White Canyon Mesa

We have ridden 300 miles to date and have found a certain rhythm to our days. We have camped in primitive spots where I can run free. My favorite spot was on a sandstone mesa overlooking dramatic White Canyon. We usually go for a hike in the evening and again before loading up the bikes. We usually get to hike during the day as well - I love when we get to play in creeks. We are in Hanksville now after battling a ferocious headwind. I thought my trailer was going to fly off. 

Reyna Mountain Headwind 

Reynasazi

I know my pedigree says I'm a Belgian Boating Dog but running wild in Redrock Country makes me think otherwise. I've tapped into something primal. Maybe I inhaled some Anasazi spirit dust while exploring ruins. The Ancient Ones are evident everywhere and red rock and dust have settled into our pores. We are drinking from tinajas filled in the recent rains like those who came before. 

-Renasazi

Blanding hotel room

We've been threading the weather needle. Towns are few and far between but luckily we were safe in a hotel for the Easter storm. Rain and hail all day made us grateful for the shelter. Next day was cold riding up to Natural Bridges National Monument where we got the tent up before the next storm. We woke to snow showers. All the fresh snow made the surrounding mountains even more majestic as they contrasted against the fiery red buttes. 

I've gone feral!  I'm having so much fun running around Utah's wide open spaces. We've traveled 130 miles since we left Durango.  I like to ride standing up through the sunroof. The best was when Dad got going 43 mph on a downhill. I got some extra playtime yesterday when we had to fix 3 flat tires before starting the day's ride. I guess we shouldn't have camped in that field filled with goat head thorns. We  are now up to 7 flats in only 4 days of riding. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing now. I can't wait to explore more canyons and red rock!
- Reyna

I love Durango!  Thank you Scott and Mallory   I got to run wild at Animas river dog park which is part of the river path through town. A big climb leaving town, I better be extra cute so nobody regrets bringing me. From Reyna

SKA Brewery, Durango CO

Style Points

Instead of packing for our trip like we should have been, we went to "Open Studios". Artists open up their studios so the general public can peek around and soak up some culture and creativity. Our destination was to see Paul Nosa for this custom sewn buggy whip. Thanks Paul!

Dog and Pony Show

Our little traveling circus is preparing to hit the road. We will be crossing Southern Utah (see previous post for route map) on our Spring, self -supported bike tour. Stay tuned for posts from the road, most likely from Reyna - who will be testing out her new mode of transportation. She is already quite comfortable as a passenger on our urban outings. Now it is time to see if she shares her parents sense of adventure!

Utah Bike Tour map

View Bike Tour 2011 in a larger map

This is our proposed route. It's approximately 600 miles.