July 17 Crossing America

Posted by Frank Briscoe on Jul 17, 2011 in Crossing America | 9 Comments

Escalante, UT Took a day off. Did two days in one to enjoy a well needed day of rest.

You would think by now the riding would be getting easier to handle but it’s not. The terrain of Utah is rugged and has as many steep climbs, not to mention the distance and pace is very hard on us over 45 year olds but the six of us are coping and surviving each day. In addition to the hard riding we endure less then ideal living conditions and for me seems like there is always another ailment with my beat up body to cope. I’ve begun to count down the days for stage one of my crossing America to be done. I’m concentrating more now on stage two which Joyce, a fellow high school classmate has volunteered to coordinate the logistics for me on this west coast section. It’s been great with Joyce and all the folks who are stepping forward to help a day or two of the ride.

Not much to report about to day other then laid around, ate and drank a few beers while
catching this journal up. Therefore, I’m going to post a few pictures of the incredible and rugged beauty of Southern Utah for your viewing pleasure.

Castle Rock in Capital Reef National Park

Colorado River from our campsite in Hite

Various rock colors formed over 180 million years

Sheer rock wall along road thru Capital Reef Nat'l Park

Vastness of open road in Utah

Awe inspiring view of rock walls along road Capital Reef Park

Found Mesa west of Blanding, Utah

Hope you enjoyed the stunning beauty of Southern Utah.

9 Comments

Dodie
July 27, 2011
Book marked, I love your site! 🙂
Reply
Gene Moll
July 21, 2011
Frank, I keep reading and enjoying your daily logs. It sounds like the Rockies and Utah are providing a lot of “ups and downs” as did the Ozarks. I’ll greet the folks ar RAGBRAI for you. Glad you had a Happy 65th.
Gene Moll
Reply
- admin
  July 22, 2011
  Hi Gene, Thanks for continuing to read my journal. It’s getting harder to stay up with it due to the long days in the saddle and lack of internet service.
  Reply
Barbara Ann
July 21, 2011
Yes, southern Utah is beautiful! I love the photos. Glad to hear you are surviving the rugged terrain. I admire your determination to complete your bike USA adventure. The Wartburg Knight Riders start out for Glenwood, Iowa this Saturday. I’m praying for cooler temps for RAGBRAI, as the heat index has been 110-115 degrees here. Shane and I we will miss you this year….stay safe. Barbara Ann
Reply
- admin
  July 22, 2011
  Hi Barbara Ann, Glad to hear from you, you just made my day. I’m surviving and enjoying the beauty of the West. Have fun on RAGBRAI, hope the heat wave breaks for you.
  Reply
Jimmy
July 20, 2011
Jimmy says to be positive at least for the rest of the trip. Then you can take any attitude you wish.
Reply
- admin
  July 23, 2011
  Hi again Jimmy, This is my journal and I write it as I feel it. My input both good and bad will help these folks in the future if they read it without bias thinking I’m totally negative because I’m not. It is my desire and hope they improve if they don’t then I predict they will not have many riders especially older folks who have the capability and means for raising more money.
  Reply
George E. Veugeler
July 18, 2011
Keep on trucking, or biking, Frank. Happy Birthday late. We were without power here for 5 days. Missed your updates. Looks beautiful. Ooooo Raaaaa! George
Reply
- admin
  July 18, 2011
  Hi Geo! Storm? Beauty of our Country is spectacular but our folks are awesome
  Reply