Day 14 Update

Tuesday was the final day on my journey back home to Topeka. Seeing rain in the forecast for central Kansas I opted for the route across highway 160 up to I-70 just east of the Colorado border.  The ride over Wolf Creek Pass on highway 160 did provide me one last opportunity to sit patiently for a road construction delay.

Wolf Creek Pass

I know many were praying for my safe journey and Tuesday as I rode across Kansas it seemed the rain clouds parted and I had a completely dry ride home. 

The 14 day journey took me to 10 states and 10 National Parks. In total I traversed 6,558  miles counting the planned route and the numerous day trips around Rapid City, SD along with some forced backtracking due to fires in California and routes through the various National Parks.  Thank you to all your prayers for a safe journey. I definitely felt covered as I traveled.  The only casualties of the ride were two small sparrows that zigged when they should have zagged. 

For those of you who pledged in support of the Starfish Initiative, or if you would like to support, you can reach out directly to Wanamaker Woods Church or click the link to the right for a pledge form.  Mark checks "Starfish Challenge" or Harley Challenge." All pledge payments are tax deductible and should be sent directly to Wanamaker Woods Church, 3501 SW Wanamaker, Topeka, KS  66614. 

Until the next adventure, this wraps the 2018 Challenge.

Day 13 Update

Zion at Dawn

Day 13 started out before 5:30 am to allow time to enjoy the ride through the parks. I wasn't disappointed. Zion at dawn was beautiful. I rode through Red Canyon to Bryce Canyon. It was spectacular with many stunning vistas. The cliffs and mesas east of Bryce Canyon were truly breathtaking. 

Bryce Canyon

Capital Reef

Highway 12 through a massive canyon and over the top of the vast mesa just before Boulder, Utah, was very impressive. Next up was Capital Reef where many formation looked like majestic castles. One formation resembled a massive ark. Next up was Arches, with many wonderful views. 

Red Canyon

Bryce Canyon

Arches National Park

The ride to Colorado and down highway 550 over Red Mountain through Silverton on the Million Dollar Highway to Durango is always exciting. 

I was able to avoid the random thunderstorms this afternoon in Colorado mountains. Tomorrow for my last leg home, I may see my first significant rain in Western Kansas. At least that's the weather forecast. Through the ride today, I now have logged 5,725 miles. 

Day 12 Update

After a great time of fellowship at Tehachapi Church of the Nazarene, I had lunch with Rob and Lynn Brooks at a popular German Bakery restaurant and then headed out across the desert to Saint George, Utah. The 110+ degree temperature along interstate 15 wasn't too bad, as they say, it's a "dry heat."

I made good time riding against the heavier stop-and-go traffic headed south. Tomorrow will be an early start as I will ride through four more national parks to my destination in Durango, Colorado. I ended today just under my target mileage threshold at 4928 miles.

Rev. Rob and Lynn Brooks, Tehachapi CA

Day 11 Update

Left Reno to beat the Saturday traffic around Lake Tahoe and got a good photo of the lake at dawn. 

Lake Tahoe at Dawn

The smoke obscured the mountain vistas from highway 4. I got within 5 miles of my connecting road in Yosemite before discovering it was closed due to the fires. I was still able to ride about 10 miles into the open area of the park before backtracking. The backtrack and reroute added over 90 minutes to my day, so I rode nearly 15 hours today and have now logged 4,646 miles this trip.

I rode through King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks and saw the General Sherman Tree. The valley views were still great, even with the smoke. 

I had a nice visit with Rob and Lynn Brooks  and will worship with their church in Tehachapi CA tomorrow before heading to Saint George UT. 

Kings Canyon (1)

Kings Canyon (2)

Mosquito Lake on CA Hwy 4

General Sherman Sequoia