Flights were on time, bike arrived unscathed, met some great new friends and my credit card got cancelled, but all in all a great first day in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Roger wrote ”Life-changing article” on the cover of the issue and over the years he’d tour many different countries, working for two years to save enough money so he could pedal for two years.
It was also funny to learn he did not inform his wife they would be having a house guest until two days before my arrival.
They were gracious hosts and have been married 28 years.
Other people I met in one day.
James gave me the thumbs up at the airport. I had no idea who he was but we were from the same tribe, both hauling huge cardboard bike boxes into checkin at United Airlines. James got his box through the large-item security while I was still being grilled about why I was traveling with a big screen TV.
James was 27 and a racer. “Your career lasts as long as you don’t mind crashing,” he said. Then he held up his arm so I could see the big fresh red scab running down his elbow.
“I hit the fencing on a turn… but at least it was padded, so this isn’t too bad.”
I met Darryl as I pedaled Salt Lake City, looking for a grocery. He was a Maverick. High energy, owns a vehicle upholstery business, has six bicycles in his collection, and was busy trying to roll what remained of a 1915 jalopy into place as yard art.
I stopped to watch the show and was quickly recruited to help shove it in place. It was a hunk of metal with wooden spoke wheels. Darryl found it on marketplace and traveled 200 miles round trip to get it home.
Met George at his shop, George’s Alternative Uses Demolition and Salvage. His business focused on recycling discarded building material.
George came outside armed with a wrench; I had asked for help tightening a nut on my handlebar headset.
After the quick fix I toured his awesome store with narrow paths between displays. I was pleasantly impressed he knew exactly where that one wrench was located.
Thanks for following along on the 2025 tour from Salt Lake City, UT to Wisconsin. This year’s tour is intended to highlight previous Winter Olympics as we head into the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy.
Local speed skater Jordan Stolz is expected to compete in four events and if you would like to be part of Team Jordan feel free to pledge your support by using the QR code below courtesy the Dan Jansen Foundation.
Jansen’s foundation is a 501c3 and he’s agreed to donate 100% of all support noted to Jordan Stolz. Be part of Team Stolz today.