Day 29:Hot Sulphur Springs,Co to Steamboat Springs,Co

Breaking down day 29........

Miles on the road: 70
Wind: headwind
Temperature: Not real sure here, but I love being out west w/ the cool temps at night and in the morning.
Route: Hwy 40 the entire way
Terrain: It started out flat, but then we went uphill for a long while, and then down. I'm noticing a pattern here.
Elevation of Steamboat Springs: 6,995 ft
Song stuck in my head: "Cheer up, Chin up" -Ryan Adams

IN A RARE DISPLAY OF STRENGTH.......(also see Day 8 of the trip)
While I couldn't get my bike completely over my head, I at least held my bike over the ground for approximately 4.67 seconds for this picture. I just wanted to show everyone that I still have some upper body strength. And I could think of no better way to make this crystal clear than on Hwy 40 earlier this morning. (see picture).

THE HUNGER RIDE SAYS THANKS AND FAREWELL TO........
Susie and Tim Grade (my sister and bro-in-law). They definitely get the PTPer (Prime Time Player) awards for this week for all of their help with sagwagoning, not to mention the two nights that I spent at their house in Denver as well as the get- together they had for the Hunger Ride. I'm also saying farewell to Luke Riffle, my old college buddy and co-pilot for the last 375 miles of the trip. Man, it's hard to believe that it's time to say goodbye. Lukey, you're a stud.....it's been a really fun ride my friend. Keep workin' on those tan lines brotha' but know that you'll always rank second as long as I'm in the state.

SONGS THAT I'LL BE SINGING TONIGHT......
I'm back to riding solo again until July 1st. This will be weird as I've had people with me for what seems like such a long time.
Here's tonight's song list.....
"Never say goodbye" -Bon Jovi
"It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday" -Boys to Men
"Goodbye" -Clint Black and Winona Judd
"I won't forget you" -Poison
"Bye Bye Bye" N'sync

TOMORROW'S RIDE.....
42 miles into Craig, Co. My last full day in Colorado. Monday I'll shoot up Hwy 13 into Wyoming to I-80.

SHOUT OUTS.....
-The Rabbit Ears Motel for the bed and the free rabbit that all patrons receive for staying a night.
-Laura in Long Island, NY for a little Pat Benetar on the voicemail earlier this week
-M. Weathersby in Memphis for the motivating Christian rap music on my voicemail.......that might be just the motivation that I need to get to Seaside.

Day 28: Estes Park,Co to Hot Sulphur Springs,Co

Miles on the road: 69
Starting elevation: 7,500 ft
Elevation after 21 miles of riding: 12,183 ft
Ending elevation: 7,995 ft
Route: Hwy 36 out of Estes Park to Hwy 34 (Trail Ridge Road) to Grand Lake to Hwy 40
Terrain: mountainous with many switchbacks
Wind: headwind, tailwind, and a crosswind......we had it all
Temperature: I would guess that it was in the high 40's or low 50's on top of Trail Ridge
Song Stuck in my head: "Separate Ways" -Journey "It's a great day to be alive" -Travis Tritt
Road Kill: not a whole heck of a lot

THE SKINNY ON DAY 28......
Travis Tritt says it best when he sings, "It's a great day to be alive." This was true of today for sure.
We had a fine start to the day as "The Egg and I" restaurant in Estes Park fed Luke,Tim, and myself a stellar breakfast. And things would only get better after that. I'm pretty sure that today's ride is as good as it gets on a bicycle. Unbelievable. I could not have dreamed of a better ride. Gigantic snow-capped mountains, crisp air, tall pines, being able to see for miles, not to mention a few elk at the top of Trail Ridge. And I saw it all on a bicycle. Praise God for that. The first 21 miles of climbing was a real bear for sure, but with the constant view of the Rockies I often forgot I was climbing. My head was constantly on a swivel with many breathtaking views. With 21 miles of uphill, we had about the same amount of miles going down the mountain which was a fabulous rush. Going down was nuts at times....the wind, leaning into the curves, cars coming at you from the other direction........it was wild......and I loved every minute of it. The park is huge spot for vacationers. Fortunately for us, most cars were very respectful. And with a 35 mph speed limit, we practically rode a cars pace for 21 miles going down the mountain. We ended the day by taking a dip in the Hot Springs here in town. A nice way to end the day. I'm not sure this town has seen a farmer tan quite like the one that I have. It almost looks like I have brown sleeves on when I'm shirtless.

SHOUT OUTS......
-The Canyon Motel for a bed to sleep on
-Susie and Tim Grade for making the drive out to hang with Luke and I
-"The Egg and I" restaurant in Estes Park for some delicious wheat pancakes

DAY 28: Pictures of Rocky Mountain National Park

Day 27: Denver,Co to Estes Park,Co

Summary of Day 27.......

Miles on the road: 56
Current Elevation:7,500 ft
Temperature: 70 and mostly cloudy......it was actually somewhat chilly at times.
Wind: not really a factor.....I think we had a tailwind part of the time and a headwind for another....that's classic Colorado right there.
Max Speed of the Day: 42.6 mph going down Hwy 36 into Estes Park.
Terrain: rolling hills from Golden to LYons....then from Lyons to Estes Park it was all up hill, except for the last 4 miles which was straight downhill. HOwever, the last 4 miles is not as steep as I remember as indicated by the max speed.
Songs stuck in my head: "No one is to blame" -Howard Jones "The one I love" -REM
Road Kill: birds, a snake, and a few squirrels
Quote of the Day: "Bring it on, boys!"
(Sherri, a manager at the "Chop House" in Estes Park, Co, responded this way after I asked if the C.H. might be interested in donating dinner for Luke,TIm(my brother-in-law) and myself.
This morning's scripture: Luke 12

GREAT TO BE........
back on the bike again. We could not have asked for better weather, and my legs felt great after taking a couple days off. Although, I can't say that I enjoyed putting spandex on again. I actually got new tires for my ride when we stopped at "Full Cycle" bike shop in Boulder. Also, for those of you wondering, my new derailer is fantastic. I noticed a huge difference in the shifting throughout the day.
The sights we saw today were amazing. I have a feeling that from here on out that the pictures that I post and the descriptions in my blogs will not really do justice to how amazing the scenery is that I'm seeing. Once again, I'm convinced that there is no better way to see the U.S. than on a motor scooter. Or wait, um, ah, I mean, a bicycle. Yeah, I'm riding a bicycle. Really. Well, like most of the time......Except for every now and then. Like the time I road that Hog for about 790 miles....and then there was that brief ride in that guy's personal jet. But other than that it's been ALL bicycle. Ok, so half the time. I mean, or like almost half of the time.

BACK TO RAVENCREST.......
The year after I graduated from high school I went to Ravencrest Bible School in Estes Park. Ravencrest is a one-year bible college that both Susie (my sister) and I attendted after we graduated from high school.(see picture above) It was such a thrill to be back in Estes Park. So many good times, so many great memories.
A LOOK AT FRIDAY'S RIDE......
Estes Park to Hot Sulfur Springs: 73 miles on Hwy 36 and Hwy 34 (Trail Ridge Road)
Highest Elevation: 12,200 ft

TODAY'S SHOUT OUTS.......
-K-LOVE radio for some press about the Hunger Ride.
-Tim Grade for the being an A+ sagwagoner.
-Sherri at the Chop House for the pasta, steak, and fish.
-Full Cycle bike shop in Boulder for the free labor.
-Lauren in Memphis for her hilarious and inspiring inpersonation on my voicemail.

Day 25 & 26: Resting in Denver,Co

Summary of Day 25 & 26 in Denver......

Miles on the road: 0
Temp: 90's
How it felt to not be on my bike: Oh so Good
My Feelings about getting back on the bike: I'm excited and ready to roll.

THURSDAY'S RIDE......
DENVER TO ESTES PARK: About 65 miles or so. We'll actually be riding Hwy 93 out of Golden to Hwy 36 in Boulder. Then, we take 36 all the way into Estes Park. The last four miles into Estes is literally all downhill so I'm thinking some Hunger Ride speed records could be broken.

THURSDAY'S FORECAST......
Mostly sunny with a high of 87. Should be a good day on the road.

TOMMYTOUGHGUY INTIMIDATES DENVER........
I thought that since I was going to be off my bike for two days that it would be important that I drive a vehicle(see picture above) that represents my true nature and personality. Fortunately, I did not have to look further than driveway of my very own brother-in-laws house to find a vehicle that would fit the bill.

WHAT DID YOU DO WITH TWO DAYS OFF...........
I'm definitely glad that Luke and I decided to ride a bit longer on Monday in order to give ourselves two days of rest this week. I think that our legs will be thanking us somewhere along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. I'm looking forward to the next four days of riding as los montanas of Colorado await our arrival. It should be a good test for sure. Up, Up, and away.

Luke and I spent all of Tuesday morning at Bicycle Village in Westminster,Co. B.V was able to take my broken bike in right away, which we appreciated greatly. From my wipeout the other day, I only needed a new derailer, chain, and connector piece.....and with no labor charge it only turned out to be about 120 bones.

I had lunch at "My Brother's Bar" in Denver with Susie, Tim, and Luke. Luke and I then took a dip in Confluence Creek behind REI (an enormous outdoor store in downtown Denver). Without a doubt this was the Bad Move of the Day. After floating once down the rapids I saw large amounts of foam, some plastic cups, and other various garbage. I felt like taking a bath in bleach after that swim. And the worst part of all (if you really want to get grossed out) is that I swallowed two gulps of water in the first set of rapids I hit. Yeah, could've done without that one.
Tuesday night was great as I ate steaks and watched hoops with my old Denver roomates and close friends Andrew Amami and Lyle DeVries. Good times with the boys from 2877 Eudora for sure.

Wednesday I slept in and hung out at Starbucks in the morning. I had lunch with Susie(my sister) in the afternoon. She rocks. In the afternoon I went to Runner's Roost in Aurora, Co to see my old manager and friend Lynn Herzberger. Supper time found me back at "My Brother's Bar." I tell you what.....you just can't go wrong with the steer or bison burger. After dinner was the Hunger Ride Throwdown. Susie and Tim invited a bunch of their friends and some of my old Denver friends over to hear about the Hunger Ride. Man, how cool of a sister and bro-in law do I have?

HARRY CARRY REVEALS HIS TRUE IDENTITY.........
So I know that many of you have been as curious as I have to know just who this guy impersonating "Harry Carry" on my voicemail really is. Well, we now know his true identity. Harry Carry is none other than Mitch.....from Mitch and Hillary that I stayed with from Hartland Church in K.C. ten days ago. And let me first go on record as saying, "I had a hunch it was Mitch all along." I actually had mentioned his name to Andy and Lyle last night as we listened to the voicemails again. Hilarious. Absolutely hysterical. I wish that there were a way for me to put them on the blog. I'm sure there probably is. But I've got to say that I'm actually a little disapointed now that the fun is all over. Will Harry Carry ever call me again?

TODAY'S SHOUT OUTS.......
-Jenn from K-LOVE for the radio segment airing all day Thursday about the Hunger Ride.
-Jason at the Bicycle Village for putting my Specialized back together again.

Day 24:Anton,CO to Denver,CO

The Big 2-4........

Miles covered: 94
Terrain: mostly flat with a few small hills
Wind: strong tailwind
Route: Hwy 36, a frontage road, Gun Club Rd, Hampden.
Temperature: I heard that it was suppose to hit 100.
Song stuck in my head: "It's all been done" -BNL
# of times the past two days that gastrointestinal humor has not been funny: 0
# of flats today: 1
# of flats total on the trip: 3 (including one on the B.O.B. trailer)
# of antelopes we saw: 1
What I thought I was going to be when I grew up: A smoke jumper.....a person who jumps out of airplanes to fight fires.
Verse that I thought about while on the bike: Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of the Lord, the skies proclaim the works of his hands." I tell you what....going on a cross-country bike trip gives this verse new meaning.

TOM TY'S TAKE.......
Remember Joey Lawrence? Do you remember his favorite word?.......... "WHOA!"
Well, if there's a word of the day it's definitely "WHOA" because today I was really lucky.....or better yet extremely blessed. As Luke and I pulled into Denver, just a few miles from Luke's house in Highlands Ranch,CO my rear derailer shot into the back of my spokes and in less than a second..... "KABOOM"........."DOWN GOES TOMMY!" Yeah, I bit it.....big-time. I'm glad that there was two junior high kids there to laugh at me. At least someone was there to enjoy the moment besides Luke. I ate some concrete. But it could have been worse....for me, my bike, and even location- wise considering we've hardly seen civilization in the past 170 miles of riding. How did this happen you ask? Well, it's hard to explain.....so I'll spare you the details. Just know that if you've said a prayer for the Hunger Ride......know that I appreciate you. Today I had one of those moments where I was reminded that I will only make it to Seaside,Oregon by the grace of God sustaining and upholding me throughout this entire journey. There are so many things that are out of my control that could possibly go wrong.
So, we called the wonderful and marvelous Michele Riffle (Luke's wife) and she cancelled her evening plans to come and give us a lift a few miles down the road to Luke's house. The good news is that Luke and I are a day ahead of schedule arriving to Denver so it should give the mechanics plently of time to repair my bike.

I KNOW THAT YOU CAN'T REALLY TELL BUT......
#1 My derailer is seriously jacked in this picture. #2 Despite the smile on my face, Tomboy was not a happy camper when this happened.

IF YOU'VE SENT ME AN E-MAIL IN THE PAST 10 DAYS........
to hungerride@fh.org or trand@pdsmemphis.org than most likely I have received your e-mail......but you most likely have not received my reply. I'm checking into this.....so please don't consider this an indication about how I feel about our relationship.

SHOUT OUTS......
-Brooke in Memphis......for reminding me that I look nothing like Tom Cruize. Thanks, Brooke.
-A.T. in Memphis for his best "Elvis"

THIS WEEK'S SUPER TUEDAY CONTEST
I tell you what, I've got to say that I've been really impressed with many of the Super Tuesday performances. Keep on keepin' on. And to those of you fence-sitters who almost entered last week but thought "I'm no good, he'll never laugh at that" I will say this: You have another week. But only four more. Just ask last week's winner, Dr. E, how cool it is to have your very own 2006 Hunger Ride t-shirt. Rumor has it he split town and has been doing modeling gigs in L.A. ever since he put the shirt on.
Here's this week's contest......
Many of you know of my love for the late Chris Farley and his infamous "motivational speaker" skits on SNL. Absolutely classic. Well, now is your time. But I'll give lots of freedom here and simply say......in 46.85 seconds or less give your very best motivaional speech. This could be a quote, a song, a poem.....original or unoriginal. I'll leave that up to you. Just know that I could use to the motivation to get up the Rockies mountains this week.

TRIP SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK......
Tuesday: REST in Denver & get my bike fixed
Wednesday: REst in Denver and go to the 2006 Hunger Ride Throwdown at Susie and Tim Grade's house.
Thursday: Denver to Estes Park
Friday: Estes Park to Granby
Saturday: Granby to Steamboat Springs
Sunday: Steamboat Springs to Craig
Monday: Craig, CO to Creston,WY

Day 23: St Francis,KS to Anton,CO

Here's how it went down on the 23rd day of the 2006 Hunger Ride......

Miles on the road: 84
Temperature:95
Wind: headwind and a crosswind at appr. 8 mph
Route: Hwy 36 West
Terrain: Flat and some gently rolling hills
Road Kill: birds and snakes
Songs stuck in my head (x2): "You're not in Kansas anymore" -JoDee Mesina

Quote of the Day: "I heard the other day that there's going to be a girl over 21 moving into this town. I figure with the 24 other guys here in Cope I ought to have a 1 in 25 chance."
(conversation with a guy in his 20's outside a gas station in Cope,Co. As you can see, the discussion went deep. It's good to know these people are all over their math too.)

TOMMY'S TAKE ON DAY 23.........
I'm not going to lie to you and say that I will miss the state of Kansas. With no disrespect any Kansanites, I must say that I think the state would have been more to my liking if it were, say, 50 miles long instead of 500. Or is it 5,000 miles long? I can't remember. It's all a blurr.
GREAT to have my boy from UT-Knoxville, Luke Riffle, with me on the ride! It's nice to have someone that at least pretends to listen to the conversations that I have with myself with on the bike. On Day 23, I had a deep discussion with myself about the differences in agricultural practices before and after the civil war.
As for Luke, while cycling is definitely not his main sport, I've got to give the guy credit for taking a week off of work (He works for Dewalt power tools in Highlands Ranch,Co) and riding across Colorado. I guess that I really should thank his wife, Michele, for allowing him to do this as well. Luke made made this trip across Colorado his own "Hunger Ride" as he sent out over 50 letters out to family, friends, and co-workers to make them aware of HIV/AIDS orphans in Zeway,Ethiopia. Nice job, Rif.

DINNER WITH LARRY......
Let's be honest....does it really get any better than a beef and bean burrito from a Sinclair gas station when your on the road? That's right, it sure doesn't. We had some goods times with Larry, (pictured above) who has been the owner of the Sinclair station in Cope, Co for almost 30 years.

WE WERE REALLY SCARED ABOUT........
our accommadations on Anton,Co this evening. This was partially due to the fact that one could ride by the town without ever knowing. However, we were pleasantly surprised. The place was basically a large farm that had about seven small rooms for other farmers to use during Harvest. It even had a television in the room for me to watch the Heat/Mavs game! SWeet!

SUPER TUESDAY CONTEST WINNER (WHO IS HARRY CARRY?)
For the second time this week, I was sent into an uncontrolable(sp?) fit of laughter from the "nameless" Harry Carry impersonator that left me a voicemail for the SUPER TUESDAY contest. Alright, come out come out whoever you are......and if you'd like to claim your SUPER TUESDAY prize you're going to have to tell me who you are......because YOU ARE THE WINNER. Come on, we all want to know. And by the way, "Harry," I appreciate the Labat Blue reference. That definitely made the call for sure.

TODAY'S SHOUT OUTS.......
-Kimberely at the "Idalia Cafe".....for lunch & thanks for the PB&J's to go!!)
-Jason and Dana down at the farm in Anton.