Big Picture: Cycling in the West...so far

So far, cycling the National Parks has far exceeded all of my expectations. The flags on the map represent the cycling I've done in the Black Hills, Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches National Park and Bryce Canyon. Thus far I've biked 255 miles and climbed 24,500 vertical feet and burned over 16,000 calories, which means that I can drink a few beers now.

All rides have been exciting and rewarding in their own ways, but without a doubt, the cycling highlights have been Trail Ridge Road at the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Black Hills ride through Mount Rushmore.

There is so much more to come, including Wasatch National Forest in Utah, the Tetons and, of course, Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park.