Another trip, another year

As the beginning of a new year, I thought it appropriate to explain my thoughts about the next Perfect Circles journey. Last summer 2014, I had a fabulous trek down the Pacific Coast to Mexico. Although I hit some road blocks along the way that prevented my plans being fully enacted, the trip was a success and I made it to the border and back home again. Now that I have been home this Fall, adjusting to a new job environment, dealing with housing issues and aligning myself with the crazy world around me, I am once again restless.

Thoughts of another bicycle odyssey for this next summer 2015 have been whirling in my mind all the while. At the start, I wasn't certain where I wished to ride next. I've had thoughts and ideas: Grand British Columbia loop...that would have to wait until I did more research and had a few more tours under my belt. Coast to Coast...not ready to do this yet due to time constraint and travel logistics to and from. Iceland...I know right? Iceland? Yes, someday I would like to cycle Iceland's Route 1 which circles the Island. However, that trip is a bit expensive and would require more research. Atlantic Coast...travel logistics and cost. So, where did that leave me? Where do I cycle to?

Monument Valley

That's right. As a huge fan of western movies, I think it would be amazing to be riding through the picturesque valley that so many westerns have been filmed. I love the simplicity and the openness and the beauty of the frontier. So, as I mount my mechanical horse, Monument Valley will be my destination. And as I was planning my route, I decided to head south to Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lake Tahoe since I missed that on my last trip. From there I will brave the heat and desolation of the Great Basin desert as I check the 30th state of my list and will meander my way through Utah, visiting Zion National Park before I arrive in Monument Valley. Since I will be close, I hope to visit Four Corners and cross the Colorado border to visit Mesa Verde National Park. From there, I cross back into Utah to Moab/Arches National Park and make my way north to Salt Lake City, cross Idaho and back home through Eastern Oregon...making it about a 2700 mile journey. Nine weeks, riding about 50 miles a day allowing one rest day per week.

Sound doable? Jealous? Want to join me?

Anyhow, with anything, plans change. But as of January 1, 2015, this is the plan. It will be hot and dry and have many remote stretches. Challenging? Yes. But so was the Pacific Coast. This will be a different type of challenge I believe. But seriously, if you want to join, be my guest.

There you have it.