Upon hitting Salt Lake City on Friday, we broke the 1,000 mile mark for the trip and decided that after eight straight days of trying to make up time after Jon's incident with a Nappa Autoparts truck it was time to take a break. After two interviews on Friday - KUTV-CBS2 and KSTU-FOX13 - we have given our legs and saddles some time to heal.

The producers of both shows asked if there was a place for Salt Lakers to join the ride. So, in about an hour we will be meeting an unknown number of people at the Salt Lake library and heading for the hills. I am really curious if: 1) anyone shows up, and 2) how pleased they will be to find out that they are signing up to climb Cottonwood Canyon, a 5,500ft vertical climb - far and away the hardest leg of the trip thus far.

We also have our fourth Ride to Sustain-er on board. Abigail Anthony, environmental economics PHD candidate and the only real athelete on this trip (her idea of fun is 1/2 ironman triathalons), is tagging along until Denver/Boulder, CO. I do not know what compelled her to sign on for the Rockies as we have about 50,000ft of climbing in the next nine days, with three passes over two miles high, but we're glad to have her.

Pushing me through this intimidating stretch of mountains is the goal of making Denver - the Mecca of this project. In Golden we are set to see National Renewable Energy Labs, National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, numerous interviews in Denver and the Rocky Mountain Institute a bit farther south if we can put in the extra two days of climbing.

Time to get on the road, reception may be spotty over the next few days but I'll do my best to talk to y'all before we clear the Rockies. Happy trails.

Note: Interview/itinerary suggestions for the trip can be emailed to me.