Royal Gorge, CO to Guffey, CO
Miles: 23
Total so far: 2,735
Looking back over the climb we had today - we are at altitude
We climbed to 8,600 feet today to arrive at Guffey, Colorado, a must-stop spot on the Trans Am. Guffey is a little difficult to explain. It’s a small town of about 35 residents, and they are an active bunch.
Bill Soux
We met Bill Soux, the local proprietor of Guffey Garage, curator of the Guffey Museum, and the owner of the Guffey Antique Shop. Bill rents buildings for anything from honeymoons to storage. Bill hosts Trans-Am cyclists at the Guffey Historical Hostels, no charge, but a donation is requested.
The Guffey Garage - Bill says nothing of his is for sale, so don't ask
The cyclist hostel, our quarters for the evening
The kitchen - no lights, no gas, no plumbing, no problem
The bunk area
Bill is the originator of the Fourth of July Chicken Fly and several other community events. the Chicken Fly is a competition that involves children pushing chickens out of a mailbox with a toilet plunger from a tower and measuring for the longest flight. The record is some 185 feet, and it must be noted, no birds are ever harmed during the competition. Proceeds from the event have contributed to the building of a fire station and a charter school.
Images from the Guffey Museum:
Fourth of July Chicken Fly advocate
I'm not sure how to explain much of what's here...
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Bill Soux's certificate of appreciation for hosting cyclists in the original 1976 Bikcentennial
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Tomorrow’s ride is dedicated to Lisa Lyn Swisher
Lisa Lyn Swisher
Lisa Swisher was a veteran of 4 years in the United States Marine Corps. Lisa, a native of Aurora, Colorado, was killed by a drunk driver going the wrong way on a freeway on January 20, 2007.
In Memory of Warmer Summers 
Carl and Sallie,
I just love reading every single adventure you have had on this incredible trip! It just makes me want to grab a bike and join you both! Thanks so much for the faithful updates, amazing pictures, and keeping those precious loved ones memories alive. Ever want to write a book, I’ll be the first to buy one….
Marylin*
Madd northwest Florida Affiliate
What a group of characters you have encountered. You will have such wonderful stories and memories you will have from this trip. I follow everyday and pray for you everyday. I will pray for Lisa and her family and pray that one day no one has to understand the anguish so many of these families as well as myself have come to understand. Again, thank you and bless you. Have a good evening.
Jessica
Oh, Wow! This was a fun sight and read! I noticed you placed the bikes in more than 1 pic today. Hmmm….I’m thinking we might need to try the Chicken Fly at a GDB event…except maybe we could use those ugly rubber chckens instead of real chickens. What do you think?
As always, your stories of the present are fun and exciting. The stories of the past are sad and sobering. It’s always a bittersweet read.
Your GDB buddies are following you. Some have posted. Some are “posers”. We all think about you and wish you and your sister a safe journey.
my grandson corey holland was killing by drunk driving on sept 24 2010. dedicated to corey holland 16 year old ilove you miss you a lot.
Carl, you are really putting up some fun and interesting pics.
Keep ’em comin’ Almost 3,000 miles. Great job.
Welcome to Colorado, Carl. Glad to see you made it to our beautiful state. Good luck in Wyoming. Your MADD family has been following your journey. My name is Laurie and I am a Victim Advocate in the MADD Colorado Springs office. Keep up the good work! Have a safe journey, you make me tired just reading about all those miles…on a bicycle no less! Go Carl!!!!!
Dear Carl, I just donated to your efforts in memory of my beloved mother and stepfather who were killed by a drunk driver 2 years ago in the state of Florida.
I would be honored if you would dedicate one of your ride days to Harriet Phillips and Frank Colavita.
Thank you,
Lisa Phillips