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Donna and I started out on our trip with a brand new memory card in hopes of taking an unrestricted amount of photos. Well, we did take a lot of photos. Just over 1,700 to be exact. This is a tailored set of images that tells the story of our day to day travels and shows some of the grandiose terrain that we covered on our journey. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable in your chair, and enjoy the Colorado Trail as seen through the eyes of our own. - [don't worry, its only exactly 148 images]. 
 Let the gear Tetris begin. But first, coffee.
  The approach to Indian Trail Ridge is a grueling test of strength. Donna takes the lead while I eat a snack.
[I'll leave the photos and your imagination to do the talking here... but she did say yes, in case you were wondering].
"Meet Bruce. Bruce will certainly attempt to steal your breakfast if you let your guard down... sorry Bruce, but this is my waffle." 
"The tools you carry with you may get used once, multiple times, or not at all, but out here there are no bike shops to rely on... just your gear and the know-how you've brought along for the ride."  We timed our trip just right. No snowfields to cross and wildflowers galore.
 
 Double rainbow. What does it mean?   It was uncertain if we'd find dinner or a hot shower in the sleepy old mining town of Silverton. This photo was still worth stopping for in light of the risk at hand. 
There is a certain strategy to moving safely around threatening weather in the mountains. Knowing when to press on or when to wait it out and call it a day can be a huge challenge to overcome. - Standing behind your decision to call it a day when the weather decides it's going to play nice all of a sudden... well, that's a different story. 
 Taking an unplanned rest day can be very rewarding. Especially when the sun decides to shine down on your soaking wet gear and solar panel for the afternoon. - We'll call that a stroke of good luck.   
 Scattered.  Less scattered.  Dialed.
It's been scientifically proven that oatmeal and instant coffee do in fact taste better above 12,000 ft. - Well, not really, but it's definitely a solid theory at the very least.  Feeling small in big places. Donna makes her way through the high alpine spaces of the San Juan range.
"So, what've you got on there," I curiously inquired. - "We've got wine and chairs and cheese," she says. Her husband walking in tow, chuckles with a smile and refers to their llamas as "Winnebagos of the trail." - Donna waits in anticipation of any one of the three items mentioned to fall from their backs.  Looming storms move quickly from one place to the next up here.
The bicycle detours on the Colorado Trail may take you away from single track to skirt around protected wilderness areas, but the sights still do not disappoint. - On this particular reroute, Donna and I put in a solid 67 miles of riding. Taking a relaxing lunch break to dip our feet in the cool river below this bridge was very much needed and helped us when the mileage counter continued to grow. 
  I'll go out on a limb and just say, I really dig how this shot turned out. Get it?
 It's good to give back to the trail. Carrying a pocket chainsaw on the journey allowed us to cut and clear six trees in total. Better still, we crossed at least two that we had cleared in the previous weeks while out on some day-rides that did not require us to dismount and lift our bikes over. - After all, no one likes getting off their bike when the flow is good.
Some notable gear MVP's of the trip included our water filtration system, stove setup, and delicious meals from Good To Go.  Happy to have shared this journey with this lovely lady.
 Always searching for the golden light.  
"Things just seem simpler out here to me. I mean, a lid that doubles as a waffle warmer, trees that graciously hold your gear for the night as you rest beneath them, and a shortened tooth brush to fit a confined space in your bag... all seems pretty simple to me." Total mileage covered: 250. Total ft. ascended: 37,000. Total ft. descended: 34,000. Totally stoked! |
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 | "Some campsites are more memorable than others. This campsite was definitely one that wont soon be forgotten..." |
"...and here is one reason why..." |  |
 | "...and one more." |
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"By this time in our journey, we were like a well oiled machine, running in perfect harmony from one day to the next."
Donna on the go. Catch her if you can!
 Trail treats on the go. |  Brewery treats at Eddyline. |
 Clean socks for the win. |  Sunset dinners also for the win. |
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Stream filtered water still tastes better than any bottled water I've ever experienced.
We celebrated Donna's birthday while on our trip. A wilderness reroute led us through the town of Leadville, where we scored a celebratory lemon bar to follow our Italian dinner in the woods. |  Olive oil packets were added to meals for bonus calories in a small, lightweight package. |
Folded pages indicate finished segments. Nearly there.
| Waking up in the shadows of surrounding trees and peaks, Donna and I swiftly descended to the open valley floor at Camp Hale to enjoy our breakfast and coffee in the early morning light. - Did I mention how much I love hot coffee in the outdoors? |  |
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We met a group of hikers on the south side of Kokomo pass, soon to discover they were out taking care of the trail. Without volunteer efforts, the Colorado Trail would inevitably be in a constant state of decay during the summer months. It's important to give back to the trail by leaving it better than it was found in some way.
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Clear a downed tree or debris, carry out litter, but most importantly do your best to leave little impact... you don't want to upset the Old Fart, do you?
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Clear a downed tree or debris, carry out litter, but most importantly do your best to leave little impact... you don't want to upset the Old Fart, do you?
Push.
Pull.
Pedal.
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Gain.
"Crossing over the Tenmile range, we were chasing shadows; or were the shadows actually chasing us?"
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"Opening our last resupply box for the trip, we discovered a note that our friends had slipped inside for some added encouragement. At this point, our obsession with Butterfingers was getting a little out of hand."
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Home is where you stake it.
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"Scream and shout! The beginning of our final day on the CT was filled with excitement and a bit of hesitation to end the journey. Dipping in Buffalo Creek at the lunch hour only made us yearn for more days on the trail. Bittersweet indeed."
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Sunny and raining. Colorado weather never fails to keep you on your toes.
| The wild raspberries approaching the end of the trail were prime for the picking. At one point, with Donna not far behind, I came to a screeching halt because of the abundance of berries along the trail. We had less than ten miles of trail left and Donna could tell I wasn't ready to be done. Much like a kid in a candy store, I continued to stall by picking and eating the raspberries. The sweet taste of the berries was only amplified by the sweet taste of accomplishment. |  |
Adventure extraordinaire Jeff Johnson once said, "The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask."
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Well, Jeff... I think you nailed it.
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Each day spent on the trail, "home" was what we called our spot for the night. Every time the word home was used, relief from the days effort was instantly felt.
After spending two weeks sharing a space of approximately 28 sq. ft., Donna and I have made it home to Golden. On July 16th we set out from Durango, Colo. to cross countless mountain passes, open meadows saturated with beautiful wildflowers, and hundreds of miles of classic alpine trail to get home. Dirty, completely spent, and full of immeasurable joy, we finished the full 530 miles in 15 days, 5 hours, and 10 minutes.
During that time, we managed to snap over 1700 photos that will surely be cherished, gone through closely, and eventually shared through stories presented on our blog and anywhere else that desires to share our story. In the coming weeks, you will see new photography and stories posted here about our journey and the gear we used to successfully complete our trek.
Another, plus many more thanks are in order for all of our supporters and friends that helped make this dream become a reality.
As Donna came up with her own version of the Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be while we rode down the trail, she happily sang, "I would ride five hundred miles, and I would ride five hundred more."
During that time, we managed to snap over 1700 photos that will surely be cherished, gone through closely, and eventually shared through stories presented on our blog and anywhere else that desires to share our story. In the coming weeks, you will see new photography and stories posted here about our journey and the gear we used to successfully complete our trek.
Another, plus many more thanks are in order for all of our supporters and friends that helped make this dream become a reality.
As Donna came up with her own version of the Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be while we rode down the trail, she happily sang, "I would ride five hundred miles, and I would ride five hundred more."
"All you have to do now, is just ride your bike," were the exact words a close friend of ours told us this past Tuesday night while sitting around our kitchens island exchanging stories and laughs. After showing Brian our frame bags and gear for the trip, it was like observing a giddy child about to receive his first bicycle on his birthday. It didn't matter that the midnight hour was closely approaching and that he had just spent 15 hours behind the wheel driving from SoCal; Brian's energy and excitement for us was truly next level. To date, our friends and supporters have been a network of priceless advice, support, and encouragement. Without them, this journey would not be the same. For this, we are ever thankful!
"Out here, there will be no wi-fi connection; but rather, a better kind of connection"
Mauricio, Donna and I enjoy some cold ones on Westridge trail // Colo.
With any luck, utilizing the highest levels of technology and scientifically proven gadgetry, some of those friends will be able to link up with us and share a part of the trail with us. Below you will find our tentative schedule for passing through different segments of the trail and with said information, you can send us a t-x-t message if you'd like to connect for a sampling of the single track we will follow for over 500 miles. You might also find our GPS tracking data helpful: See Spot Ride.
Disclaimer: This is entirely tentative and highly subject to change.
- Tuesday July 19 - Silverton [resupply]
- Saturday July 23 - Salida/BV area [resupply]
- Tuesday/Weds July 26-27 - Breckenridge/Summit area [resupply]
- Friday July 29 - Buff Creek area [close to front range]
With a brief hiatus from blogging, instagram-ing, social media-ing, and internet-ing, we're stepping off the grid for two weeks and setting out for the biggest journey we've ever embarked on. Out here, there will be no wi-fi connection; but rather, a better kind of connection.
With that said... DENVER OR BUST!
Disclaimer: This is entirely tentative and highly subject to change.
- Tuesday July 19 - Silverton [resupply]
- Saturday July 23 - Salida/BV area [resupply]
- Tuesday/Weds July 26-27 - Breckenridge/Summit area [resupply]
- Friday July 29 - Buff Creek area [close to front range]
With a brief hiatus from blogging, instagram-ing, social media-ing, and internet-ing, we're stepping off the grid for two weeks and setting out for the biggest journey we've ever embarked on. Out here, there will be no wi-fi connection; but rather, a better kind of connection.
With that said... DENVER OR BUST!
"Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature's darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings, Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. As age comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed, but nature's sources never fail." -John Muir
Riding your bike fully loaded, with everything you need to survive and live on two wheels presents some challenges. Where you put the weightier items in your bike bags can change the way your steed handles in a big way, so trying different configurations and putting a little thought into packing your gear in a manner that makes sense is highly important. The intended plan was to venture out to Searle Pass, an all time favorite section of trail, to test our gear. One always hopes to have sunny skies, high altitude cooler temps, and no threatening dark clouds lurking about while you're sitting high atop a mountain pass, but where's the fun in that? Last weekend, the weather had it's own agenda. With no regard to our plans of doing a shakedown ride, the rain decided to hang around for some added excitement. So in light of our departure in ten days, we went for it anyways.
 Donna swimming in a sea of gear. Icarus, sleeping... |  Pack, ride, unpack, relax, repack, ride. repeat. |
As mountain bikers, we love to get dirty and feel exhausted after a long day on the bike. Ripping through the occasional puddle only to watch water roost out from our knobby tires certainly instills feelings of childhood nostalgia and only makes wet weather riding that much more fun.
I can recall my first mountain bike ride in the Pacific North West like it was yesterday. I had just moved to Seattle to be a bicycle mechanic when the owner [Kurt] of the shop decided to show me the local flavor of trails, and weather for that matter. Coming from the high desert of Colorado, constant wet weather is not a typical threat. Three quarters of the way into our ride, we stopped at a clearing in the thick and lush forest where we were riding. Long johns, wool ski socks, neoprene knee warmers, non water resistant shorts, shoes without booties, and a mostly waterproof rain shell were not nearly enough lines of defense to keep me dry and warm. I was soaked, freezing cold, and thoroughly happy. Kurt turned to his buddies and then to me with a smile to say, "Welcome to the Pacific North Wet-st. There's no bad weather, just bad clothing choices." Stashing a dry change of clothes in the truck was a wise move I thought to myself.
I can recall my first mountain bike ride in the Pacific North West like it was yesterday. I had just moved to Seattle to be a bicycle mechanic when the owner [Kurt] of the shop decided to show me the local flavor of trails, and weather for that matter. Coming from the high desert of Colorado, constant wet weather is not a typical threat. Three quarters of the way into our ride, we stopped at a clearing in the thick and lush forest where we were riding. Long johns, wool ski socks, neoprene knee warmers, non water resistant shorts, shoes without booties, and a mostly waterproof rain shell were not nearly enough lines of defense to keep me dry and warm. I was soaked, freezing cold, and thoroughly happy. Kurt turned to his buddies and then to me with a smile to say, "Welcome to the Pacific North Wet-st. There's no bad weather, just bad clothing choices." Stashing a dry change of clothes in the truck was a wise move I thought to myself.
Forget-me-nots... appropriate for said saying about clothing choices.
"There's no bad weather, just bad clothing choices"
Bryson finds his way out of the woods on a PNW-esque wet day in Colo.
 A wet and happy selfie.  A fire at camp to warm up and dry our gear. |  Completely exhausted, Icarus relents to the rain.  Hayduke thrives above tree line. |
To this day, that saying echoes through my thoughts each and every time I ride my bike in rainy conditions. The beautiful thing about riding here in Colorado is that in my near 20 years of living in this state, I've managed to learn a thing or two about our storm patterns.
1 - They typically leave just as fast as they come in.
2 - They can be anything from rain to freezing cold rain, hail to sleet or snow, and usually have a little (or a lot of) lightening mixed in to keep you feeling alive (and scared for your life).
3 - These rules apply at any given time throughout the calendar year, seriously.
1 - They typically leave just as fast as they come in.
2 - They can be anything from rain to freezing cold rain, hail to sleet or snow, and usually have a little (or a lot of) lightening mixed in to keep you feeling alive (and scared for your life).
3 - These rules apply at any given time throughout the calendar year, seriously.
Storms move quickly in the high alpine. Donna crests the ridge on the right as we move swiftly to avoid threatening weather.
Throughout the day, we saw short glimpses of warm sun that were followed by low hanging, dark clouds chock full of rain. Our first fully loaded trip together, while not a "dry" run, was a blast and only turned the flame higher for our planned two week-long journey. We've prepared for this trip in the most thorough manner imaginable, learning from others experiences and drawing from our own pool of knowledge. Now if only I could remember where I stuffed my rain gear in these beautiful frame bags...
J-Paks custom frame bags make gear storage a dream come true.
For the journey ahead, Donna and I will not be bringing a pup named Spot, no; rather a safety rescue beacon that goes by the same name. This compact and lightweight satellite tracking beacon allows us to send GPS coordinates and text messages to a list of designated contacts to let them know we're safe, but also gives us the option of signalling for help via local Search and Rescue crews should a situation become unmanageable for us.
"Spot // Ready for Adventure"
As an added bonus, our service allows us to set up a tracking feature which will allow you, our excellent readers, to follow our progress on the trail. The Spot beacon lays down GPS coordinates on a live map for each hour we have it activated to show our location and will keep a record for up to seven days of travel. I won't say that watching this will be as exhilarating as any back alley cat fight you may experience in life, but it is a way to keep in touch while we're out of touch.
Follow our bread crumb trail here...
Roughly three months have passed since we started a blog about our journey to mountain bike the CT. At that time, the level of unknown variables was high, and consequentially so was the stress. We had just started looking into the trip logistics, equipment details, and what we ultimately wanted to accomplish together and as individuals through our journey.
Donna contemplates which will be her favorite Stinger. I'm partial to maple waffles.
Fast forward to today and so much has changed. Just less than a month out from our start date, the list of things we have already accomplished has grown exponentially. As a result, the stress has gradually tapered off and been replaced by overwhelming waves of excitement. Planning a trip that's bigger than you've ever faced can be a daunting task, especially if swallowing anything less than a successful mission is on the line.
I recently read on an adventure cyclists blog that "building your kit is an individual journey" in and of itself. [His blog here]. The information about bikepacking on the internet is abundant; with gear lists, bike configurations as unique as their owners, niche bag makers, plus size componentry entering the market, and varied opinions galore. One thing that Donna and I have gathered and come to learn is that with every opinion and gear recommendation, the end-all be-all best decision is the one you make for yourself. Every bikepacker or adventure cyclist that I have spoken to thus far believes strongly in their chosen setup and approach to tackling big days on the bike. Rightfully so when it's just you and your gear that you're depending on.
I recently read on an adventure cyclists blog that "building your kit is an individual journey" in and of itself. [His blog here]. The information about bikepacking on the internet is abundant; with gear lists, bike configurations as unique as their owners, niche bag makers, plus size componentry entering the market, and varied opinions galore. One thing that Donna and I have gathered and come to learn is that with every opinion and gear recommendation, the end-all be-all best decision is the one you make for yourself. Every bikepacker or adventure cyclist that I have spoken to thus far believes strongly in their chosen setup and approach to tackling big days on the bike. Rightfully so when it's just you and your gear that you're depending on.
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"The information about bikepacking on the internet is abundant[...]"
Being what I would consider to be pretty well versed mountain bikers, campers, backpackers, and outdoorsy individuals, one would deduce that we would have most of the required gear for such a journey. Well, the truth is that some things would definitely work, but for a long haul, it was best to build a specialized list of purpose specific bikepacking gear. The list quickly swelled and the hunt for all of the pieces ensued.
 Joe at J-Paks cuts a template for Donna's frame bag.  This is where the magic happens... |  Some tools of the trade.  Solid color choice for Donna! |
"[...]for a long haul, it was best to build a specialized list of purpose specific bikepacking gear."
In recent weeks, Donna and I have been testing the new gear we've gathered in order to become familiar with how it functions and all of the product's ins and outs. Needless to say, there is some peace of mind seeing that all of the legwork up front to research and collect our gear is paying off now that we're becoming comfortable with it all.
 Donna catches me cleaning some water with a Sawyer Micro filter.  Industry nine hubs, Stans flow mk3's and fat tires? Yes PLEASE! |  The JetBoil MiniMo is a solid stove while these GoodToGo meals are also quite tasty.  Testing our Big Agnes pitchpine sleep systems. Toasty and comfy indeed. |
With our journey just around the corner, the coming weeks are already completely mapped out. I just wish that particular map could be uploaded to my new Garmin so I could remember my schedule for the next month.
- EH
- EH
 Muhammad helps me put the finishing touches on the bikes. |  Muhammad's sound advice: "Do your best, forget the rest..." |
As the man behind the camera would say, "stoked to be pumped."
My first introduction to endurance mountain bike racing was during a seven year chapter of my life as a young professional bike racer. I pursued my racing career with a strong desire to win, but it turns out what I truly seeked all along was the adventure and thrills that came from it all. Nowadays, my mind is far from the bike racer mentality that I used to carry, yet I am constantly reminded of the lessons learned during that time. As my riding has evolved, I’ve found that it is far more enjoyable to get out and explore when it’s not about racing the clock. I’ve come to realize that my most fulfilling rides are now about getting out of cell service for a bit, enjoying the beautiful Colorado single track, and sharing in good company on the ride.
While racing my bike, I enjoyed the many highs and lows that came from the sport. Race victories and personal bests left me feeling high; while injuries, being single-track minded at times, and countering jealousy among friends proved to be highly challenging. Recently, I scanned through some of my old race journals and found a quote that read, “Recognition of resistance: aspects of life that restrict you from being your best.” This made me sick to re-read, for activities that I love such as rock climbing and going to live music shows with friends was then considered to be a hindrance on my training.
While racing my bike, I enjoyed the many highs and lows that came from the sport. Race victories and personal bests left me feeling high; while injuries, being single-track minded at times, and countering jealousy among friends proved to be highly challenging. Recently, I scanned through some of my old race journals and found a quote that read, “Recognition of resistance: aspects of life that restrict you from being your best.” This made me sick to re-read, for activities that I love such as rock climbing and going to live music shows with friends was then considered to be a hindrance on my training.
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“Recognition of resistance: aspects of life that restrict you from being your best.”
 Feeling shelled after a long day of racing. |  Racing the Trans-Sylvania Epic in central PA. |
After years of riding my bike under constant scrutiny and pressure, I knew there was more to this life than racing others down the trail. I started to shift my thinking towards living a different style of life. I began to understand that I was missing the big picture of riding my bike. I wanted to ride for myself. It was a shift from feeling power through standing tall on podiums and keeping my sponsors happy, to occasionally being gluttonous by enjoying a snack and cheersing a beer back at the trailhead.
Meeting Eric brought me even closer to this “ride for me” state of mind. He had never raced a single day in his life prior to meeting me. Not having a race background, he compliments my riding because he’s always reminded me that this is about having fun and that our CT journey is just a long ride… a really long ride. With my bike racing background, I’m able to draw from my experience with training and recovery. I push him to do core workouts and even one-legged riding drills here and there. Together, we complement each other’s riding styles while both doing something we love so much.
“Preparedness: being set up and prepared for the tasks at hand.”
Further reading in my journal led me to another quote that I quickly came to appreciate; “Preparedness: being set up and prepared for the tasks at hand.” It turns out, I’ve been preparing for this trip all along. Always packing for backcountry travel and self sufficiency on my bike. Memories started to come through the floodgates again, this time for a personal victory. Half way into day 3 of 7 at the Trans-sylvania Epic I ripped my rear derailleur clean off. Having all of the correct tools and knowledge allowed me to convert my bike into a single speed and finish the stage. While not a podium victory, I accomplished a personal best and finished with pride.
During the process of planning for our trip, I have shifted gears about how I approach endurance mountain biking. I am viewing this bike ride through different eyes. It’s not about the recorded time for us, it’s about the journey we share. Rather than cutting activities that I love out of my daily life, I am using them as a way to strengthen and cross train myself. This is the lifestyle I was riding towards all along. Changing gears is what you need to grow in life, I just hope my legs can push the ones on my bike.
Words by Donna Miller.
Words by Donna Miller.
Thinking back nearly five years ago now, I was still working at Ski and Bike Kare in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Brightly colored wax shavings lightly fell to the floor as I pushed my plastic scraper along the base of another pair of skis, watching cars slowly cruise Main street out the tune shop window. Overjoyed that the next bike season was just around the corner, I vividly remember how stoked I was on rekindling my love for the mountain bike. That season was a steep learning curve filled with lots of crashes, cuts, bruises, and sore body parts, but I was consumed by bikes and I didn't mind the occupational hazards that came along with the sport.
I wanted to share my excitement with others and to me that meant getting bikes in the hands of more people. It didn't have to be a mountain bike, or any style of bike in particular, I just wanted to share the joy I found riding on two wheels, even if I wasn't there to see it.
Fast forward to 2015. During the span of time leading up to 2015 a lot of change occurred in my life; new jobs in the cycling industry inevitably led me to new friends and relationships, personal growth, and moving around until the thought of packing and unpacking my belongings one more time just seemed downright unbearable. Ultimately though, it gave me the tools, experience, and connections required to successfully plan and host the event I had originally dreamed of throwing for World Bicycle Relief (WBR) years ago.
I wanted to share my excitement with others and to me that meant getting bikes in the hands of more people. It didn't have to be a mountain bike, or any style of bike in particular, I just wanted to share the joy I found riding on two wheels, even if I wasn't there to see it.
Fast forward to 2015. During the span of time leading up to 2015 a lot of change occurred in my life; new jobs in the cycling industry inevitably led me to new friends and relationships, personal growth, and moving around until the thought of packing and unpacking my belongings one more time just seemed downright unbearable. Ultimately though, it gave me the tools, experience, and connections required to successfully plan and host the event I had originally dreamed of throwing for World Bicycle Relief (WBR) years ago.
"If you like to drink beer and you like to ride bikes, but most importantly you believe a bicycle is capable of completely changing a persons life, then Brews for Bikes may be the best event you attend all year. "
When the idea to throw a fundraising event for WBR first entered my mind, I was so blinded by enthusiasm that I really had no idea of what was needed to pull off a successful gathering. Many supporters while interested in helping, simply didn't have the means at the time to support my request for help; I didn't lose hope though. It was around three years later when I ran into a WBR representative at a bike shop happy hour in Texas, which re-ignited the flame and set my idea for Brews for Bikes back into motion.
Last year, with the help of so many great friends and cycling industry connections, I was able to see my vision come to life for an evening filled with so much positive energy. By successfully raising awareness and money, we were able to send 27 bikes to communities in Africa. Brews for Bikes was finally a reality.
Building upon the momentum that was generated from year one, Brews for Bikes will move from Golden to be hosted in Denver, Colo. for version 2.0, with a mission to send even more bikes to those who need them most. Putting a bike in the hands of an individual who has little means almost instantly improves quality of life. Transportation from one spot to another is now possible at four times the speed of walking, while carrying loads far heavier than the human body can support can also be accomplished. This in turn helps local businesses flourish, getting an education possible, and ultimately helps communities accomplish daily life tasks in a much more efficient manner.
If you missed last years event, don't fret, because the next Brews for Bikes is just a month away. Come out and join us to change lives through the "Power of Bicycles." Event details can be found on the flier posted above, and just to show you how much fun last year was, I'd strongly recommend taking a look at this post-event story about last year's Brews for Bikes.
More information about World Bicycle Relief and how you can become involved can be found here: The Power of Bicycles
- EH
Last year, with the help of so many great friends and cycling industry connections, I was able to see my vision come to life for an evening filled with so much positive energy. By successfully raising awareness and money, we were able to send 27 bikes to communities in Africa. Brews for Bikes was finally a reality.
Building upon the momentum that was generated from year one, Brews for Bikes will move from Golden to be hosted in Denver, Colo. for version 2.0, with a mission to send even more bikes to those who need them most. Putting a bike in the hands of an individual who has little means almost instantly improves quality of life. Transportation from one spot to another is now possible at four times the speed of walking, while carrying loads far heavier than the human body can support can also be accomplished. This in turn helps local businesses flourish, getting an education possible, and ultimately helps communities accomplish daily life tasks in a much more efficient manner.
If you missed last years event, don't fret, because the next Brews for Bikes is just a month away. Come out and join us to change lives through the "Power of Bicycles." Event details can be found on the flier posted above, and just to show you how much fun last year was, I'd strongly recommend taking a look at this post-event story about last year's Brews for Bikes.
More information about World Bicycle Relief and how you can become involved can be found here: The Power of Bicycles
- EH
The grand prize from 2015's event. A Spot Wazee inspired by WBR's Buffalo Bike. [photo links to bike details].
This years grand prize will be a different spin on the Buffalo. A 54cm Advocate Lorax should look sharp with custom graphics. [photo links to bike details].
I'm sitting here enjoying the remaining strawberry and whipped cream covered angel food cake that Donna strategically left in my refrigerator. (well played). This past weekend, some good friends of mine came out celebrate my birthday and send me into my final year as a twenty-something year old playing in the dirt on two wheels. To me, not much beats getting out and surfing some single-track with your friends to ring in a new year of life and the adventures that lie ahead. I'll keep the words short on this one and let the photos tell the stories... the ones shared round' the campfire can be left to the imagination.
For the full roll of images, head on over here!
Location // Oilwell Flats, Canõn City, CO
For the full roll of images, head on over here!
Location // Oilwell Flats, Canõn City, CO
Located a little over two hours South-West of Denver, Canõn City, CO is a diamond in the rough.
The past week was a little chaotic... Donna has been diligently preparing for some weekend school events for her students, while I have officially pressed the boost button for getting into the cycling season with work. After spending roughly 10 days on the road attending Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, CA, finding the time to ride surrounding a chaotic work schedule proved a bit difficult. Fortunately, I was able to explore some trails in Santa Cruz while managing to squeeze in a single ride from the venue on the flowy trails at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, CA.
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Meanwhile, Donna has been spending a fair amount of time at the climbing gym and on the rocks connecting with her inner-sender, climbing harder routes than she has in years past. This ought to translate well for pushing a loaded bike up a rocky pass, among the many other positive benefits climbing has to offer the body.
We've got some riding planned for the weekend ahead to celebrate my 29th birthday. We're headed to one of our new favorite spots; Canon City, CO with hopes of getting a good long day of riding in while we're there. The typical Colorado spring-time weather has managed to hold true to form with 70 degree days immediately followed by 12+ inches of snow... needless to say, consistent bike riding has been a bit of a challenge.
During this time of inconsistent riding it has been a good time for us to finalize our grass-roots sponsorship efforts. In turn, we have successfully gained some more supporters for the journey and we're proud to send a huge thanks to the following new supporters:
Shimano // Big Agnes // Industry Nine // Stans No Tubes // Ascention Sales Group [JetBoil]
Again, we could not be more thrilled to work with the brands that we trust in most, it is truly a great feeling.
-EH
During this time of inconsistent riding it has been a good time for us to finalize our grass-roots sponsorship efforts. In turn, we have successfully gained some more supporters for the journey and we're proud to send a huge thanks to the following new supporters:
Shimano // Big Agnes // Industry Nine // Stans No Tubes // Ascention Sales Group [JetBoil]
Again, we could not be more thrilled to work with the brands that we trust in most, it is truly a great feeling.
-EH
Colorado Trail
On July 16th, 2016 - we began our self-supported journey to through-bike the Colorado Trail from Durango to Denver in two weeks. We completed the trail on Saturday, July 31th with a total time of 15 days, 5 hours, and 10 minutes. This was the best two weeks of our lives!
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