Ride from Reno - Day Four - Ely, NV to Delta, UT

Steve, Scott and Ravell share a laugh climbing Sacramento Pass

Jeff Warren and Lorenzo (Zo) Roundy riding strong

Jeff Warren founded this ride eleven years ago to celebrate beating stage 4 head and neck cancer. We joined him this morning - day four - on the climb up Sacramento Pass to pay tribute to those who have fought cancer. Some have lost their battle and some are still with us - we remember all as we carried them with us on the climb then painted their names (water based paint) on the road. "Dan" is my college roommate who fought and beat cancer, I called him to ask how I should handle my diagnosis - his sage advice was deeply appreciated.

We the cancer survivors - Me, Todd, JoAnn, Larry, Jeff, Zo and Marian on Sacramento Pass

Descended off Sacramento Pass - crossed a valley and reentered Utah

The long road to Utah stretched from the upper right portion of the photo across the valley

What my passport photo would look like after a day of cycling

Working hard, with Ravell, to close a gap between two groups of riders

Darci Strong is just that - a strong rider - and the first woman to complete the Ride from Reno

Holly panned the action to catch the moment Ravell broke away

Once off Sacramento Pass the day was spent crossing one very long valley after another until we neared Delta. As we approached Delta, Holly and Marian climbed up onto the "Welcome to Delta" sign to wave and officially welcome us into the thriving metropolis. Within moments of passing the ladies on the sign a couple of us eyed "Ravell's Pass" - an overpass spanning railroad tracks. Last year Ravell sprinted from the group - after having ridden 520 miles in four days (and over a 100 miles that day) to claim the "pass" title that will forever be known as "Ravell's Pass - the last climb into Delta." Today Jason made the initial break from the group to begin the sprint - Ravell was on his wheel like white on rice and waited until the right moment to pass Jason, reach the summit first and defend his title. For the rest of us, there's always next year.

Thumbs up to a fan

When we arrived at the hotel we received a text asking us to take a picture of the gang flashing the thumbs up sign. A little boy at Huntsman was undergoing a bone marrow transplant and requested the photo - we wanted him to know we were thinking about him and wish him well.

Friday is a day off in Delta - Holly and I may head home to take care of some errands then return in the afternoon so we are ready to go for Saturday mornings Huntsman 140 ride to Salt Lake City.

Thanks for sharing our ride from Reno - we'll continue to update over the coming weeks - from the Huntsman 140 to Nationals and then some.

Our best - Steve and Holly

Safely in Delta again - with my Love beside me