Brett and I got back to Boulder Thursday afternoon. Exactly one month after leaving Portland. It was pouring rain. I could not have been happier.
(Read Dumbasses)
The Trip In Numbers
Miles - 2542
Elevations Gain - 70,889ft. (A real pain in the ass)
Days - 30
Caffeine - Constantly
Longest Day - 167 Miles
Shortest Day - 26 Miles
Rest Days - 1
Flats - 10+(Brett) 1(Me)
Chamois Creme - Not a lot.
Rain all day - 3 Days
The best day - 30 days
The worst day - 30 days
Thanks Bill
I Am Thankful That
1) We are in perfect (sort of) health.
2) We were not threatened nor struck by a vehicle.
3) Somehow Brett and I are still friends.
Brett and I at the CU Buffalo.
It was pouring. (did I say that yet?)
It took a while to find someone that could/would take our picture.
Then we bro hugged got the hell out of there.
But first we said, "good job. For real." (Pretty emotional stuff)
Then I got home.
My roommates made me dinner. Eternally grateful for that.
I sat down at my table and drank beer.
I've never been more content.
A Couple More Things I Am Thankful For
1) Friends.
2) My bed.
3) A really great shower. I can shower there whenever I want.
4) The entire internet. All the time.
5) Food that stays where it is.
6) Familiar roads.
7) Knowing where I am going to sleep at night.
What I have Learned About Colorado
1) Eastern Colorado is Nebraska
2) How to get to Boulder = Go west - See Mountains - Find bike path - Follow it to town.
3) I really only know about a small part of the state.
Some Photos
In my modest opinion this is the best photo ever taken.
Brett and I dropping down the Eastern Plains to get to Fort Morgan, CO.
The last three days of the trip in miles 167, 98, 98.
We needed to be home.
After stopping three times we finally got into Boulder.
This intersection, Valmont and 75th, was the first road I could identify in a very very long time.
I want to avoid the word "surreal" but shit, it was surreal.
We didn't need to check a map. We knew where we were.
(That's my finger in the bottom of the photo)
Bike paths going to Boulder. As you can see it really started to rain.
(That's my finger again)
And then we got to Boulder.
Usually we sprint for the town line.
I think we were a little too fatigued for that behavior.
Boulder Creek Path. That's when we knew it was real.
The next day life went on as normal.
Which seemed completely messed up.
I didn't ride bikes, wash clothing in a shower, or wear bike clothes.
Reintegration into society so far has been difficult.
After not owning keys for the trip I locked myself out of the house.
(Keys are bad by the way. More keys more problems.)
I went to the grocery store and bought some perishables (pictured above).
I had no choice but to eat all the ice cream in one sitting.
It's a hard life.
I enjoyed celebrating with my first beer ever on Friday night.
On Saturday I decided to go on a camping trip above Eldora Ski Resort.
The Rockies are excellent.
Then we woke up and there was snow.
Bummer.
But the hike out was amazing.
Proof of the hike out being amazing.
Then we came across a jackass stuck on a hiking trail.
He/she was a jackass.
Lessons Learned So Far
1) I need some time to think about it.
2) Normal is whatever you make it normal.
3) If you observe rather than participate in society you can learn a lot.
4) Cars are wayyyyy too fast. All you have to do is sit there.
5) If you walk into a grocery store with bike clothing on people will give you looks of surprise/hide their kids. It's best to stare back with the same expression.
The next couple of weeks I plan on remaining stagnant and/or supine.
I'll be posting soon about something.
Probably breakfast.
Thanks for following along.
This blog has kept me (somewhat) sane.
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