Another 800+ miles down, many more to go. I parted ways with my newest friends at the end of last month, and started my eastward journey. I biked in 100+ degree weather from Vallejo, CA to the foothills of the Sierra’s. The Day I reached Placerville, I was severely dehydrated and in pretty rough shape. Luckily, a local Placerville resident/fellow bike tourist came to my rescue, bought me a jamba juice, let me sleep in his backyard and loaded me up with protein supplements and Electrolyte replacers. The Next day I started the climb up into the Sierra’s. Over the course of 42 miles, I climbed over 7,000 ft in well over 90 degree weather. It was the most difficult thing I have ever put my body and mind through. When I got to Lake Tahoe, I took a few short days to ride around the lake, and do some route planning. I made the decision to follow U.S 50 through Nevada and make my way into southern Utah. I was originally going to follow the I-80 Corridor, and head up to Salt Lake City, but decided to take the road less traveled, and push my body and mind even further. Plus, southern Utah is the most rad place on the planet. I crossed Nevada in 5.5 days, that included my longest day yet at 110 miles. Luckily some cooler weather followed me along the way, but that also brought a lot of rain/thunderstorms. I’ve been rained on almost everyday in the desert, while it was welcomed for a bit, it’s not fun being wet and cold all day. It’s been lonely in the desert, I miss my friends and family but I feel more alive and more inspired than I ever imagined I would be. If there is any wisdom I can pass along, it’s do exactly what you want to do and take risks. There is a way to make it happen, trust me. That being said, take care of your mind and body along the way. Sometimes it feels selfish, but you aren’t doing the world or the people around you any favors by not taking care of yourself first. I’m photographing my cousins wedding next month and I am beyond stoked. See you soon Michigan. Next big stop is Denver. Until next time….