Boulder

Utah is beautiful – every cyclist needs to ride through this state. Today was another great day. There were some climbs, but even though they are higher than other climbs we’ve done, they just seem easier. I think the beautiful surroundings help out a bunch. The downhills are great too. Gradual downhills that seem to last forever, but not too steep so that I don’t have to ride the breaks.
Getting energy from the petrified wood.
We had lunch at the petrified forest. It was cool to see, but not what I was expecting. The lake and the view was much nicer. It was good to get out and hike a little – use some different muscles. We’ve also been passing through a lot of fun small towns.

After lunch, some of us got stuck in the middle of a dust storm. It was crazy. We were riding leaning over because of the wind and there was dirt everywhere. My right eye was closed and my left one was barely open. Tumbleweed was everywhere. It was actually pretty funny because there was so much of it flying around. I got a little piece trapped in my brakes.

We met two Germans that are riding their bikes from Miami to San Francisco. Their bikes were so heavy, loaded down with all their gear. Right after that we came across the first coffee shop that we have seen in hundreds of miles. I stopped in and got an espresso with an amazing view.

The top of our second major climb of the day was kind of like a roller coaster. Very high up and it dropped off on both sides. I rode in the middle of the lane – especially with the wind howling.
Cory having espresso with the best view of any coffee shop I know. 14% grade climb = steep
Tonight we’re staying in home stays in the town of Boulder, UT. It’s a great little town with really nice people. The vegetarians are all staying with Mike who works for the parks department and who sets up the home stays. He’s got a great place with tons of land and animals. He built the house himself and is kind of making it a stand alone sustainable place to live. We had a great meal and then watched O Brother, Where Art Thou.

The house where we stayed.