all through the colorado mountains, and deep in the kansan winds

Ohhhh Hite, (Utah, that is)

Greetings followers, this is Tasha, I am Shane's sister. Recently I had the opportunity to intercept these three road-trippers on their journey. We met in Glen Canyon Recreation Area, at 'Hite' campsite on Lake Powell. Over the course of five days we shared great food, stories and made a couple fond memories of our own-including a day long hike to a little place called "Sundance Canyon" (later more appropriately renamed by Elspeth "Pyramid of Death Canyon"). This ordeal (I will call it as we later all decided it was not just a hike by any means) was followed by arriving at the car, (intoxicated by lethargy at this point)at 10 pm and navigating our way over terrain best compared to the planet Mars. Eventually we returned to camp, where Shane, Elspeth and Rush prepared a stellar meal of Salmon, asparagus and rice...soon we drifted off, and called the day done. I must say I am so grateful to have had the support of the rest of my family to be able to provide nourishment that these brave souls needed to replenish and move on across our country. As they each told me stories of their travels thus far, a powerful theme became apparent to me (that they were seeing clearly also). It seems that just when they may have thought that their luck had run out, (in whatever way, blown-out spokes, lack of available campsites, needing some local info, etc.) the universe would show it's abundance of various resources, and good faith, in turn, was restored. Departing Friday morning was hard, but amidst the sadness, I truly realized what depth of character, strength and heart these three posses and must access every moment on this trip. I love you guys and rock on.

Tash

Smiling Faces, (very) Warm Places

Though the arid and beautiful landscape of southern Utah filled us with more awe than we could usually handle, the heat and desolation began to grow heavy on our bikes and minds. Then after a frustrating afternoon of constantly just missing our desert mirage, Tasha Darwent drove out of the canyons and met us on the hot shore of Lake Powell. With 8 hours of driving in a car full to the roof with amazing food and treats from the Darwent family we started refuling. Four days, several insane hikes and many full bellies later and we were watching Tasha and all her amazing energy drive off into the desert to head back to the land of Colorado from which she came. Two nights later and we were camping in Colorado still living off the wonderful food that the Darwents send. My belly was full and all that was left of the fire was a few glowing embers. I remembered how biking away from Lake Powell I needed to think about something other than the 45 m.p.h. headwind so I concentrated on replaying everything that had happened in my life in the last 6 months. First I remembered my friends and family and all that they have given me and next I remembered all the generous people in my life. The fire was almost totally extinguished and now the full moon was illuminating the desert trees I turned off my headland and found my way back to the tent with a little help from the moon. Overwhelmend by the generosity of everyone in my life - complete strangers to close family and friends - and I fell asleep a happy man.

Thank you all,
Rush

antelope daydream

and the pictures...

Utahhhhhh

Well a great deal has happened since our last second hand encounter with this amazing resource, our seemingly distant and long lost friend, the internet. We now find ourselves in a small town in Central Utah by the name of Escalante. How we made it here from Walker Pass is a blur. Consult map for a better understanding but here she goes...

Ridgecrest, California came fast after a long descent from Walker Pass. We drank Coors Light (trademark) at the bottom courtesty some motorcyclists. Trona was our toxic gateway into the desolate basin east of Death Valley and there we camped out on a concrete pad at the rest area that was across the street from a potash processing plant that went clank all night. Panamint Springs was our resting place the day before we would climb Townes Pass into Death Valley. Up at four the next morning (we started taking to early morning riding in east Cali due to the ridiculous heat) to start our ride that would bring us from below 1000ft. in elevation to 5000ft. in less than ten miles..., later we found out that the major car companies test there rides there to see if they can make it up without overheating. Sat through about three sandstorms that afternoon, a couple games of chess, some beers, and some sardines. Then off to Furnace Creek at 180ft. below sea level for our newly established early evening rides. There we were greeted by large groups of European tourists, an overpriced market, a yukulele (spelling debatable) thief, annoying flies, and a pool! After sleeping in the next day we lounged next to the pool and did some casual stretching in preparation for our ride out of the valley and towards to Las Vegas. 3 miles into our climb out we had some technical difficulties and ended up catching a ride to the big city with bright lights from a maniac driver who likes to "rock and roll" down the highway. There Rush went on a scavenger hunt to replace his bottom bracket while Elspeth and I went on our own hunt trying to find the necessary bank so as to keep our accounts from running low in expectations of some heavy gambling that evening. Rush got his bike fixed and some free cocoa to boot, his buddy Pip showed up on his way out to LA and we all stuffed ourselves at a Saharan buffet. No money was won that evening but we saved Rush from having to hang out with the kiddies at the arcade in Nascar World. (Sssshhhhhh, he's not 21, yet...) We caught our second ride of the trip the next day out of Vegas to the town of St. George in Southwestern Utah. There would have been a considerable stretch that would have taken place on interstate 15 and would have brought us through a zanny canyon with less that no shoulder so we figured $20 a head was worth it. From there is was a silly night ride to an ATV State Park that someone disguised as a good idea. Pretty yes. but hard to concentrate on beauty when you are worried about getting smashed by four spinning tires with memorial day partiers at the wheel. Since then it has pretty much been ideal riding. Better weather, amazing roads through some of this countries most amazing scenic beauty coupled with some really interesting small towns that rely on all those damn RVs.......

whew, well time to go treat ourselves to a DQ Blizzard (trademark), and give someone else a chance to use this computer. Oh, and we had about 50 new pictures to put up but for some dern reason they aint uploadin'. Until next time.......

No Open Wounds!

Hello,
This Joel, Shane's cousin, posting in place Rush, Shane an Elspeth. I met up with them Saturday night at Walker Pass Campground just east of Lake Isabella. We were at about 5,250 ft above sea level. Two days previous to that they had been in Bakersfield(about 500ft). They had climbed almost a mile vertically in 2 days! Quite a feat.
We had a great evening. I cooked (homemade guacamole and fajitas) while they shared stories from their trip through Big Sur and across the Central Valley of California (ask them about Wasco and Vern from Kern). Some family members had shipped me gifts and supplies for the crew and I came bearing the well wishes of my friends in LA (Big thanks to Scott and Nate). As the warm afternoon faded into a cool evening, we watched the sunset and the stars light up the massive sky.
In the morning we had a quick breakfast (oatmeal and coffee) and slowly packed up our camp. I watched them prepare for their day ahead, which began with a steep 2 mile summit of Walker Pass followed by a 14 mile 2000ft decent into Owens Valley and the Mojave Desert. As I drove away, I realized how impressed I am at this endeavor they are undertaking. They are in great spirits and are having an incredible time. Best of luck Shane, Elspeth and Rush!