simplybrad

It was a great trip and one that I reflect upon quite regularly. From seeing new parts of the country, revisiting familiar places to reconnecting with family, this trip was much more than a bike ride.

Some insignificant data:

11 States
5,595 miles
121.5 gallons of petrol
46.05 mpg with average fuel cost of $2.85 a gallon
8 nights with family
3 nights in hotels
3 nights in campgrounds

For the last time on this trip, I am up early. The difference today is I am on mission to get home. Up to this day it has been about seeing family and seeing the western US. I am ready for this to be over and see my kids. In a few years I hope similar trips will be made with us all together and all on our own bikes.

It is boring in Nebraska. There is this strange phenomena in the middle of this state. It begins with this black spot on the horizon, a half hour before you even get to it. As you get closer you think your eyes are playing tricks on you. There appears to be a "fort" sitting in the middle of the interstate. Not until you get close to it do you see that it is over the interstate. I know it is purely a tourist attraction envied by Wall Drug. All I can think of as I ride past it is "that was money well spent." It is quite architecturally obscene to the visual senses.

It is a gorgeous morning. I love this part of Colorado and wish I could have enjoyed more of it when was going to school in Denver. After checking out, I take a few photos before heading east on I-70.

Just past Georgetown I get onto 40 heading north. This road goes through Winter Park. At Grandby I catch 34 heading east, winding my way through Rocky Mountain National Park. I have been through here before a long time ago. It is still a spectacular drive, made even better on a bike. It is on this road that I am probably on the highest elevation of my trip, completely above tree-line. Throughout the park I see Elk and Mountain Sheep. At the top the weather is turning nasty and it is cold. I would say the temp was 45F compared to the 100F of the valley. As lightening is flashing and angry clouds are rolling by, thunder announces it's presence. Next to where I park is a sign at the foot of a trail leading to the crown of the pass. It informs you that it is not a good idea to climb this trail (maybe 500 yards) during lightening storms. I pass on going up the trail.

I departed in the morning and it is already heating up, it is suppose to be 114F again. I am sent off by all and thankful for the hospitality and seeing my other brother and his family.

Getting out of Phoenix is a lot easier than getting out of SoCal. I am heading north on 87 to Payson and then onto 260 east to Herber. Going through this area is gorgeous. I am now getting back into some woodland areas, temperatures are cooler and there is a lot to look at. his area is part of the Mogollion Plateau area. I pick up 277/377 to Holbrook. Somehow along this route my sleeping bag jumped shipped. Fortunately I was able to recover it easily. Using Carter's GPS is kind of nice. It is one of the smaller ones but it does have roads and exits noted. I programmed some of my major stops along the way and it gave me estimated times of arrivals and much more information. Very cool. Though I never got lost (except for the SoCal incident), it was reassuring that the feedback from the GPS confirmed where I thought I was.

I awake to send-off Carter to work for the morning. Dana went to pick up Americano's and bagels for breakfast. Yummy. I think Dana is Starbucks' best customer.

After chilling for the morning, the boys - Riley and Carson - need to the pool. Great for burning some energy off and mandatory in this weather, 114F. The boys demonstrate their swimming stunts, or controlled drownings, depending on how you look at it.

I awoke to the kids getting up and Jordan getting ready for school. After saying thanks and goodbye to everyone, Jason heads to work and I get my things together. I am heading over to Phoenix today to see my other brother and his family.

I was going to head over to Indio via 79/371/74. I did not quite make it there the way I thought I was going too. Somehow I ended up back on 79 by Winchester. Not far from where I left this morning. Having traveled across the country and basically knowing where I am at I manage to get lost in my brother's backyard. Go figure. Maps and reality are very different in this area. Aside from my brother, his family, and the beach, I am not finding very many redeeming qualities about SoCal (oh, except for maybe all the gorgeous SoCal girls all over the place). Now knowing where I am, I basically retrace my route back to I-10 that took a few days earlier.

[Shame on me. I am now getting back to writing about the rest of my road trip. Time flies when your busy with family, work and then bam! - kids are back in school. Great photo Renee, thanks.]

Besides resting today I have to get a few items. Mainly chain lube and an iGo adapter for my phone. Somehow I managed to break the adapter where it goes into the phone.

Somehow, and I am not sure how, Renee and Jason managed to round-up the kids and get them into the van. No small feat. I know how tough it is with just two.

I slept great. I must have crashed when my head hit the pillow. Awaken by Dylan, I am soon introduced to my nieces and nephews. All together there is four kids in the SoCal Simpson Family. Two boys, Jordan and Dylan. And two girls, Melia and Katlyn. Three of which I have not met in person until now.

It is good to be here. As the day goes on, the kids and I warm up to one another. They are a delight. Everyone gets ready to head over to the beach. It is fun watching Jason and Renee get the family ready. Smiling to myself, I remembering when my boys were that age. They are busy. We all get into the van and head for the beach. Carter will be upset to find out I have taken over the favorite uncle status, even if only for a few days.

Sleep did not come easy. The wind was fierce all night. Not sleeping well, I take short naps until 8:00. Packed and on the road by 8:45, I head out of Zion, in awe of this area. Destination tonight is to see my brother Jason and his family in California.

Back through the tunnel and over to UT89 south to Fredonia where I pick up AZ ALT89. I am taking the long way but I am on a mission. I need to get my moneys-worth out of my National Park Pass. I am going to see the Grand Canyon. Everyone has told me how packed it is and to bypass it. The traffic being a nightmare. I must be golden because traffic has been light through all the parks so far.

Last night I had a sandwich and an Amstel in my room. It was okay but I was not happy. I thought I might have a good meal to celebrate my birthday. No such luck. I went to a place called the Spotted Dog Cafe. Skip this place. I was seated only after wandering around to find the hostess. Once seated, I never was waited on. We are talking 20 plus minutes of trying to get someone's attention. I ended-up leaving the place. Fodor's calls it a "pearl in the desert." Skip this place. After todays activities, I resolve to find a place off the main drag.