“The bicycle is the most civilised conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart.” — Iris Murdoch, Irish author
- Date: Wednesday, June 29, 2022
- Weather: Nope, I’m not saying a word!
- Starting Point: Rawlins, WY
- Departure Time: 0610 mst
- Miles: 90
- Moving Time: 4:24
- Total time: 4:54
- Overnight Location: Alcova Resort, Alcova, WY
The cyclists’ theory of relativity! When you’ve ridden almost 400 miles, climbed close to 19,000 feet, and spent more than twenty-two and half hours in the saddle in the last four days, a 90-mile ride with only 2,000 feet of vertical feels like an easy day.
Nonetheless, I rolled out early to begin the chase. A race against rising temperatures, the wind, the weather, and the Schwenk Tank Support Crew. I would have a head start while they played another nine holes at Rochelle Ranch GC.
I’m making a habit of this!
I rolled up on her and shouted, “On your left.” I thought it was funny, and thankfully so did she. I began my chase when I saw the blip on the horizon at what I estimated was about ten Wyoming highway miles in the distance.
Her bike was packed out, which explained how I closed the gap with less effort than anticipated. Before we went our seperate ways, I learned that the adventurous gal had been on the road for the last eight weeks. She began her journey in Maine and will be on the road for many more.
Good luck, be safe, and enjoy the experience! I am!
I was making good time when a front flat tried to sabotage my hopes. I was back at it in less than five minutes after a nature break and a successful tube change. The ominous clouds were closing fast, and I could feel the crew breathing down my neck. I wanted 75 miles.
They caught me at 74 and a half. I was okay with it. The PB and J hit the spot!
Raindrops and gusty winds blew in as I rolled to a stop at the beautiful Alcova Resort. The cold waters of the reservoir felt delightful after the five-day gauntlet of epic rides I had put behind me. We crossed another hurdle. Let’s do this!
They’ll serve anyone at the Alcova Bar!
About the DIRT Dad Fundo Pledge for Day Twenty-One—Charles Bari
Here is what Charles had to say—”Cycling is an incredible form of therapy. When focused on the road, thoughts find context and clarity. DIRT is a great group of people moving together :)”
Amount Raised to Date—$4,392
Thank you, Charles!
Now off to Casper, WY and the home of fellow DIRT, Emil Gercke!
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!
