“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 after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.
Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.
His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.
His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.
