SOMEWHERE IN EASTERN CO OR WESTERN KS 9/28 OR 9/29?

Would someone please pick up BIMBOY II at the AMTRAK station. He just couldn't take it any longer.

While sleeping in my car waiting for the BIMBO's to show up three girls heading west quietly arrived. Two are from New York and one from Boston. Always fun to share stories along the way; none involving the police.

Need I say anything?

September 28 - 29/Pueblo-Eads-Leoti,KS

We had no internet access in Eads, so we'll catch you up today. The last two days have been flat, windy, hot biking as we left Colorado for Kansas. The ride from Pueblo to Eads was our longest yet at 105 miles. Today was a little shorter (and hotter and windier) at 80 miles. We've left the spectacular views of Utah and Colorado for the rural scenes of corn fields, sunflowers, either deer or antelope, wild turkeys, and clouds of gorgeous yellow butterflies. We will not mention the plethora of road kill.

Yesterday, midday, we took a break in the shade of some trees and bumped into three young women (20's) biking the same route in the other direction. They were self-supported and their bikes looked like it - laden down with gear! They had the advantage of youth (35 to 40 years on us), but we have the advantage of husbands to sag for us and enough disposable income to stay in hotels. (They're camping or sleeping on the floor of public buildings).

Although Kansas is hot, windy and less scenic, we're excited about being in Kansas again and closer to home, family and friends.

"Shout outs" tonight go to Jim Donovan - Happy Birthday! Jack Eldridge - Happy 4th birthday! and Jamie Darnell - mend quickly (and next time let the dog catch the frisbee). A special "shout out" to Ann and Norb Bagley, Ann is a high school friend of Bimbo 2 (MTE). The Bagleys are two weeks into their cross country bike ride. They are heading west from Florida and should be in California in the next two months.Their blog spot is, coasttocoastforcmn.blogspot.com. It is a charity ride for the Children's Miracle Network. Good luck Ann and Norb!

Be prepared Two Lame Photos

Salida to Pueblo 9-26, 100.1 miles

We thought we had it d***ed after we climbed the last tall hill of the ride, but oh no, we had about 30 miles of up, down, and hot, dry head winds to keep us on our toes to the finish in Pueblo. Missed the great chilifest in Pueblo by minutes.

Actually had a great down hill that went on forever after the climb. It felt kind of sad cruising down through all of the switchback turns with the brakes on thinking that this flying feeling was our last for a while.

Dinner with Debra's high school classmate and her spouse was very entertaining. We learned so much about making maple syrup and climbing 14-teeners here in Colorado that we almost didn't make it to our usual bedtime. Thank goodness we had a rest day today. Sorry that we forgot all the cameras and didn't get any good pictures of Jwan and Randy Joslin but we will keep them in our hearts.

A movie and Sam's Club was the most we could manage today. Tomorrow we head into that prevailing easterly wind again.

Todays shout outs go to Marti Lamar and Jeff Edwards, Happy Birthday, and tomorrow Jim Donovan, Happy Birthday.

GUNNISON TO SALIDA, CO 9/25/10

Rocky Mountain high. The highest point of the ride and all is well.

Donna Mabry from Alimosa came for a visit. An old Splinter friend. Welcome!!!

Look familiar, J and Peggy? OMG, fantastic food, beer, and company! I'll let someone else talk about tomorrow.

We left Gunnison at 8:00 this morning in the coldest temperature we've had yet - 30 degrees! Sunshine and a gentle climb made it tolerable until we biked 31 miles into Sargents where we fortified ourselves with some great homemade chicken noodle soup before starting the ten mile climb to the Continental Divide at Monarch Pass - 11,312 ft. Although the climb was arduous, we continue to have sunshine and a tailwind. After lunch on the summit, we flew down the other side into Salida. There our good (Splinter) friend, Donna Mabry joined us for "happy hour" and dinner at Amica's.

Tomorrow's challenge will be our first century day with a climb to Pueblo, CO, where friends will again meet us for dinner. Here we're making a small change in plans as we've decided to take a rest day in Pueblo (27th) rather than the following day in Eads.

"Shout outs" tonight go to: Gloria Pena - Happy Birthday! Emily Cook - Happy Birthday! And Barbara (Ba) Titterington - Happy Birthday!

MONTROSE TO GUNNISON, CO 9/24/10

OK. So I slipped in a photo from the day before. I like it and I wanted to post it. It was right before Ridgway. And while we're at it, no one wants to admit it but the BIMBO's all went nudie at Orvis Hot Springs. I just sat in the parking lot and watched "Mission to Mars" on my computer. Just think, I could have seen a lot of boobs if I'd been willing to peel. Instead 1950's scifi?


Yes, Nancy H, BIMBOY I is a real person. BIMBO I took this photo at Black Canyon of the Gunnison.


Look at the blue shirt in this photo. We saw several climbers working their way up different faces of the walls in the park. This is not BIMBOY I or II.


Blue Mesa Lake just before Gunnison.

Friday, September 24, Montrose to Gunnison, CO

Today started with a tour of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The canyon boasts the tallest cliff in Colorado, Painted Wall ( 2300 ft).

It was 10:20 before we started our 57 mile bike ride to Gunnison. The prevailing wind theory was NOT in effect as we climbed our first summit. We struggled to the top and then rewarded ourselves with a stop in Pleasant Valley for wonderful homemade blackberry pie a la mode. The 2nd climb was the same as the first as we fought powerful headwinds. Finally, as we descended into Gunnison we encountered three beautiful lakes, great tailwinds and quaking golden aspens. We saw people sailing, windsurfing, and fly fishing as we cruised along side Blue Mesa Lake.

The Continental Divide awaits us tomorrow as we climb up over Monarch Pass on our 70 mile ride to Salida. Margi says "Pray for us tomorrow".

The "Shout Out" tonight goes to Michael Brecke. HBD tomorrow! We hope Keith let's you win tomorrow at golf.

Sept. 23rd Telluride to Montrose

Snow has hit the Rockies. This morning was our coldest morning yet. After 8 miles of downhill from Telluride, we could no longer feel our hands and other body parts. Fortunately, we found an open local market in Sawpit, Colorado. After hot coffee and hot chocolate, we were able to move down the road.

After climbing 20+ miles, we finally descended into the town of Ridgeway. Too cold to travel on, we stopped in Orvis at a local hot springs (clothing optional) to soak and warm up. An hour and a half later, we were back on the road for a great descend into Montrose, Colorado. We have not seen a city this large in a while. Big box stores and restaurant chains, which we are avoiding, in favor of some local fare.

Tonight we have three "shout outs." The first is to Eric Darnell, go FOX news KU football assignment! Next to Debra Miller, PHD graduate! Last but not least, HBD to Kathy Bagby!

Tomorrow it is on to Gunnison. We are hoping for warmer weather, clear skies and fair winds!

DOLORES TO TELLURIDE, CO 9/21/10

BIMBOY I here. WOW! I think everyone agrees that the ride from Dolores to Telluride was the best yet. Everyone was expecting a really tough climb to Lizard Head Pass but it never happened. The climb was gradual, the temperature was in the 70's, there was a tail wind for the most part and the scenery was spectacular. No camera could capture it.

Lunch at the courthouse in Rico, Colorado. Max the golder retriever showed up but, unfortunately for him, was not invited to join in.


This pretty much sums up the day. I tried to stay ahead of the riders but every time I turned a corner there was another spectacular vista. This photo was taken just south of Telluride.


Dinner at a Thai restaurant and the next day off made for a great evening. BIMBOY I out.


Just want to add a shout out to Donna Mabry - Happy Birthday, Donna!

DOLORES, CO 9/20/10

Does this look like western Kansas? (western Colorado)

Dolores, Colorado

OK, George, I shot the Galloping Goose for you. This was a functioning railroad during the depression. Chain drive!!

The city of Dolores has a European feeling in several buildings. Half of us had fried chicken here in honor of BIMBO I's mom. Good, but not as good as yours, Dolores!

BIMBOY I over and out.

Sept. 20th Blanding to Dolores

Finally, COLORADO! Our ride today was reasonably easy with climbs early but with cool air and a great shoulder. Jim made friends along the way. Although the police were involved, no harm was done and Jim avoided arrest by conversing about Edwin's 51 Chevy truck.

Since we're spending the night in Dolores, Colorado, tonight, it seems a good time to give a "shout out" to Deb's mom, Dolores Callaway. Dolores did her first oil painting this year and it was selected in a state-wide competition to hang in the Arkansas State Capitol and to appear in a calendar. She will also be representing her residential facility in a district Queen Pageant. Way to go, Dolores!

Today's ride completes three weeks of our journey. We have pedaled through California, Nevada and Utah, racking up well over 1000 miles. Tomorrow we head to Telluride and the Rockies. Wednesday is a rest day where we will do laundry, see the sights, and look for a well-earned massage.

We learned that while we biked, Wyatt James Avila crawled for the first time today. Another "shout out" today goes to: Carl Sniffen (HBD!)

WELCOME TO BLANDING, NANCY

Nancy McBride joins us at our favorite restaurant, SUBWAY!
Blanding, Utah, Sunday 9/19

WE RELEASED OURSELVES ON OUR OWN RECOGNIZANCE

Hite Recreation Area on Lake Powell

Turn to the right.

No food. No nothing in Hite. Marti Frueh (Margi's sister) saved our bacon with gourmet meals. We're so grateful for siblings.

Why, we got ourselves a family!

Sept. 18th & 19th Hite Recreation Area to Blanding

When we booked our Hite reservations, we were told that there would be no food, although we would be staying in a 3 bedroom trailer. Ironically, we had our best meals yet as Margi's sister, Marti Frueh, provided a delicious dinner and breakfast for us.

Lake Powell is beautiful, although there is much less of it due to the drought. We did take a quick dip after our bike ride to soothe our legs.

Today's ride from Hite to Blanding along highway 95 involved a hot, windy climb. After four hours of climbing in the morning we took a two hour break to visit Natural Bridges National Monument. About three in the afternoon we resumed our ride and thought we had turned the corner. Lots of downhill was followed by some very challenging climbs that made the morning seem easy.

Much to our delight, our good friend, Nancy McBride came down from Moab to join us for dinner and a great visit. It is always nice to see someone from home. Tomorrow, we say "good-by" to Utah and "hello" to Colorado. The Rockies are our next challenge and we hope we are ready!

"Shout outs" tonight go to Erica Bednar (Debra's niece) and Mike Dingler (Debra's brother-in-law)- Happy birthday to both of you! Also, Happy B-Day to Aaron Weber (Nancy's nephew.)

Boulder to Torrey/Caineville September 17, 2010

BOULDER TO TORREY, UT, 9/17/10

After yesterday's tough climb in the afternoon, I think we were all a little fearful of this morning's 14 mile assent to the summit of Boulder Mountain. We stalled as long as we could, savoring a great breakfast at Hell's Backbone Grill. By 9:00 we could find no more excuses and hit the road. To our surprise and delight, the cool morning temperatures and having "fresh" legs made all the difference. We motored up the mountain in good form and good spirits. Tonight we're in Torrey, UT, where we've had the good fortune to meet a couple from Canada, Dennis and Donna Jones. Dennis and Debra (Bimbo 1) both have Parkinson's Disease and both remain active and having fun. When posing for our picture, Dennis laughed, "We'll shake together!" We also had the good fortune of having Margi's sister Marti Frueh join us tonight - our first visitor! Not only did we get Marti's great company, but she brought us a delicious dinner for tonight, dinner for tomorrow night in Hite, and breakfast for Hite (Hite Recreation Area has no food).

We also want to give a "shout out" to Barb and Ken Bridges on their 27th wedding anniversary! And to Max Harris who is back in Kansas City for a K-State Game. Sorry to miss seeing you, Max!

PANGUITCH TO BOULDER, UTAH 9/16/10

The morning started out chilly as we hit the Red Canyon Trail. After eight miles of trail, we merged on to hwy 12 where we spent the rest of the day. We topped our first summit at 7777 ft. Little did we know that was small potatoes to what awaited us. As we spiraled down toward the Escalante River, we suspected we might be in trouble. Sure enough a wall of highway with a 14% grade blocked our assent - again, and again, and again. Every time we thought we were seeing the top, the road would bend and the climb would continue. We gritted it out until we finally reached a high mountain ridge that we followed into Boulder, UT. 83 grueling miles today - and we're only half way up the summit. Tomorrow we awake to 14 more miles of steep climbing before a vertical drop and then rolling hills on into Caineville, UT. "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger" - Boy! Are we getting strong!
A birthday shout-out for Diane Proud and Andrea Ray Smith. Hope you both have great ones. We will be thinking about you on our ride. In fact, we are sharing your birthday carrot cake with lots of cream cheese icing.

PANGUITCH TO BOULDER, UTAH 9/16/10

BIMBO's I & III heading up to Bryce from Panguitch.

Anasazi granary in Escalante Staircase

BIMBO's II & III prior to realizing they were facing a 14% grade. BIMBOY II wasn't about to tell them.

?

Needless to say all tongues were hanging out!!!! BIMBO IV just keeps pedaling.

BRYCE CANYON 9/15

Our new Canadian friends Aiain Cyr and Manon Berthiaume.

The Hoodoos. Scary at night.

BRYCE CANYON 9/15

Walking down "Wall Street" to the slot canyon.

Slot canyon

Looking up from the bottom of the slot canyon

Walking up the Queen Garden Trail

Pictures from September 14