Rio Grande River! Tonight, sleep is boding us well. Our dreams will be filled with the pain of biking up 8 miles, also the exhilaration of reaching our highest point on our route! We have achieved over 900 miles and biked 2 miles high... Without a doubt, we are on top of the world!

   As always, Share with your friends, family, foes, dogs, neighbors, and tell it to your diaries and teddy bears before a good nights rest! Keep following! We love you all and hope to inspire you to adventure yourselves! 

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,

T

 Getting ready for the 7% climb up to 10856 feet (No big deal)

 Showing yall where exactly we crossed the continental divide Wolf Creek Pass

10856 feet above sea level. 2 miles high!

The crew and our buddy Carl that climbed up Wolf Creek Pass with us

Durango to Pagosa Springs

Greetings Homo Sapien Sapiens!

 After a great breakfast of multi--flavored pancakes we were chipper to start the day off with paining our butts on another 50 plus mile ride. FLAT TIRE! Great way to kick off the first 50 ft of our ride if it were to be a New Belgium beer... instead it was Matt's back tire! After a few attempts at putting a new tube in and getting it on correctly and centered with the help of our neighbor Martin, we were once again able to set off for our ride! The cause of the flat you ask? Well, once again, bullets cannot peirce kevlar, but tiny metal shards from exploded semi trucks are instant doom! That's right, the same thing that got my tire, got Matts tire... And so we hear they are a problem for road cyclists everywhere, so BEWARE!
   "Leisure day, right guys?" So we all spoke this morning of how our ride was going to be. A beautiful stroll through southern Colorado Rockies with the fresh scent of pine trees and green grasses! There were only two climbs listed on the route, both only 800 ft., yet there were still some other ups and downs along the way. Nothing to hard, for when we say leisure, we sure mean it!
   Upon arriving in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, we enetered a bike shop to check and see if we were smart people and put Matt's tire on right. Of course we were smart people and of course we had put it on correctly. Never doubt yourself! http://www.pedalandpowder.com/, That's the bike shops website if your ever in Pagosa and in need of a bike rental or a sweet new bike so you can GO FAAAASST! Also, thanks to Mr. Potter at the shop for hooking us up with new peices to our presta valves! (thats where you pump the bike tire up, now we can do it at gas stations with our new adapter valves!)
   With a sweet downhill into the heart of downtown Pagosa Springs where the city is LITERALLY named after all the awesome hot springs it has, we enjoyed ourselves a nice view of the San Juan river. Upon meeting up with my Aunt, who out of nowhere located us without any use of technology, we went for a nice dip in the river and hot springs! Whew, some floating, some rocks, some FAAASST currents and an abundance of others enjoying themselves to the fullest, we couldn't have asked for more.
   Without asking, more came! Generous people flood the world, and with an open mind and kind heart, good things flourish like mountain spring flowers! My aunt met Keil at the San Juan Motel, he has been generous enough to give us a SWEET sweet/cabin for what im sure is literally a fraction of the cost! http://www.pedalandpowder.com/ If you are ever in Pagosa Springs, stay here (I mean, Keil just pointed out a Black Bear to us because he thought we'd like to see it! Generosity at its peak!)
   With a whole bunch of arthritis awareness raising done, we'd like to throw our shout outs out! First goes to Martin, Willy, and Van- We hope you guys enjoyed Mesa Verde, it was a pleasure to meet you three! Next goes to Dell, not to sure if I'm spelling that right, but rock on for those free I heart Wolf Creek stickers!!! Our bikes are much more a spiffy! Next to Louis at the antiques shop here in Pagosa- We will be checking out what you showed us and with gusto, everyday, trying to change the world! Lastly goes out to our two new biker friends! Pat and Dennis! Met these two infront of Kip's Grill (whom also deserve a shout out, mucho gusto for the Wisconsin love!) and they just finished biking some of Wolf Creek Pass! Thanks for all the information about bike websites, your stories, and your knowledge! If we ever roll through Sante Fe, we sure have a place to stay! That about wraps it up, and always, if we missed you, its only because we love you!
   Keep sharing and spreading the word! Dance and when people say your a good dancer... SAY YOU LEARNED FROM THE RAIN CYCLISTS! Pet all the dogs you see and kittens make everyones day!

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 Just a great picture in Pagosa Springs

That'll get ya! Frintners tires demise!

Cortez Cortez... to Durango Colorado!

GREETINGS MULTI-VERSE!

   Nate tends to snore... Tends to keep everyone awake when he snores... Nate, after I (Joey), moved outside to get away from the heat had to then, once again, be sleeping by Nate... I have failed at sleeping well, even though I was so tired last night. During our attempts at sleeping a fox came up to our site and just so happened to cunningly steal our loaf of bread! Sneaky little guy!
   AND AWAKE FLASH! Sun is rising and its 6:30 am, everyone has lead weights in their shoes and is just dragging their feet. Nate and Matt enjoyed a morning shower then we all devoured a delectable breakfast of monkey bread! DELICIOUS! Top the morning off with a cup of jo and or tea in Matts case and we were ready to be on our way!
   The ride today went sorta like this. HELLOOOOO AND GOOOOOD MOORRNNNINNNGGG COOOOLLOOORRAADDOOO!!!! Mountains and green and trees and valleys and cows eating grass and nothing pokey and did we mention nothing pokey and GRASS! I mean, Colorado, rain your glorious landscape into our awaiting devouring eyes!
   The actual bike ride perhaps? We climbed around 3,000 feet and about a distance traveled of around 50 miles! The day consisted of three climbs, none of which that were all too hard (Baby climbs from what I hear Wolf Creek Pass will be like in two days...). We had some beautiful descents into green valleys of wonder, then we had some more beautiful descents into green valleys of wonder.
   From here on out, its up and up and up and AWAY! Like the world is filling us with helium and we just be a few balloons looking for the best of views.
   A few shout outs! First and for most, NATE GOT A TRIHAWK AMERICA STYLE! He had a wonderful stylist at Incognito Hair Salon in Durango, her name is Kim. They seem to not have a website, but if your ever in Durango, 736 1/2 Main Ave! Second goes to Mike Wilson! Met him at his crystal shop, where he sells CRYSTAL SKULLS!!! CRYSTAL SKULLS, INDIANA JONES STYLE! AWESOME! Third HOLLA' AT YA BOY goes to the Robert's family of Michelle, Bo, Haley, and Derrek: Mucho thanks for the support! If we missed you, don't worry, we still love you...
   850 miles traveled thus far, only a lot more to go! As always, tell your friends, your family, your foes, and your dog so he can get in on this business too! Repost and share all day every day! Don't forget to tell your mom you love her!

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We are not letting you go without pictures this time!

 Monument Valley

 Wider view of Monument Valley

 Joey givin us a side shot

 Gettin to Utah. Life Elevated

 Joey nappin next to McElmo creek after a hot day into Utah 

 Our campsite in the morning in Aneth

 FINALLY COLORADO

 Mesa Verde Spruce tree house cliff dwellings

 The crew looking really dumb

 Lodge home just outside of Cortez at the KOA

This is for all you Wisconsinites. (I think we all agree)

 Matt and Joey becoming crystalitized

 Look into my eyes!!!!

 The light from above! Mesa Verde

 Bike in a tree. Had to stop.

 The muscle saving us from a rock slide

Before 

After

DOESN'T NATE LOOK SO MUCH BETTER NOW!!!

AMERICA