UnReal - A 4k MTB Film

I don't typically repost this stuff, but everything from Teton gravity research and the crew at Anthill Films note worthy! 

Breakin' my heart!!!!

Mr. Brown without a tag.... I hope you found your way back buddy! 

I run across a lot of interesting things on the road! One thing that I've learned to deal with is the encounters of dogs as I'm riding past their properties.  Most of the time, they come from the bushes with a fury of snarling barks, and I quickly neutralize these with a couple gutteral screams! A lot of times though, i'll be listening to podcasts or music, and won't notice that they're following me....which tells you that most of these bad boys are all bark, and no bite.  When I notice these frolicking fellas, I'll stop and see if I can get them to return to their house, I'll check to see if there is a dog tag with a number to call.  It always breaks my heart when there is no number and the dog is obviously not near their homes.  

Since I started this trip, I met the owner of a company called Dog Tag Art.  Jack's company helps Keep Best Friends Together.

Jack on a ride we did in North Carolina.   

I also ordered one for my dog Jax back in Michigan.   

Olivia and Jax With his 'Destination Nowhere' tag

​Here's Blu with a custom-made tag with his owner's picture on it.  You can upload any type of image you want to add to the tags. 

"You're my boy Blu!!!" 

Ruger on the run!  This guy ran next to me for 2 miles, and luckily he had a tag on.  I called the owners (little old couple in their 80's) and they came and picked him up.  

If you don't have a tag for your pet, do yourself a favor (and the random tour cyclist that befriends your fuzzy best friend) and save the heart ache when they go missing. This company is a little different, as they have a system (virtual lease) that builds a custom website for your buddy, so they don't need to be chipped to see the details about your pet, they can literally pull up the website on their smart phone from anywhere.  

Go to DogTagArt.Com and use the promo code DTAFRIEND to receive a discount on your tag.  

Saved from the Kansas twister!!!

Bill & Lady!!!! 

Yesterday as I rode from Lawrence Kansas towards my campsite at Melvern Resivoir, and about 15 miles away from my destination I realize there was a pretty gnarly storm approaching. There was no way I was going to make it, and I had no choice but to pull over and find either a safe place to camp, or ask one of the locals for help. This is where I met Bill Bailey & his family during my ride. He provided me shelter from a pretty wicked storm! Graciously he and his family allowed me to hang out, have dinner, and learn about Kansas life (they have a lot of "Storm Stories")!!!  

Through our talks, I found out Bill was recently diagnosed with paralysis of the liver, and only has about 10% remaining at this point. We conversed, celebrated his Great Grandsons 1st birthday, ate cake and ice cream and talked about the recent clothing restrictions at the local high school with his grand daughter Katherine.  He was inspired by my trip, but what he didn't realize was that in locating people like him, I'm inspired everyday to continue moving (slowly) across the country!  

Carrie, Bill, Ashley and Katherine

The view of the Baileys ranch as I rode into the Kansas hill country.   

St. Louis - Graffiti Flood Wall

Cool graffiti area in St. Louis. Over the years, the city has utilized the flood wall as a great vehicle for artists to express themselves.  Measuring over two miles, it's a cool example of how cities can re-purpose their spaces into something beautiful.   Here's some of my favorites!

Thanks McCormicks!

From Left:  Josiah, Eva, Sherry, Brad.  Not pictured: Beth Ellen (sleeping) and their eldest son Elijah (Colorado).

Thanks McCormick family for putting me up for the night near Harrisburg, IL. I arrived pretty distressed from my longest day yet (80 miles) during brutal temperatures nearing 100 degrees.  Eva was practicing the piano when I arrived, totally sun-burned and nearing heat exhaustion.  She brought me life giving watermelon and ice water!!!!

We enjoyed dinner and breakfast and talked about my trip, and I learned they too are hoping to do a similar trip as a complete family (of 6) in the coming years.  It was during these conversations I realized how truly lucky I am to be able to be making this voyage.  We parted ways with a family blessing for me, which is something I'll always remember.