Durango

I have a fondness for highway 50, the "Loneliest Highway in America". Someone should tell that to the animals that live along the road. It was anything but lonely with all them critters on the road. We hit (but didn't kill) an elk, ran over a rabbit, and almost t-boned a cow. Don't drive this road at night.


After we reached Moab at 6am and got a few hours of sleep, we made it out to Sovereign Trail.


I thought a rigid bike might be just the thing. This is "Old Gold". The first singlespeed I ever built ('97).


We were lucky enough to spot the rare Hairless Albino Desert Ham sunning itself on the Slick rock. A sight to behold....


Wes at the Love Muffin Cafe with the Soulcraft "10 year" special. Was $8, now $10....


The people at the Love Muffin take special care with their customers, writing notes about their special needs for the cook.


On the way out of town we stopped here. Don't drive past this place. Worth the $5 tour.


We decided to take the "old" route.


Once in Durango it was straight to the pub for a "Run Whatcha Brung" bike show put on by Tom at Norse Cycles. Thanks for the drink tickets Tom. The guy in the middle there apparently has something for guys with multiple chins.....



This guy talks about himself in the 3rd person. "HB needs a beer!"



Durango's own Mr. King Cage in the middle. If you don't run his cages, you're supporting slave labor. If you do run his cages, you're supporting slave labor....



Don't tell anyone, but Soulcrafts really do grow on trees.


Next day met the guys from Lincoln NE for a ride. A nicer bunch you will not find.


Then it was to bed at 2am for a good night's sleep before the race. Except for Josh and Curtis.


Up early for stretching. Chris calls this one the "Deep Banana Blackout".


Despite reports to the contrary, Steve Smith was there...


Here we are standing in what I thought was the beer line. Nope. Just the singletrack to start the race.


After an hour of hiking, we reached the ridge for some killer views and rockyness.


Team Soulcraft at the finish.


Jacquie Phelan showed off her new Merkin.


Moments later Mitch hit the deck. Coincidence?


But he bounced back and made the scene.


What is it about a guy eating a hot dog? So sexy....


The crowd at Ska River for the after party. This is where I saw our new Soulcraft socks (which we had shipped to Durango Cyclery) being thrown out to the crowd as schwag. I bum rushed the stage and got 'em back.


Josh swept up the blood....

Guys in matching outfits and backpacks. Suspicious, yet intriguing.....


Matt Wills and Mitch Kline were kind enough to risk not making it to Durango and drove my new rig from Denver. Thanks guys.


Back on the road. Vegas here we come........