Hello! Your favorite Spokester, Will, is back again for Day 27. Today was a pretty tough day. From Montrose to Gunnison, we climbed two pretty tough hills, which did a number on my legs. However, we were rewarded with one of my favorite descents of the entire trip, accompanied by a beautiful view and some thunderstorm danger (we escaped).
We’re staying in Crested Butte, CO, tonight, which is actually picture-perfect. I swear every state we visit on this trip, I want to move to (with the exception of Nevada, sorry you were super cute just a little empty!) San Francisco will always have a special place in my heart, but the natural beauty of Colorado genuinely takes my breath away. Every time we round a bend on our bikes, you can hear someone on the team let out a “Whoaaaaaaaaa” because it is just that pretty. I’m having too much trouble choosing which photos should go on Instagram.
Gorgeous Crested Butte. Literally a postcard.
Here are some updates with how things are going in bike-adjacent fields.
Currently reading: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. My dad bought this for me a few years ago for Christmas - I have been so excited about reading it because I’ve heard rave reviews about it. I’ve finally gotten the chance to crack it open, and it has not disappointed!!! I’ve read two stories from the book so far, and they are so heartfelt - Tan writes with such emotion and beauty. As a son of immigrants, I’ve related to a lot of the cultural references in the book, and it’s only made me more grateful for my connection to my family & Chinese culture. To my lovely family at home, I miss you all very, very much and can’t wait to see you again!
Simply the best
Currently listening to: The 1975, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Mt. Joy, FISHER. These are some of my favorite artists to listen to on a daily basis back home, and All of them provide a lovely atmosphere for any biking environment - when there’s a speedy downhill, the electropop keeps me energized and excited. When we’re surrounded by nature, the indie rock helps me appreciate the beauty of Mother Earth. When we’re powering up a hill, I need the extra boost and heavy bass of the house music to keep pushing.
A Mt. Joy kind of moment
Currently eating: the amazing spaghetti with bolognese sauce, zucchini, and avocado that our host and Stanford alum, Heather, made for us! We rarely get nice, warm veggies on this trip, and Heather’s zucchini was actually to die for. This trip has made me so grateful for every warm meal we receive - all of our hosts have been so incredible in cooking for us, and each post-bike dinner is very much appreciated. Thank you so much!!!
Tomorrow, we are climbing our first “Hors Categorie” hill - bike climbs are typically classified into Categories 1-4, with 4 being the easiest. Hors categorie apparently is “beyond categorization” - maybe when I round the bend before the hill tomorrow, my “Whoaaaaaaaaa” will be a little less exciting. I am a little scared, but we will push through. Off to get some rest!
What I’m imagining tomorrow’s hill looks like.
Will
P.S. SHOUTOUT to Bluecorn Cafe in Montrose, CO for the best vegan bowl I’ve ever had. So so yum.
