Blake Bikes Baja

Ciudad Constitucion, Mexico... 875 miles from Dana Point, CA

Two weeks down; one week left on the road! 

Updates from Blake: 

Tuesday, Dec. 24th 2:30 pm - I rode 97 miles through the desert mountains with at least 30 mph back wind pushing me!!! Two nights  ago I had a super nice hotel with no cell reception and no wifi in the coolest mountain desert, I rode for like over 8 hours 70+ miles with the heaviest my bike has ever been! Glad to be here and done with it! 

Thursday, Dec. 26th 11:58 am -  I just got to San Ignacio !! I'm at rice and beans rv park drinking fresh limeade and gettin hooked up with some good food! 5 liters of juice in biodegradable cans! I've had gas station pasta and sauce for dinner the last 7 out of 11 days!!!

Friday, Dec. 27th 12:13 pm - Windy day in Santa Rosalia!!! It was mostly good! I rode down the (grade to hell) Cuesta del infierno today!!! That was nice! Just got back from walking around, finding the bank and a bike shop and got a pizza! Now I'm eating and watching romantic Mexican music videos thinking about you! {tehehehe :)} I was chillin at my camp site and this dude I met from Germany asked me if I wanted to go have a beer in town.  I said yes and it was almost dark. It was a really sick town with a plaza and a super cool lava rock church mission. And there were dates everywhere!!! It was a desert oasis!!! I stayed til like 830. And his camp was in town and mine was a mile out of town. So it was really dark and cool to ride but I was scared I wouldn't find my camp! But I did after I got chased by a dog! And there was this giant light night over my tent! I kept turning it on and someone kept turning it off. Then this dog pissed on my tent an would not leave my camp! Then 2 big ass motor  homes pulled in and had a ton of little kids and were so loud and they had to have the light on and set up their whole camp! My tent was full of sand! It was so fine it blew through bug net. Then later I had to get up and turn the light off... Then it turned on again and I almost lost it on this security guy. 

I decided I'm moving to Mexico and working for jumex!! I love their juice!!!

I got a hotel!!! No hot water too:( 

Saturday, Dec. 28th 3:17pm -  Made it to Buenaventura! Camping on the beach tonight! So beautiful here I wish you were here!!! 

Sunday, Dec. 29th 12:33 pm - Just got to Loreto! It is a awsome rv park!  Got up at 7, the sun wasn't quite up and got my things ready easily! Perfect night listing to the waves on the beach! The ride was hilly and very pretty. Nice tail wind all morning and was here before I knew it!!! I'm at the Rivera del mar rv park and camping, about to have a pizza party for this guy!!! Doing laundry and listening to autobiography of a yogi...

Monday, Dec. 30th 12:21 pm - I didn't stock up this morning cuz I thought the next town would be bigger... It wasn't, so I had to ride back with super strong head winds!! Now I don't know of I should go or rest for tomorrow. I just got to a nice rv park!!! Got the biggest hill on the west coast tomorrow. 

Tuesday, Dec. 31st 2:51 pm - Chillin with an awsome baby cat eatin sushi by the pool!! There were a coupe of check points on the road. They just let me through since I don't speak Spanish. They ask where I'm going and where I started. They're very nice!! They drive up and down the peninsula every day. I always smile and see how many I can get to the give me the peace sign and wave. They're all like our age!! In army trucks rolling like 15 deep. They're military with all the gear and machine guns. I'm gettin some mosquito bites:( There is so many butterfly's always fly around I've seen like every color possible!! My one guilty pleasure of the trip was from this bakery that opened in 1901 it was still warm from the oven!! I want one right now! I had a kinda big salad and a large pizza and two sushi rolls and like 7 liters of juice all day and I'm still hungry. Well I'm gonna read and I have to put my phone on the charger far away from my tent soo good night happy new year! Look forward to another year with the woman of my dreams!!! Love you sooo much!!!!! {just wanted to slide that one in there!} 

                     

                     

                     

                     

                   

                    

                    

                          

                                      DREAM BIG, RIDE FAR BLAKE!! 

Blake Bikes Baja

Dana Point, California to San Quinton, Mexico... 264 miles

I haven't had much contact with Blake since he's left, but he's been good about trying once a day to keep me posted. He has pictures but has not been able to send them, hopefully soon! 

On Wednesday Blake rode to Ensenada and found an RV park to camp at. He was able to call that night. It was 6pm and he was getting to sleep... He said it was a rougher day then he planned because there were some hills. "But it's fun going up then going down, going up then going down," he said. 

I hate riding up hill. Blake has always seen further and said "if you go up then you must go down, and that's my favorite." I feel like that's how Blake views life. He is really good at looking beyond the difficult moment, or the season we are in and knowing that there's a future, a change coming. Life is so much about riding up those difficult hills and then rejoicing when you can soar down them. I would like to work on thinking more like Blake during those up hills; that working hard for your reward IS the reward and pushing through, past what you THOUGHT your limit was, will only make you stronger. And then you can be grateful for those few seconds of downhill when the wind is in your hair and you are flying, knowing you worked hard for it! 

On Thursday it was raining so Blake stopped early in St. Thomas for a hotel. He called from a gas station because there was no service or wifi. He said he was good and that he was eating well (happened upon a juice bar) and to make sure to tell his parents where he was. 

Yesterday I only got one text from him saying he was in San Quinton and he missed me (❤️.) 

My girlfriends ask if I'm worried and scared... Of course I am. But I have FAITH in the unknown and the unseen. I have faith that Blake is going through every experience that's intended for him. Talking to my bestie who's husband is going to go through 3 months of hard military training in a different state at the same time she is going to have their first son... Well I'm SUPER THANKFUL for my situation and I'm so BLESSED to be surrounded by other women who are strong in their independence and in their relationships! 

No pictures yet but I'm sure when they come in they will be great! Did anyone follow Blake while he rode from Monument, Colorado to Santa Fe, New Mexico in the summer of 2011? 

                                    Dream Big, Ride Far

             

Blake Bikes Baja

My Big Dreamer,

You rode away on your trusty Cannondale today with your bags full and a smile on your face. I know that we were both holding back the tears of saying goodbye. They came pouring out once you were around the corner. I got ready for work, worked, and came home thinking of you every minute. You know I am only sad because I hate missing you, my best friend. But it's just a "vacation" right? That's what we kept telling eachother so the word "goodbye" wouldn't actually be said.

I am so PROUD of you! I am proud of the dreams you have and the determination to actually get out there and do them. You are so inspiring to not only me but everyone around you and even those who don't know you (the ones I get to brag about you to.) I admire your courage to be able to leave your comfort zone. I look up to your strength to take your body to it's limits. I appreciate your trust in me to let you go on your journey. You have always made me want to be a better version of myself, and this trip that you are taking is challanging me to keep pushing my own limits, as you push yours.

I hope that you find everything you are looking for. I hope that you get quiet enough to listen to your inner workings. I hope that you see things that twist your view of the world upside down. I hope that your tires keep spinning and your legs keep pushing. I hope that you won't miss me or your family because you are in such an amazing place. I hope that you find lots and lots of fresh fruits and veggies! I hope that you forgive yourself for eating too much rice and beans and guacamole. I hope that you get as many miles as you can in every day. I hope that you get to hang out enough to appreciate where you are at. I hope that you and I will see the same sunsets over the same ocean.

I'm lucky that I know who you are when you are on the road, with just your bike, clothes, and camping gear. I know how happy it makes you. I know how there are no words to describe the peace and simplicity of that white line on asphalt and I'm so happy that you are strong enough to say that you wanted that again, and in our neighboring country no less. Viva Mexico!

Thank you for being my Big Dreamer and Riding Far! Can't wait to see you in Cabo, at the end of your grand adventure!! Merry Christmas and Happy New year, my love.




I was thinking during the last few weeks that Blake couldn't go one month after our three month adventure in Colorado before he started thinking up another one. I know that Mexico has been heavy on his heart and I am so proud of him for finding this season now to listen to himself and take this journey. Blake's been enjoying his time off of work, but that in no way means he hasn't been working hard. He's been doing yoga, biking in Laguna, running on the beach, and focusing on good nutrition in order to prepare for what he's about to put his body through on this trip. He's been reading and researching bike routes through Baja and making good enough arguments to help me become comfortable with this trip as well, which was hard work. I had been asking him if he was ready to tell his parents what he was doing, and I think it took a few weeks to get there, but once he did I could tell he felt a little less weight off his shoulders. {Thanks for being so supportive, Shawn and Mary! I know that he wouldn't be able to do this with a peaceful mind without you guys.}

Yesterday we set our intentions on celebrating one anothers' strength in going forward in this dream. We had a great run on the beach, watching the sun rise. Then we took our blanket back to the beach, played in the sand, and watched the sun go down. It was the most incredible sunset I have ever seen, the vibrancy of the colors were made just for us.

Blake left our home in Dana Point, CA this morning at 9am. He packed up, had a juice, and said "see you in three weeks!" as he rode his bike down the street. He got on the train in San Clemente and got off right before the border to ride across it himself. He then took the Tijuana trolly into Rosarito and is safe at a hotel right now. Tomorrow he says he plans on waking up early and heading to Ensenada.

Dream Big, Ride Far

Three Months in Colorado

Currently Dana Point, CA

As most of you can probably tell by the large piece of water in Blake and I's most recent pictures, we are BACK BACK IN CALI CALI!! During our last three months of soul-searching and family time I wasn't sure we'd be officially living back in Southern California...but here I sit at my favorite coffee shop up the street from the same apartment Blake and I have been renting for the last YEAR! I'll catch up on the latest California adventures after this incredibly difficult-to-sum-up blog on our time in COLORADO...

Monument, CO... August 6th-October 29th

I have to sum up a lot of what happened because 1. I could write a book on how grateful I am for all the little and big moments that I was able to be a part of 2. I have way too many pictures (here's my advanced apology) and 3. We were in Colorado for soooooo long. 

The times I know I won't forget: 

1. Meeting Blake's neice for the first time

2. Smiling so much at Danielle and Travis' wedding my cheeks hurt

3. Celebrating Mary's birthday with dinner and guns

4. Celebrating my Mom's birthday with a homecooked meal

5. Running in the rain at Red Rocks with D&T for Raggae on the Rocks 2013

6. Bringing in the Bronco's season in Colorado with blue and orange sunsets

7. Being able to work at two old jobs, La Casa Fiesta and O'Malley's

8. Making new friends and seeing old ones

9. Being a part of the process of putting together Kelsie and Cory's wedding AND being a part of it

10. Celebrating Maddy and Josh's engagement

11. Celebrating my sister's 8th birthday with our bothers

12. Laughing with Cash and Marley Mae

13. Seeing Pepper AND Tribal Seeds at the Ogden Theater

14. Donuts on the 4-wheeler

15. Harley days in the rain, downtown, and in the mountains

16. Selling Pearl, the Honda Ruckus I rode down the coast on

17. Celebrating my Dad's birthday

18. Beer + snowboards + gondolas + sunshine + A Basin + D&T = epic shred session

19. Celebrating Caitlin and Andy's engagement

20. Learning peace and difference by teaching myself headstands and handstands in the quiet outdoors

21. Celebrating Blake and I agreeing to have one more year in Dana Point

22. Spending time with out sweet Raeni cat

23. Playing on bikes with the guys in the dirt

24. Adrenaline rush with go-carts and brothers

25. Being able to finally see my grandparents during their visit from the opposite coast

26. Staying long enough to see Mary come back from Italy

27. Watching my family go through change, become strong together, and move forward in their lives

28. Develop deeper friendships

29. Become excited for a new phase in California

30. Getting Blake's Jeep packed up and adventuring back to California

Colorado sunset.

Baby Marley Mae, how we fell so hard for you. 

Danielle's mom and Blake standing up while Danielle and Travis get hitched.

Mary and Cash at the wedding, so many smiles. 

The party taking the limo to the wedding at the Sunbird. 

Matisyahu at Red Rocks in Denver. 

 Elle and Kelsie before the rehersal for Kelsie and Cory's wedding. 

Fun at Kelsie's wedding.

I fell for these girls this summer. 

Many hikes to Palmer Lake Reservior by myself and with friends.

Blake and Travis.

Awesome bike park in Colorado Springs. 

 We did the zoo, the Golden Bee at the Broadmoor, and Bristol Brewery's new location in one day.

 (blurry, but a good one) We made dinner and caught up with my mom at her new place. 

We joined Mary and Shawn for their anniversary at The Mona Lisa in Manatou Springs.

 Go-cart racing with my brothers and my Dad in Denver. 

 It was fun cruising Colorado on a bike. 

 Broncos!

 Blake and I's Raeni cat (she prefers Colorado's seasons over California's heat.)

 Back where it all started, six (!!!) years ago working at La Casa Fiesta in Monument.

I had such an incredible time going back to work for O'Malley's and all it's craziness and great people!

 Maddy lives in AZ, I live in CA, and we met in our home state to celebrate her engagement to her long-time love, Josh.

 Having known Caitlin since I was four, we HAD to celebrate her engagement to Andy. 

Blake and I had a good time going to a few of my brother, Anthony's, soccer games at LP.

My youth remains in tact because I have such an incredibly fun sister. 

I found out I was allergic to my 'environment', basically meaning Colorado.

We saw two shows in one week at the Ogden in Denver; Tribal Seeds and Pepper.

A little snowboarding in October at Arapahoe Basin.

My brothers Anthony and Matt on a cloudy hike in Palmer Lake.

 My Grandpa and Grandma came for a visit from Florida.

Those BLUE and ORANGE Colorado sunsets. 

 Dinner at O'Malley's with my dad, sister, and brothers. 

 Snow on Pikes Peak. 

 Blake's Jeep packed with three bikes, two snowboards, camping, and clothes. 

Pikes Peak on our final day in Colorado. 

The three months Blake and I spent in Colorado with family and friends filled my cup over the brim! Looking back at all these pictures and the memories that poor in from them are over-whelming. I am so blessed to have been able to be there for those moments, big and small. And we are so furtunate to have the family and friends we have. 

After we finally chose a date to pack up the Jeep, the days flew by even faster. I've learned not to say goodbye (I am way too emotional about it) and to just keep looking forward and knowing I'll see each and every one of those faces soon. After all, who knows what other adventurous decisions Blake and I can come up with in the next year! 

Dream Big. Ride Far.

Top photo: from summer 2012 riding down the West Coast. Bottom photo: summer 2013 cruising mountain towns of Colorado.