the road to Zion

headwinds. 23mph. all day. 

gotta admit, our ride into Zion was one of the toughest we've had all trip. physically I felt fine; mentally, the wind took it to me. 

coming off a stealth camp right off the main drag in Cedar City, we stocked up on provisions to avoid the higher prices in Utah's parks over the next week, and made our way down interstate 15 south. 

with a flat tire five minutes in, skirting around police cars (since we were unsure if bikers were even allowed on the interstate) enforcing the 80mph speed limit, and a wind that would've humbled any seasoned tourer, we fought tooth and nail to make it the 30-mile jaunt south from Cedar City in order to turn east into Zion's canyons.

two glorious stops (in the shade of a Seventh-day Adventist Church and a gas station with free ICE just before a climb) were critical to reaching the town of Springdale, the heart of Zion's tourist industry. we passed upscale eateries and hotels nestled along the red road leading to the base of Zion magnificent canyons and plateaus. rock shops, cycle shops, souvenirs and more - Zion definitely caters to the wealthier vacationer, and even at this time of the year, is hopping with 'em. 

in fact, were it not for a last-minute cancellation (made as we were being told the campground had no spots available) we might have been on the side of the road again tonight. but our Lord is good, and knows all our needs, and meets them. we were blessed with an amazing campsite that we will almost certainly stay at tomorrow night as well in order to fully experience & enjoy Zion's hikes and scenery tomorrow. 

thanks again for the overwhelming support and love we've received and felt on this trek. 

until next time,

may the wind be always at your back

josh & mark

the lifecycle team