“Riding a bike is everything to a cyclist. The friendship and camaraderie you have with other cyclists… to a cyclist, it was the be-all and end-all of your life.” — Tommy Godwin, English long-distance cyclist
- Date: Friday, July 1, 2022
- Weather: I’m beginning to wonder if the wind forecast is ever accurate in WY!
- Starting Point: Casper, WY
- Departure Time: 0608 mst
- Miles: 73
- Moving Time: 4:04
- Total time: 4:28
- Overnight Location: Journey KOA, Douglas, WY
Even after over twenty days and 1,600 miles in the saddle, the giddy anticipation is still there. The weather forecast promised to bring us good fortune. The potential to experience something on a bike that I or anyone else ever has was ever-present and real.
To do it with a new friend, too, was exciting. Emil greeted me with the smile I’d rarely seen him without since we met. I think he felt it too.
The view from the Top of The World in Rolling Hills, WY. You can’t tell from the picture but the turbines were spinning and the wind was on our noses, again. That didn’t stop Emil! He felt we were fortunate it wasn’t worse. I thought Long Island was windy.
Yes, this photo shows two groups of cyclists in the distance trailed by their support vehicle. We shared the same thirty-plus-mile stretch of road. The two groups of four riders had left Seattle the day before me, June 8th, on their way to Washington, D.C, and riding to raise money for individuals with disabilities.
When we overtook them first, we learned they were fraternity brothers and lovely kids. We didn’t coordinate our short rest periods with theirs, and when we caught them the second time, we learned that they were impressed by Emil’s strength when all we heard was an exasperated, “Goodness gracious!”
All I could think was, “Good for them.” To be honest, Emil and I were motivated to show the kids how to ride. They had a bit of learning to do.
Douglas, WY, was the intended destination for day twenty-three. With over 120 miles solo on the docket for tomorrow, Emil offered his draft, and I gladly accepted. If I had agreed, he would have been willing to pull me across the entire state.
We settled on Orin Junction and its scenic truck stop, and I was okay with it. Emil’s draft for 75 miles was enough for me today.
It seemed appropriate to place a sticker there! Thanks to Emil and his locomotive-legs it was the view I enjoyed for most of the ride. It’s no wonder why he’s the Red Beacon go-to for many a AHDR group ride.
About the DIRT Dad Fundo Pledge for Day Twenty-Three—Wally Boorum
Wally started as my financial advisor and is now one of my best friends. When I handed him my first paycheck and told him I would retire at 50, he took a step back, but he didn’t blink. Together we made it happen. Without him, my family’s life would not be the same. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without his expert guidance, trust, faith, and friendship. Thank you, Friend!
Here is what Wally had to say—”I’m not much of a bike guy but I am a fan of an awesome challenge undertaken!!”
Amount Raised to Date—$4,907
Thank you, Wally!
Now off to Edgemont, SD!
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!
