Montrose, CO – love this town – everything is free! -Day 21
I decided this would be my (Jenny) first post as I lived thru the night to write about it. Gene is right it is a beautiful area but having to hang food (so the bears don’t get it) and being awakened in the middle of the night by a pack of howling coyotes does not make for a great night’s sleep. Thanks to my friends at Wayne Hummer for the bear spray I slept with this night.
The next morning was beautiful…we enjoyed the sun coming up and now I could see what might be coming to eat me:) I was definitely looking forward to our hotel night! We enjoyed a spectacular descent into Montrose just as they were kicking off “Main in Motion” (street festival every Thursday evening). (836 miles)
Camp
Gene cooks but I had to retrieve the food
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I also had to fetch the water from the spring
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Saying good-bye to our great camp hosts Larry and Martha
Time to go down:)
Gene had to stop and play in the snow!
Got off the plateau just in time to enjoy Montrose’s ‘Main in Motion’ where everything was free–hot dogs, chips, soda, massages, puppies, beer, etc 
Light enough to add to Gene’s trailer
Hotdogs for 10 cents! Gene found another stand where they were FREE! and included chips, drink and frisbee! He wanted me to ask this stand if they would price match. 
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Climb to Columbine – Day 20
Spent the morning in Naturita having breakfast and gathering info from the visitor’s center and a good-bye to our friend Sandy.
We decided to venture off-road today… a mere 32 miles and 4000 feet of elevation stood between us and Columbine Campground in the Uncompahgre National Forest. It was slow and steady but enjoyable to be on a road less traveled. We enjoyed a couple of breaks on the way up to take in the scenery.
Hoped this was not an indication of road conditions in the National Forest. Jenn’s friend ‘Wolf’ did warn her of potholes that swallowed up small pickups – as well as telling her about bears, snakes and mountain lions that roamed the woods up on the plateau.
Gene decided he needed a nap on the way up!
We finally made it to the top and after some searching found the camping area just before sunset allowing us to set up camp, make dinner and hang our food just before nightfall. Another great day! (799 miles)
LaSal, UT to Naturita, CO – Day 19
This has to be one of the most beautiful days we’ve had. Beautiful canyons and valleys plus perfect weather. In addition, great climbs and descents as we entered Colorado. (767 miles)
Morning view from our patio.
The LaSal’s are getting closer.
Fuel for the day from the General Store in La Sal.
After going the wrong way yesterday Jenn is verifying my route.
I couldn’t find no stinking Waterpark!
Sweet!!!
Goodbye Utah… Hello Colorado!
Anyone want to invest in some property in Colorado?
Thanks to John from Libertyville for the cold spring water! Beautiful place in western Colorado.
Paradox Valley
Flintstones, meet the Flintstones…
Yes, that gray building on the right is the post office!
Had to go a couple miles off the main road to find some shade for lunch.
Thanks to the friendly folks of Naturita that let us camp in their park. And a special thanks to Sandy for warning us about the sprinkling system that goes on in the middle of the night. We also enjoyed the Chinese Flying Lantern show. I need to get me some of them.
Eastbound and down… – Day 18
After a nice rest day we got back on the road again. After about 8 miles of going uphill we realized we were going the wrong way. At least we had a really nice downhill ride.
Got back to the right road and it was a bit scary as it was a truck route with hardly any shoulder. Had hoped to get to Hole in the Rock before it closed and refuel but no such luck. Will have to stop back there on the way back. This couple carved a 5,000 square foot home out of the red sandstone.
Found a great road to head east on – UT Route 46! Heavenly road; nobody on there but us and some cows.
Unable to refuel, Jenn ran out of Gas about 4 miles from LaSal, UT so we found some level ground about a hundred yards from the road on what I believe was Rattle Snake Ranch. Fortunately we did not see any rattlesnakes but we were definitely not alone that night. (712 miles)
Who would keep a bison in the desert?
At least the wrong way had nice views of the LaSal Mountains
Ken’s Lake – got to see it twice. Had to be 98F in the shade!
Eastbound on heavenly Route 46 – and it will take us into Colorado! 
Jenn wanted to know if what she saw next to our tent was “rattlesnake pooh” – it was deer scat.
Moab, UT (rest day) – Day 17
Spent the day checking out Moab and spent the evening on a Canyonlands by Night boat tour on the Colorado River. Also had the required chores on a rest day, inspect the bikes, laundry, nap, inspect the local taverns and eating establishments.
Met 3 good guys riding cross country at Poison Spider Bikes. Check out there blog at thisisvicariousness@blogspot.com. (667 miles)
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Full Moon pic for our friend Maiya
Arches National Park – Day 16
Got up early to ride into Arches to avoid some of the heat and crowds. Great downhill trail to the entrance and then a nice climb into the Park. This place is amazing! Pictures speak for themselves.
Thanks to Lloyd and Ricki of Springville, OK for saving Jenn from the heat and dehydration. She ran out of water and energy after the ride and hike to Delicate Arch and they gave her a ride to the visitor center. She could not have asked for better company, not too mention their AC worked really well.
Ride to Moab was downhill. Spent the night at “Grandma’s House” as the Lazy Lizard Hostel was full. Shared Grandma’s House and breakfast with Kevin and Sam (Ameicorps) and Aaron and Amber on there way to LA where Aaron is doing his residency. (649 total miles)
Congratulations!
Shout out to cousin Jake and nephew Aaron! Congratulations to you both on your graduation. And congrats to nephews Ryan and Matt Warren on graduating from 6th grade! Great job – now enjoy the summer break!
Jake – hope you are having a Great Birthday too!
Aaron – enjoy the summer and continued success in High School! Hi to Travis too (big brother).
Jenn’s B-Day – Fowler to La Junta, CO (Day 29)
A big THANK YOU for all the birthday wishes sent my way today. I truly enjoyed reading each and every one of them! I am very fortunate to have so many great friends and family. You made my day:).
We spent the day in La Junta, CO. Got the king size bed and hot shower…not that I don’t enjoy camping in the wilderness with all kinds of other critters.
I was able to dig my LBD and sandals out of the bottom of my saddle bag for the first time. As much as Gene likes me in my biking gear, I think he appreciated me digging out the LBD. (1153 miles) .
You are a great riding partner! Only 24 miles to the hotel!
How to make Jenn happy: Margarita, guacamole, and something covered in cheese (burrito). She was so excited she forgot to take off her helmet. Great lunch Rocky Ford, CO.
We saw this girl and thought it was Jenn’s sister Beth riding out to meet Jenn for her birthday. Realized it wasn’t her as she was actually talking on her phone – not texting or facebooking
Wanted to take Jenn to a fancy nightclub for her birthday but this one doesn’t open until noon.
So we found a great bar with great people in La Junta. Special thanks to Pam and Jake for the good conversation, being so welcoming and the drinks! 
Almost lost Jenn to Jake in a pool game. Fortunately I got on a roll and was able to keep her.
Almost looks like she would have been happy if I would have lost!
Green River to Arches National Park – Day 15
Woke up to some Robins squalking and dive bombing an owl in the tree above us. Got out of the tent just in time to see this huge owl carry a squirrel into the tree above us for breakfast! Robins continued to dive at the owls for about an hour. Got to love nature.
Morning planning session – who says this isn’t work? I had to make Jenn’s coffee too.
</ Green River from the campground
The old highway out of Green River. Hope this takes us somewhere as there is no water or shade and it is HOT!
Old highway lead to I-70 that we had to ride for about 7 miles. Fortunately there was a huge shoulder as the speed limit is 75 mph and lots of trucks.
Off the highway and on our way to Arches!
Found these guys cooking in the afternoon sun. Jenn offered to flip them but they were out cold (but still breathing – Jenn checked) Must have been a little hungover. They are going to be hurting tomorrow.
Thought we made a wrong turn.
600 miles and we are still together!
Into the desert – Day 14
Downhill with the wind at our back as we coast into the Utah desert. Hot but relatively easy ride from Price to Green River.
Based on a recommendation from the Post Master of Wellington, UT we stopped for a burger at Ray’s. GREAT call! Best burger I have had since an evening at Kuma’s Corner with my friend Mike. If you ever find yourself in Green River you have to stop in for a burger and beer.
Found a nice campground at the Green River State Park where we met a couple from Holland traveling from Buenos Aires to Alaska in a VW camper they shipped over from Holland. They showed me their ‘washing machine’ (essentially an aluminum plunger) that was used by American GIs in post-war Europe and I showed the my “super sick stove” and coffee maker. We were equally impressed by the simplicity and ingenuity. And now I know what Jenn’s getting for a house warming present. (559 miles and counting)
Happy Father’s Day
To all you fathers out there! Gene and I are just a few miles West of Gunnison, CO (camping on the Blue Mesa Lake) and will continue West on HWY 50 for quite awhile.
Contrary to rumors….
we did not meet Lance Armstong and Jenny did not end the ride to fly off with him to take in the Tour De France.
Sorry for the lack of posts — we will catch up soon. The photo below is me at the Delicate Arch also known as “Cowboy Chaps”. We enjoyed a rest day in Moab and crossed into Colorado yesterday… Each day gets more beautiful. Heading offroad from Naturita to Delta, or Montrose, CO over 25 Mesa. Gene is looking forwarding to the 4000 foot climb, the snow and camping on top. Hopefully not too much snow.
Coulton to Price, UT – Day 13
Woke up early and made Jenn coffee in bed. (492 miles)
After breakfast Jenn wanted to go and play by the river and on the railroad tracks. I finally caved to her insistence and we crossed the tracks to play along the raging river. As I told her would happen, one of us fell while crossing a pile of railroad ties and nearly ended the trip with a broken femur. Fortunately my athletic ability and sheer strength limited my injury to minor sprained knee and some slivers.
After treating my wounds, Jenn not learning her lesson crossed the tracks to do yoga on the riverbank.
From our campsite along the tracks, we got on the road for a nice 35 mile ride to Price, UT enjoying the first tastes of the Utah desert.
Jenn’s favorite sign
Stopped for lunch in the former mining town of Helper, named for the “helper” train engines needed to get the coal cars over the mountains in the area that were kept here.
Ended the day with a great Italian dinner in Price despite missing out on the 4pm lasagna.
Saratoga Springs to Springville, UT – Day 11
Very windy day (30 to 40 mph) – so we did not get on the road until late. Went through Provo where we had a good authentic Mexican dinner.
Had our first flat, fortunately on the trailer so it was easy to fix.
With the late start, flat and a wrong turn at the end of the day we ran out of daylight before finding a place to camp. But we ran into a nice couple that just returned from India working with children of Lepers (Rising Star Outreach) that suggested we ask the woman who owned the house where their son was shooting hoops. It was a huge lawn tucked behind the backyard of her beautiful home – kind of like a small pasture. Very comfortable and quiet.
Thanks to Steele, Sarah (keep up the great work) and the owner of the yard. (406 miles)
It’s great to be back in rural America! – Day 12
After too many days in Salt Lake City and the surrounding suburbs we’re happy to be in the mountains again. SLC is a nice town but we prefer the countryside when we’re pedaling.
Had a great breakfast at the Model A Cafe in Mapleton served by the owner Harold. Turned out we needed a big breakfast as the first 40 miles (Carol that’s 211,200 feet) were a gradual uphill through Spanish Fork Canyon to Soldier Summit. From Springville to Soldier Summit we gained 3,000 feet.
There is a heavily used railroad track running through the canyon. With all the mountains and trains I felt like we were in one of those model railroad layouts.
With some daylight left and nothing at Soldier Summit but a gas station we decided to head downhill for a bit and find somewhere to camp. So as I type this we just finished dinner (made on my super sick stove) and are somewhere between Colton and Helper, UT along the Price River and a railroad track used by Amtrak. I told Jenn it’s just like home in Chicago where we could see the Amtrak trains from our kitchen.
Weather was perfect – about 65 and sunny with the wind at our back most of the day. (457 miles)
SLC to Saratoga Springs (Utah Lake) – Day 10
Lazy morning at the Hilton swimming, laundry, postcards, etc. After another ride on I-80 we made it to downtown SLC where people were out and about shopping and enjoying the fountains in Olympic Square.
Ride through SLC and suburbs was like 20+ miles of being on Route 59 in Naperville mixed with about 10 miles of Archer Ave. in Chicago.
Found the Jordan River Trail again but ran into roadblocks with all the snow they had in the Wasatch this winter.
Made it to Utah Lake just before dark and found a grocery store for some dinner. A group of teenagers hanging out front pointed us to a nice campground where we set-up camp and Jenn made some great sandwiches in the dark. Jenn hardly whined at all – I think she is getting used to flying by the seat of her pants. :)
Unfortunately Jenn did not get much sleep as she was on flood and wildlife watch that night – she’s still getting used to camping. (369 miles)
Perry to Salt Lake City – Day 9
After asking around we found a series of bike trails that are supposed to take us from Ogden through Salt Lake City to Provo. Â (328 miles and counting)
Had to replenish our wallets first
“Again, I don’t need any meth, I need to find the bike trail”
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We did finally find the start of the Denver Rio Grand Western bike trail.
Great trail with an expansion through Layton that opened the day we went through. Due to some bad directions and wrong turns we missed the grand opening ceremony. There were a couple of sections we had to “hike-a-bike” including this RR track where Gene lost the wheel to his trailer.
From the DRGW trail we joined the Legacy Parkway along the marshes of the Great Salt Lake where we were able to put in some quick miles. Before getting on the trail we rested at a miniature train park.
After the Legacy Parkway trail we joined the Jordan River Trail in hopes of getting through SLC by days end. However, this trail is a work in progress and my ability to navigate water crossings has not improved. The result was similar to last year’s attempt in Montana.Â
The lack of a contiguous trail and the fact that I could barely stand my own stink after falling in the swampy water benefited Jenn greatly; thanks to Hotwire we scored a room at the Hilton for $60! However this required a ride on I-80 as we were on the wrong side of the airport. Regardless Jenn loved it! And boy was she hungry, not only eating from the taco cart above, she ate half the sandwich from the guy that sat next to us at the hotel bar!
Hopefully the chlorine in the pool killed anything anything I picked up in the swamp.
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Did I mention Jenn really liked the Hilton?
Logan Canyon to Perry, UT – Day 8
Pretty uneventful day. Woke up near the mouth of Logan Canyon to the sounds of the Logan River rushing by. Didn’t want to leave as I knew that civilization waited just a couple miles down river.
Spent the day tooling around Logan, UT. Happened upon the bike shop that started LOTOJA, a one day 200 mile bike race from Logan to Jackson Hole. Who’s in for next year? Check it out at http://www.LOTOJA.com. Took us about 6 days to cover the course.
From Logan we rode to Perry, UT. Jenn was struggling a bit so she made me stop at a roadside shack to buy $10 worth of beef jerky that she insisted was going to help her get over the next hill. Now I’m no nutritionist but, – never mind.
In Perry we spent the evening at the KOA where Jenn got her shower. After setting up camp, we rode a couple of miles to “The Shack” hoping to get a bight to eat. But the kitchen was closed as the owners were on vacation. The guy filling in (Tracey) and a patron (Renee) did offer to try and fie up the deep fryer but we said not to bother and went back the campground and made some Stouffer’s on the super sick stove – YUMM!
(260 miles)
Sun, snow, and wind on Logan Pass (Day 7)
After a tough climb from Bear Lake – into the wind again – we enjoyed a long gradual descent through Logan Canyon. One of the most beautiful rides we’ve had and we have seen some beautiful places – seems to keep getting better. As we approached the visitor center near the top it started snowing. And at the top there was enough snow that we could have gone snowmobiling!
Wanted to stop at the top for a hike but we did not bring our snowshoes. So we cruised downhill for about 15 miles and hiked to Wind Cave to take in some of the views of Logan Canyon and the China Wall.
Continued down a couple more miles to the Bridger campground in the Cache National Forest where we slept alongside the rushing Logan River.
Another great day. (224 miles)
Note, we had to stop every couple of miles to let Jenn’s wheels cool and give her hands a break as she had a death grip on her handlebars and rode the breaks non-stop. :)
Lazy morning touring Paris – Day 6
Since Jenn has never been to Paris we spent the morning taking in the sights. (187 miles)
Our hotel
Enjoying coffee and a Parisian specialty, “Lima beans de jour prior” for breakfast
Paris’s finest museum – Carol is well versed in the local history. Her grandfather came from Switzerland to help build the Tabernacle and his father and rest of family followed a few years later. Think about this; it’s 1860 something, you move from Switzerland to middle of nowhere Idaho, you convince your parents in Switzerland to join you. How do they find you without Google earth or even roads?
Gene really enjoyed shopping in Paris. If we had jobs and a different mode of transportation this would be in our new home now!
The Paris Tabernacle is truly impressive, especially for a town of 300 or so. Built by immigrants from Switzerland, England and other European nations. 
Continuing our ride into a 25 mph wind we crossed over into Utah on our way to Garden City on the shore of Bear Lake.
Gravity sucks, Wind blows and together…
… they make you Stronger!! (Day 5)
After a relaxing rest day due to poor weather we had a mostly sunny day to put in some miles. Despite headwinds at every turn and two decent passes (Salt Creek and Geneva) we were able to log 64 miles and have a great day. From Afton, WY to Montpelier, ID we had 50 miles of nothing but the mountains and beautiful scenery. We did stop for a quick lunch at a camp site in the Cache National Forest that still hadn’t opened for the season and a brief rest in Geneva, ID where the town consists of a church, post office and a shuttered school building – that’s it.
The day ended with a new friend bringing us a bottle of wine 2 miles outside Paris, where we spent the evening camped at the rodeo grounds. Jenn decided that she would rather go to Paris than Dingle, our initial destination.
Special thanks to Mike and Robbie for a great sandwich and pretzel dog at Twisted Sub in Montpelier, ID. A must stop if you are ever in the area.
Just before bed this huge owl (at least 3 feet tall) landed on the flagpole above us and was continuously dive bombed by 4 to 5 birds. The owl wouldn’t even flinch – appeared to almost snicker at these other birds.
Epic day!
(162 miles)
Jenn heading into the wind
Smoot, WY sells ice???
</aWe have it easy compared to the pioneers that came this way
Top of first pass of the day
ahhhh, downhill but the wind is still in our face
Back in Idaho
Geneva, ID
Geneva pass – downhill from here!
Twisted Sub and friend Mike – Montpelier, ID
Etna to Afton – Day 3
Quote of the day: “If you would have told me in advance we would be riding when it’s 34 degrees and raining you would be doing this as a solo trip” – Jenn
After waking up to a steady rain we spent the a.m. in this great little store (ETC) drinking coffee and figuring out this blog.
Despite the weather we are staying warm and having fun. Helps to stop for a beer and pickled egg occasionally. Being surrounded by the beauty of Star Valley helps too.
Memorial Day – Day 4 (rest day)
Thanks to all who have served our country especially those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
In honor of Memorial Day, we decided today would be a rest day in Afton, WY. Had nothing to do with the rain/snow/hail, our tired legs, sore asses or the fact that is up hill for a while. And were not camping either – we have a nice cabin at The Corral Lodge.
Given the weather it was a great day for a lazy rest day but a bummer for those wanting to enjoy a long weekend outside. We did catch the local VFW service at Afton’s Veteran memorial – nicely done.
Stopped in at the Cowboy bar and ran in to a friend from Dad’s bar and the bartender bought Jenn 2 ‘red headed sluts’.
Look who our friend’s Liz & Derek ran in to at Craters of the Moon, ID. Mind boggling!
Heading to Dingle, ID via Smoot, WY in the morning. Weather is looking to improve. Looking forward to putting in a few miles – only 97 since we left Driggs.
Jenn and Angie in the Cowboy bar in Afton
Crossing into WY – Day 2
Beautiful ride up Swan Valley along Palisades Reservoir and thru Alpine, WY before calling it a day in Etna. Camped out of the wind behind a church.
rideandexplore 
