Twilight was when we left the National Guard Armory in Cedar City. Anxious to get started on the 5000+ foot climb out of town to Cedar Breaks National Monument. The weather was clear and cool in town but a little windy as we entered the canyon for the initial ascent. LeeAnne, Chad, Sarah, Rob, Kevin, Erin, and I formed a little group of riders into the canyon to shelter each other from the wind and a little chit chat. Sarah and LeeAnne’s bikes even got into the act with a little touching of the wheels. The sign, as we began upward, read 8% grades ahead. (Meaning for every 100 feet forward the road rises 8 feet)

During the climb, which took about an hour and forty-five minutes, I found myself alone with my bike. I quite enjoy this sort of physical effort because it gives me time to reflect on quite a bit. During the pauses in saying the Rosary in my head I can think about what this tour means. And it seems to be meaning many things to me, which almost change daily. Today I really thought a lot about how The Catholic Campaign for Human Development funds the types of projects it does. How one person can make a difference and with a little help from an organization like CCHD a lot of people can be effected positively. I am new to social service and currently in the RCIA program at St. Thomas the Apostle in Phoenix, AZ so that is why this type of thing is on my mind while pedaling up 8% gradients. Plus the more you let your mind go to God and positive things, to me; it seems to take away the burning in the legs.

The initial rest stop was not at the official summit but at a nice level ridge. During the climb up, past all the AWESOME Utah vistas, the temperature fell about 15 degrees to around 40-45. I don’t carry a computer so I can’t be more scientific other than I could see my breath. The fancy colorful lycra cyclists wear is not that insulating and shorts don’t do much. Getting off my bike I fell over because the feeling in my feet and legs had left me temporarily. No harm done just a few minutes in the sun at the rest stop and off again safe and sound.

The next rest stop was a bit of a treat. We found a spruce tree that had been chopped down and abandoned which made for an impromptu Christmas in June tree. After that Chad and I made our own rest stops for ice cream at Panguitch Lake and a bagel in Panguitch. I think I’m eating my way across the U.S. After 20 miles we entered Bryce Canyon National Park. My words would not do it justice. Simply beautiful are the red rock, slick rock and granite formations of this area in Utah. We arrived at our campsite, which consisted of a row of teepees that we get to stay in for two nights. How fun? Like little kids, we are so blessed.

We got to have mass at St. Dominic’s Mission in Bryce Canyon, UT. Bishop George Niederauer celebrated mass with us on his birthday. Several parishioners from Christ the King in Cedar City and other parishes also came out. After mass the Knights of Columbus from Cedar City fed us with an incredible feast of a cookout. Again eating my way across. After dessert it was off to the teepee to sleep in because the 15th is a day off and no riding.

Hello to all my friends and family that have sent emails. Please keep them coming. I miss you all. Especially my love and my wife Cathleen I love you. See you soon………

Duncan