Day 19: Vernal, UT to Craig, CO

Today was one of the most challenging rides of the summer. We went 120 miles to cross the state line from Utah to Colorado. As a team, we had 5 total flats and multiple bike issues, making for a long 10 hour ride. I have a bike computer that I use to track statistics, and I spent roughly 7.5 hours in the saddle. That probably explains why my butt is killing me. It felt like Utah flew by. The group is all really excited for Colorado and the Rocky Mountains ahead. We got into the small town of Craig in the late afternoon, where we stayed at the Boys and Girls Club. After munching on the 5 dollar fill your box at KFC, our group went to a friendship visit at a local park. We rolled into the park to see 17 Journey of Hope shirts hanging on a clothesline under a park shelter and tons of people waving us in. This friendship visit is rooted in history, and it was so cool seeing how excited the people are to see JOH North come through each year. The potluck dinner was incredible, and the evening transitioned into a full scale water balloon fight. This was probably the most intense water balloon fight of my life, full of hundreds of balloons, water guns, and launchers. Some noteworthy shots include Kyle launching one from the upper deck and nailing Richard in the face, and Brando's blind shot to other Kyle's lower end. The funniest and most painful are the water balloons that don't break and just smack people in the back. My entire team tux was soaked by the end of the night, and it was one of my favorite friendship visits so far.

The Boy's and Girl's Club made this banner for our arrival.

Shoutout to this fan girl. For every mile that I ride on the bike, this gal does a sit-up. I'll post an eight pack photo at the end of the trip.