“You either love spinning the pedals and watching scenery whiz by, or you don’t. And if you love it, not much can sour you on the idea of riding your bike.” -Keith Mills
- Date: Saturday, June 18, 2022
- Weather: Comfortable with overcast skies kept the temps moderate, but the breeze was stiff and picked up throughout the day to gusts of near 50 mph.
- Starting Point: Apple Valley, UT
- Departure Time: 0630 pst
- Miles: 43
- Moving Time: 2:30
- Total time: 2:37
- Overnight Location: East Zion RV Park, Mt. Carmel, UT
Met by another beautiful morning, I rode away from our temporary Apple Valley Tiny House residence. It was fun while it lasted, and time to move on and find what is waiting around the next corner and at the next destination. The cross country ride has been amazing and is exceeding my expectations in every way, but I can’t help but feel sad that we can’t stay longer in all of the unique and interesting treasures.
The longing wanes as my thoughts turn to what’s ahead. Every day a new road, a different landing-place, and the opportunity to explore and uncover the country’s nuances you can only find on a bike.
The wind is not new, and I could do without investigating it further. For the first ten miles, I rode into a direct 15-20 mph dead-on headwind that gusted over 25. Stretched flags and sandstorms marked the uncharacteristic blustery weather.
After a couple of left turns, I gained the favor of the breeze and a chance to take in the wondrous beauty of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. It’s familiar landscape conjured the first thoughts of home. The powdery-fine pink sand glistened in the sun as I cruised the rolling roads without care.
The only categorized climb on the route was a nice way to end a beautiful ride. My efficient work left plenty of time for the next adventure of the day.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Awe-inspiring and breathtaking! No words!
I’ve come to appreciate the basic functionality of the country’s remote RV parks. No bathrooms or laundry facilities, but with fresh water (not hot), electricity, and a way to shed our waste, all is good!
About the DIRT Dad Fundo Pledge for Day Ten—The Eat DIRT Crew
You likely aren’t aware that the Eat DIRT crew is more than a tight-knit sub-team community of fine cyclists and fun-loving characters. Since its inception, they have committed to supporting The DIRT Dad Fund and have never wavered.
I adore the Eat DIRT logo and proudly wear my t-shirt whenever I have the opportunity, like when I visited the North Rim of the Grand Canyon today (see above). Check out their online store here if you want a cool 3/4 sleeve like mine.
Here is what Mike Dodd had to say on behalf of Eat DIRT—”Eat DIRT is a group of Dads, non-dads, and Moms from all over the world who ride and race together in the early eastern US time zone. We believe in supporting one another through life’s challenges and pushing each other to be better everyday.”
Amount Raised to Date—$2,493
Thank you, to the Eat DIRT Crew!
Now off to Panguitch, UT and Bryce Canyon National Park!
To support Chris in his effort to raise awareness of The DIRT Dad Fund, the non-profit he created to assist members of the worldwide cycling community, check out this link to learn more.
Find out where you can pledge a donation and subscribe to The ZOMs newsletter to follow along on the journey.
Semi-retired as owner and director of his private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice after over 20 years, Chris is blessed with the freedom to pursue his passion for virtual cycling and writing. On a continual quest to give back to his bike for all the rewarding experiences and relationships it has provided him, he created a non-profit. Chris is committed to helping others with his bike through its work and the pages of his site.
In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to New York to support the charity he founded, TheDIRTDadFund. His “Gain Cave” resides on the North Fork of Long Island, where he lives with his beautiful wife and is proud of his two independent children.
You will read him promoting his passion on the pages of Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. Chris is co-host of The Virtual Velo Podcast, too!
