“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 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.
