Tour de Beast

Running from September 4th to September 10th, the first (and hopefully last) Tour de Beast was composed of 4 stages and covered a total distance of 2,933 miles. Beginning on U Street NW in Washington, D.C., the tour stretched between two cities on opposite coasts, and ended in Seattle, WA. The tour earned it's name from my a fore mentioned nickname and the fact that driving 2,933 miles in 4 days is a beast.  The stages included two flat stages and two mountain stages.

Stage 1 (mountain stage...kinda):

This Stage began in Washington, D.C., and ended in the majestic Dayton suburb of Huber Heights, Ohio. Having moved to D.C. from Colorado, I had  always minimized the rolling hills found in Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania as anything but mountains. My over-burdened, 4-cylinder car made a strong argument against that position, however. As such, my car earned zero points toward the polka dot jersey during this stage. This stage was long and otherwise un-noteworthy.

States crossed: D.C., Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia (I went through it twice!), Ohio

Stage 2:

Leaving Huber Heights and ending in lovely Nebraska, my car and I were never so happy to see our first cornfield. This stage ended with three days of relaxing (kinda) on the farm. This was a very welcome break.

States crossed: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska

Rest days:

During my time in Nebraska I filled up on the two things I can't get anywhere but here: the company of some of my favorite people and some of my favorite foods. My mom and I went biking a couple of times, something new we've done but was really enjoyable. I'm seriously impressed by Beatrice and it's new bike path. This was the only biking accomplished during the Tour de Beast.

Stage 3:

This Stage took off from Nebraska and ended in Burley, Idaho. It was supposed to end sooner, but I got lost in the wasteland between Utah and Idaho where no hotels exist, forcing me on.

But before I reached that wilderness, I passed under the Great Platte River Road Archway (with both hands on the wheel of course). A very common view from my road trip, a semi was also included.

I have entered the west!

States crossed: Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho

Stage 4:

Departing from Burley, this stage ended in Seattle! Woo-hoo! Tour de Beast accomplished. This stage did traverse some very nice wine country in southern Washington, which I hope to visit when I have more time.  The best thing to be said about this stage is that it's over, and there is no more serious driving to do for some time.

States crossed: Idaho, Oregon, Washington

I am so glad to be done!