The Ryan on his cycle diaries

What a Wonderful World

2006-01-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

I've been off the bike now for 2 weeks and my legs are happy. No more battling the wind, waking up to freezing temperatures or eating bananas all day long. I am home and happy. The ride was an amazing dream come true and I've been reliving every moment as I rest in my cozy house with mom and brothers. It was a total success, I got to reconnect with my buddy Jeff, explore parts of the world I'd never seen before and sleep under the sparkly sky in all sorts of different landscapes. This was two years in the making, it started as a crazy idea, then became an obsession as I planned, researched and mapped out the adventure. I would lose sleep in my little Honduras house as I dreamed of what would happen and who I would meet. I planned for the worst but only experienced the best (besides hurricanes and wind). The highlight of the trip was meeting all the wonderful people along the way who helped in times of need and warmed my heart. Countless strangers brought me into their homes, fed my hungry tummy and filled my soul with hope. This world is a great place and peddling from La Esperanza to Boulder reinforced my belief that there are kind and caring people all over. I'm getting settled now and hoping to find direction to my life. The past three months the only direction I knew was North, now I'm ready to take on another direction and explore my passions. If any of your know of good jobs let me know, I need to start making money to pay off my food bill from Mexico. The "What Does Duzer Do?"T-shirts are still for sale, email me at crazyduzer@gmail.com to order one. All of the proceeds go to buying school supplies for the kids in my barrio in La Esperanza. Thanks to all of you for supporting me along the way, I felt your love and positive thoughts.

We Did it!

2005-12-16T10:41:00.001-07:00

We Did it! Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Jeff and I finally made it home to our mother's arms. It was an emotional moment as our tired eyes got their first glimpse of the beautiful Flatirons. We had been dreaming of this moment for a long time. The last 20 miles from Golden to Boulder were easy, I don't think that our tires even touched the ground, we were flying high. We were fortunate enough to have some company on the ride, my brother Ethan and my favorite high school teacher, Mr. Boyer came and met us in Golden to brave the cold and warm our souls. We were greeted on the south end of Boulder by lots of friends and even Santa Claus. We've been good boys this year. I'd like to thank everyone who supported me over the past two years and especially those who supported the long ride home. It started as a crazy idea but ended up being the adventure of a lifetime. I'm finally home, Peace Corps is done, now it's time to rest my sore legs and eat some cookies. Call me at ---/---- if you want to talk about bikes, refried beans, international development, cold bucket baths or about my new love for Krispy Kreme donuts. Hooray for bikes!

Happy Thursday!

2005-12-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, It's on. The Jeff and Ryan train is rolling into Boulder on Thursday morning. We will be leaving Golden at around 9am and will be pedaling happily into South Boulder at around 11am. Come and meet us for the final stretch, we plan on doing a couple laps around downtown to ring our bells sing Ole Ole Ole!! Happy Happy Joy Joy.

Colorado Ho!!

2005-12-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

It feels great to be back, breathing Colorado air and riding on Colorado roads. We crossed the N.M./Colorado border on Sunday in style. We flew up and over the dreaded Raton Pass and ended up in the sex change capital of the world, Trinidad. Since then we have visited the wonderful towns of Pueblo and Colorado Springs. I sure am glad that I live in Boulder, those places are nice but Boulder is the best! There is a magnet in Boulder that is pulling hard and my drive to get to my warm home is propelling me like a rocket. I've had my fun but it's time to be back with family and friends. That said, Jeff and I will be coming in on Thursday morning instead of Saturday. Whoever wants to meet us can call Jeff's cell at 360-393-9976 and we can coordinate. See you soon, Ryanito

Why is the Desert Cold?

2005-12-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

Howdy folks, Ryan here in a small pueblo in Northern N.M. Well, the weather outside is frightfull but the fire inside me to get home is on overdrive and this keeps me warm. My motivation to reach Boulder is stronger than ever, get me out of the cold, I am not a Polar Bear! I went outside to get my water bottle this morning and it was frozen solid. It's ok though because gas station hot chocolate is keeping me warm, thank the lord for Chevron stations along the interstate. After staying with Nikoli and Nina in Albuquerque (I finally learned how to spell it) , Jeff and I headed to a charming little pueblo south of Santa Fe called Galisteo. It just happens to be where my buddy Morgan's dad lives so we stayed with him for a night. He filled our bellies with green chili enchiladas and let us put lots of extra logs on the fire. Cheers to great people!!! No wonder why Morgan is so cool, cool daddy=cool son. His wife Anette and son Alec were very good to us and Alec even let me sleep in his great bed while he slept on the couch. What an amazing twelve year old. So now we are in Las Vegas staying with another friend of a connection of a cousin of an estranged monkey, it's a long story but we are happy and in good company. We'll be riding into Boulder next Saturday the 17th, get ready for a cookies and milk reception at my house, details to come later.

Salvation in Albequerque

2005-12-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

Salvation in Albequerque
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Jeff and I were treated to amazing lasanga made by none other than Nikoli and Nina Frant, old friends from Boulder. It feels great to be with familiar faces again. They have a warm house and very warm hearts, thanks.

Under a Blood Red Sky

2005-12-06T11:26:00.001-07:00

Under a Blood Red Sky
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I took about 30 photos of this magical sunset. It kept getting better and better and I couldn't put my camera away. If you want to see all the photos you need to come to my house and bring some cookies, I'll show you all the secret photos that you never saw on the blog.

Sunsets are better in Red

2005-12-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

Sunsets are better in Red
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

On our first night camping in N.M. we were treated to the most breathtaking sunset I've ever seen.

Gusty Winds Will Always Exist

2005-12-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

Gusty Winds Will Always Exist
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I thought that this sign was funny because for the past 7 days it has been constant wind. I don't need a sign to tell me that riding into the wind sucks. I watch the cars fly by and I get real jealous, they don't seem to be affected in the slighest, no fair!

Hot Springs in Truth or Consequences

2005-12-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hot Springs in Truth or Consequences Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Getting to this funky little town was painful, headwinds the entire way. Our motivation? Hot Springs. It was worth it, ahhhh. There was enough Lithium and other minerals in the water to make a monkey go cooky. The truth is that the water was piping hot and made our cold bones feel so good, the consequence was that we got dehydrated.

Fields of Cotton

2005-12-06T11:23:00.001-07:00

Fields of Cotton
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Southern N.M. is covered by fields of soft cotton. I considered weaving myself a new sweater.

Remnants of the Evil Bot Fly (For mature eyes only)

2005-12-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

Remnants of the Evil Bot Fly (For mature eyes only)
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Here it is ladies and gentlemen, you asked for it and here you go. This the the second of the nasty bot flies that lived inside my arm for two months. This one came out in El Paso, I was sitting on my bed, watching the Simpsons and got the urge to squeeze the wound. Boom! The dead larvae shot out of my arm and stuck to the headboard. This frightening sight almost made Jeff puke.

The All American Boy is Home!

2005-12-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

The All American Boy is Home!
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Crossing the border was an emotional moment. I love traveling the world but being home is where I feel the best.

USA USA USA!

2005-12-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

I love being back in the good old U S of A. We easily crossed the border in El Paso and went straight to the first all you can eat buffet. We are exactly the kind of customers that those places don't want. Anyway, Texas was nice but we only stayed one day, New Mexico was calling our name. New Mexico is absolutely beautiful, golden deserts and breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. Camping out has been fun, especially at hot springs. The only problem is that it's COLD!!!!! I am freezing! I tried to ride faster to stay warm but that just builds up sweat which later turns into sweatsicles, brrrr! We are hoping for a heat wave soon, please send warm thoughts. Oh yeah, send some anti wind thoughts too, the wind is coming straight from the south and we are going north.

Goodbye Mexico

2005-11-30T20:02:00.001-07:00

I've now gone 3,000 miles and I'm feeling great. Mexico was an amazing host for these past two months. The food, the people and the vibrant culture all made for an absolutely unforgettable experience. Hooray for Mexico and its people, you are the best!!! The Bot flies are gone, my legs are strong and my heart is ready to be back in the States. Hello America!!

El Sueco, the Swede

2005-11-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

El Sueco, the Swede
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

On the map it shows that El Sueco is a town but in fact it is only a gas station and restaurant. Luckliy the owner, Rigo is super cool and let us stay in one of his rooms. He also fed us 14 inch burritos and cold beers. This was a great place to stay after a brutal 60 mile ride into the wind.
Oh, it is called "The Swede" because one of Pancho Villa's soldiers was Swedish and liked this very cold area of the desert because it reminded him of Sweden. I didn't see any blonds though.

Speed Hump

2005-11-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

Speed Hump
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

The road signs are bilingual up here close to the U.S border. Looks like they need a better translator though or goofballs like me will make fun of them.

TV Interview in the Middle of nowhere.

2005-11-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

TV Interview in the Middle of nowhere.
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

There we were, riding peacefully along in the desert when two big SUVs came toward us. Hmm, what's this? Police? No! A TV crew popped out of the trucks and did a quick interview with us about our trip. Good thing we are leaving Mexico because now every bandito will know exactly where to find us.

Windy Flags

2005-11-30T19:55:00.001-07:00

Windy Flags
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

The wind beat down my flags for three straight days but they are still flying high.

Dunes

2005-11-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

Dunes
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I was told that Conan the Barbarian was filmed up here in the dunes outside of Juarez. I was just glad that it wasn't windy when we passed this area.

The Calm After the Storm

2005-11-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

The Calm After the Storm
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

After an entire day and blasting wind we were treated to an amazing sunset. Moments like these are great for transporting me to happy land and away from hell. Too bad for us the winds started up again the next day.

Chili Heaven

2005-11-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

Chili Heaven
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

We escaped from the winds to a chili farm in the desert. They are too spicy for my weak little Gringo lips.

I'm Thankfull for PIzza

2005-11-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

I'm Thankfull for PIzza
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I love pizza and we took advantage of being in a big city and got ourselves a couple of pies to celebrate Thanksgiving. We were the only ones celebrating this holiday in Chihuahua but we were all eachother needed to have a great time.

Liscense to Thrill

2005-11-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

Liscense to Thrill
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

This guy was a riot. We met him in the park in Chihuahua and he proceeded to tell us that he hates Japanese people. I've never met someone with so much hatred toward the Japanese. He then showed us all the toys that he carries in his pockets, a whistle, a liscence plate, a womans g-string, a tire iron, 5 pesos, a construction helmet, sunglasses with no frames and a bottle of dark liquid that he claimed was Tequila. I usually don't like drunks but this guy was very harmless and funny.

My First Flat

2005-11-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

My First Flat
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I thought that I could make it all the way home on my magic tires but my fairy tale came to an end after 2700 miles of riding. I'll be ok though, I gave my beloved tube a proper burial.

They Got Boots

2005-11-25T14:33:00.000-07:00

They Got Boots
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

In Chihuahua there are boots overflowing out of every store. All streets have at least three boot shops selling all sorts of leather cowboy products. This is a great city full of old style diners, cathedrals and nachos.

Host Mom for the Night

2005-11-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Host Mom for the Night
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

This is Gregoria and she is a very friendly lady who fed us beans and tortillas until we exploded. At first she was very shy but I managed to pull a smile out of her. She lives with her husband in "Las Marias", a group of houses along the highway in the aboslute middle of nowhere.

Donuts!

2005-11-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

Donuts!
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I know that they aren't good for me but...they're so good after a long day on the bike. I really hope that I can break this habit when I get home, I was never a donut man before this.

T-Shirts can Save the World!

2005-11-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

T-Shirts can Save the World! Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Buy the official shirt and support my kids(not blood related) in la Esperanza Honduras. I got a grant to build a school during my Peace Corps Service and now I want to fill it with learning materials. A big thanks to Josh and Alec at KBCO for coming up with the idea and designing the masterpiece. Email josh at keesyJ@gmail.com for shirt orders. Only 10 American dollars!!!

Fire in the Sky

2005-11-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

Fire in the Sky
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Wow, look at this. You can write your own caption for this one.
_____________Beans and rice

Fire in the Sky part 2

2005-11-17T18:55:00.001-07:00

Fire in the Sky part 2
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

This is not the same sunset as in the other photo.

Niños on Parade

2005-11-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

Niños on Parade
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

We stopped in Cuencame and found lots of kids drumming on the streets. They are getting ready to celebrate the revolutionary victories this Nov 20th. This town is famous for its 20 generals who fought with Pancho Villa.

My True Colors

2005-11-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

I found my People
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Jeff and I were in a clown show in Zacatecas and got to act like fools in front of hundreds of people. Mexicans like to see Gringos made fun of.

Cactus tree Vs. Jeff the Great

2005-11-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

Cactus trees bigger than Jeff
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Look at this mamma! When we run out of water we consider tapping into a cactus, but then we realize that there are gas stations all over with lots of cold water.

T-Shirts can Save the World!

2005-11-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

T-Shirts can Save the World! Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Plan on meeting us on December 17th for a long and warm ride back in to Boulder. Bring cookies and milk, we are hungry!

City Camping

2005-11-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

Big City Camping
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

We are In Zacatecas at 2500mts above sea level(that's higher than Boulder) camping on top of our hotel. I asked the manager for the cheapest room and this is what he gave us. We have the best view in the whole city, all for the equivalent of 4 cans of beans and night.

Big Sky

2005-11-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

Big Sky
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

The Churches in Zacatecas look very impressive behind a backdrop of a piercing blue sky and puffy clouds.

Cowboys R Us

2005-11-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Cowboy Country
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

The difference with the north is this, cowboy hats, boots, ranches and deserts. The beans remain the same though.

Desert Country

2005-11-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

Desert Country
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

It's hot during the day and cold at night. The landscape is very striking out here, no more palms, only giant cactus and red dirt. It's also fun to race the small lizards as they run beside us.

I found more Kids

2005-11-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

I found more Kids
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Are these the same kids from La Esperanza? No! Jeff and I found a nice group of curious kids who claim to have never met Gringos before. We pulled off the highway looking for a place to camp and the town authorities of "La Punta" let us sleep on the floor of the youth center. Very friendly people. This is the great part of riding bikes, we get to stop in small towns in the middle of nowhere where no Gringo has gone before.

Broken down in Aguas Calientes

2005-11-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

Broken down in Aguas Calientes
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Jeff broke a spoke, got his wheels trued and they fixed my gears and took links out of my chain. All for 3 Bucks!! Or the equivalent of three cans of La Sierra Beans(Bayos por favor).
This was the friendliest big city we have gone through, everyone stopped to talk with us.

The Clouds are Closer

2005-11-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Clouds are Closer now
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

We have been climbing in altitude which means that the sky is closer. We like the clouds, they make for fun daydreaming as we ride. "Hey Jeff, look! It's a monkey eating a banana!

University of Guanajuato

2005-11-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

The University in Guanajuato
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

There may not be a kickass futball team here but I would love to attend this university.

Tunnel Vision

2005-11-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

Tunnel Vision
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

The subterrainian(sp?) tunnels in Guanajuato are great for night time wandering.

Guanajua-TO!!

2005-11-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

Guanajua-TO!!
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

This is my favorite city in Mexico by far. It is very Spanish looking with cozy cobblestone alleyways, flowers draping over balconies and beautiful churches and theaters. It is also a student city which means that there is lots of rowdy night life, yeehaa!

There are no cats in Guanajuato...

2005-11-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

There are no cats in Guanajuato...
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

..and the streets are are paved with stone. All the streets are cobblestone, fun for walking but not fun for pulling a trailer behind a bike. There are also pizza places everywhere, I think that it may actually be easier to find pizzas than tacos here. Am I in Mexico?

Mummies and Me

2005-11-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

Mummies and Me Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

The mummy museum is very famous and very gross. I went in with a headache and came out with a worse headache and ready to puke. I shouldn't have gone, I used up all my lunch money on the ticket and ate bread for dinner, oh well. The story behind the mummies is this, there was no longer room in the cementaries and they started pulling bodies out, then they found out that for some reason the bodies had been mummified and now Guanajuato has a nice little tourist trap to gross out everyone.

Over the Hills and Through the Mountans

2005-11-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

Life is good up here at the same altitude as Boulder. Jeff and I turned inland from the coast last week and have been powering up and down hills into the heart of Mexico. The beaches are beautiful and fun but I must admit that I like the interior better. It seems to be more "real" out here. There are no tourists waddling down sidewalks peering into silly shops selling crap like in the beach towns. We are getting a taste of what the average mexican city looks like and it looks pretty good. The only problem I have with the mountains are that they are cold. We froze our Spandex off when we camped out in Patzcuaro, it got down to 43F. I wore every shirt I had, two pairs of socks and cuddled up to my wimpy pack towel in a desperate attempt to stay warm. I may have complained when I was sweating buckets in my tent on the coast but I would rather have the heat anyday over the cold. I'd better get used to it though, we are heading into winter afterall.

Wherever you go, there you are.

2005-11-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

Here We are!
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

We made it to Guanajuato for some Saturday night fun. This is a beaufitul city with cozy cobblestone alleyways, huge churches and lots of young student life. We're gonna stay a few days and enjoy everything this place has to offer.

Beautiful lights

2005-11-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

Beautiful lights
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

The cementaries were stunning with the thousands of candles twinkling in the darkness.

Huichol Indian Typical Dress

2005-11-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

Huichol Indian Typical Dress
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

All around Patzcuaro there are indigenous villages and everyone was wearing their finest to celebrate the big day. There were traditional dances, foods and music everywhere!

A truckload of Goodness

2005-11-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

A truckload of Goodness
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Geraniums are the flower of choice on this day. People decorate the graves with these wonderful flowers and then line the edges with candles.
I even decorated my bike with them to show my spirit.

Skeleton Mania!

2005-11-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Skeleton Mania!
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Everywhere I went there were booths selling decorations for Dia De Los Muertos. Everything from chocolate skulls to candles. This is a very Tim Burton friendly holiday.

MORE-lia

2005-11-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

MORE-lia
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I wanted more of Morelia but we had a date with Guanajuato instead so we only stayed long enough to eat some great vegetarian food and drink fresh Carrot juice.

Happy Halloween

2005-10-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Dia de los Muertos is November 1st and 2nd. We'll be celebrating alongside thousands of others in a cool mountain town called Patzcuaro, I'll let you know how it goes. I'm planning on sacrificing my Bot flies to the devil on this day.

Men at Work

2005-10-31T15:36:00.001-07:00

Men at Work
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

This is the best job that I've ever had. Eat, Sleep, Ride, Eat, Sleep, Ride.

Mexican Gatorade

2005-10-31T15:36:00.000-07:00

Mexican Gatorade
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

A cold coconut on a hot day, ahhh. It's a two part drink, after you finish the juice, they break it open and cut out the meat, yummy. Do I look skinnier?

Highway Camping

2005-10-31T15:35:00.001-07:00

Highway Camping
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

We camped off the side of the road in a very arid desert. Since there was no food around, we finished off our cookies and called it a day.

Bye Bye Pacific

2005-10-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

Bye Bye Pacific
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

This is the last ocean sunset that you will see, sniff sniff. We left Playa Troncones for the mountainsfor a glimpse into non-touristy Mexico.

I'm Pregnant!

2005-10-28T09:02:00.000-06:00

I'm Pregnant!
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

So I've had these two "infected" mosquito bites for about a month now. I wasn't too worried about it until I was sitting and enjoying a sunset and noticed movement inside the wounds. Yep, I've got Bat Flies in my arm and they don't wanna come out. I did some research and I can either let them leave my body on their own or I can get them cut out. Hmm, what should I do? I tried putting rubber cement on them to suffocate them but it didn't work. I think maybe I'll bring them back to Colorado for everyone to enjoy. Any doctors out there?

Clowning Around in Zihuatanejo

2005-10-28T09:01:00.000-06:00

Clowning Around in Zihuatanejo
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I like clowns, we are like peas and carrots.

Ride into the Sunset

2005-10-27T13:57:00.000-06:00

Ride into the Sunset
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I bid a farwell to the beaches and the amazing sunsets tomorrow. We head inland toward the state of Michoacan for Day of the Dead celebrations.

To the beaches we go

2005-10-24T10:41:00.000-06:00

After riding 1300 miles in 16 days I have dramatically slowed down the pace in honor of the beaches, it would be an insult to just ride by all of these beautiful places. Beach world began in southern Oaxaca and I'm now outside of Acapulco, beachin it the whole way up the coast with my buddy Jeff. We've found tiny laid back fishing villages and super duper mega cities like Acapulco. Note to anyone who wants to ride their bikes into Acapulco-Don't attempt this on a Friday evening during rush hour after already riding 80 miles. Jeff and I rode up a super steep hill with cars whizzing past the whole way, it was tough, hot and hectic. It was like riding into a big american city with all of Uncle Sam's best lining the road. McDonalds, Wal Mart, Hooters (their billboards with booby girls got us excited) and every other chain you could want. We rewarded ourselves with lots of great food, great tasting but not very healthy. This is what I ate on Friday night, a big slice of pizza, corn on the cob, sugar donut, a big fried platain smothered in condensed milk, ice cream and then another slice of pizza. Acapulco is amazing, I had no idea that it is so freakin huge. High rise hotels, tons of traffic and lots of taco stands make this place what it is. It is also a very sexy city, this place exudes sex from all its corners. Everwhere I went men would come up and say, "hey, you want a chica?", "Are you looking for something special?" No I dont want a chica, I want a taco man!!!! The cliff divers were the highlight of our short stay, these guys are amazing. I actually thought that the climbing of the cliffs was more of a talent than jumping off of them. They cruised straight up like the rock faces like agile little monkeys. On my way out of Acapulco a nice sedan drove up next to me and I was a little taken back. "uh oh, are they gonna push me over and rob me?" Not at all, a woman stuck her hand our and passed me a can of cold beer. I looked into the car and her husband was pumping his arm in support, "hey man, that one is for you!" I like my Mexican support vehicles, I just wish that they had given me the beer at the end of the day, it was still a bit early to partake in drinking and riding. We have a few more beaches to go until we turn inland and head for the hills. All is well and the beans are powering us like champs.

Nice Place to Camp

2005-10-24T10:36:00.000-06:00

Nice Place to Camp
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Sleeping in a tent on the beach is amazing, the sand is soft to sleep on and the tent protects you from all the biting flies.

Me and a Sexy Cliff Diver

2005-10-23T11:23:00.000-06:00

ryancliff
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

These guys make one jump and eat lots of tacos, pretty good job.

Geronimoooohh!

2005-10-23T11:21:00.000-06:00

ryancliff1
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

These guys are crazy, the cliffs are 35 meters high and they jump into big waves. They pray at an altar before making the big leap. Yeehaa! I thought about trying it on my bike but they wouldn't let me.

Sunrise, not Sunset

2005-10-22T09:56:00.000-06:00

Sunrise, not Sunset
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Going up or down, the sun is always beautiful.

Acapulco Morning

2005-10-22T09:48:00.000-06:00

Acapulco Morning
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

This town is huge and the only peaceful time of day is at 7:30am as the sun rises over the bay.

Fill er up!

2005-10-22T09:47:00.001-06:00

Fill er up!
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

A quick pit stop to fill up the tanks. I'm a diesel man myself.

Poofball

2005-10-22T09:47:00.000-06:00

Poofball
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Sometimes I feel like this is what I'm sitting on after 8 hours on the bike. It gets a bit sore down yonder.

Bikeglyphics

2005-10-22T09:45:00.001-06:00

Bikeglyphics
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I found the ancient Mexican beach tribe who for centuries have been awaiting the arrival of their bike god.

Escondido

2005-10-22T09:43:00.000-06:00

Escondido
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

This was our private little bay for four days in Puerto Escondido. It is full of pretty girls and fishermen.

Puerto Escondido

2005-10-15T11:19:00.001-06:00

Puerto Escondido Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

There is beauty all around these parts, especially at around 7pm. These sunsets and all the fun people have sucked us in. We originally planned to be here only two nights but that number has now become four, go figure. It seems that every night is Ladies Night and well, that is motivation enough to stay. There is a great international crowd to mingle with and our days have been spent playing in the big waves, reading on the beach and resting sore calf muscles. Oh yeah, the beer is cheap too, one big bottle=15 pesos=$1.50=happy Ryan

Sunset City

2005-10-15T11:19:00.000-06:00

Sunset City
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

The sun bows down over a cove at Zipolite beach in Southern Oaxaca.

Highway 200 is Amazing

2005-10-15T11:18:00.000-06:00

Nice Roadside Scenery
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

There is a lot more motivation to pedal when you have a beach lining the road.

Buddies United in Paradise

2005-10-15T11:17:00.000-06:00

Buddies United in Paradise
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I rode all the way across the Yucatan through pouring rain to get to this guy. His name is Jeff, a very good old friend and will be joining me the rest of the way to Boulder.

Mexic-oh!

2005-10-11T16:01:00.000-06:00

I crossed the border into Mexico on a nice sunny Sunday afternoon and my spirits were high. I had finally made it out of Central America and now it was time for a little Mexican fiesta. The weather had other plans for me though. Within hours is began to rain and it never seemed to stop for the next 7 days. I lived in a very rainy town in Honduras and the last thing I wanted to see were grey skies. Although it was constantly wet and ugly, the people managed to brighten my spirits with their friendliness and hospitality. I met some great people this past week who helped me in times of minor crisis, like when my left pedal fell off and when I found myself in the middle of nowhere under threatening skies. They invited me into their homes, fed me and provided many hours of interesting conversation. These people in the Yucatan remind me a bit of the Hondurans I worked with for the past two years. They are poor farmers but are incredibly generous with what little they have. Being a Gringo on a bike helps out, I’m cute and cuddly and everyone wants to meet me. And so it went for the first seven days, it rained at night, in the morning and all day long. I think that the clouds were actually following my route, I would escape one storm and then get hit by the next, this was demoralizing but I had to keep pedaling. The semi-trailers flying by actually proved useful as the quick bursts of wind would help to dry me off like a giant blow dryer, poooof! I rode through the Yucatan with intense motivation, I wanted more than anything to ride myself out of the rainy season and get to the Pacific beaches of Oaxaca, salvation. I ran out of Power Bars this past week but I have come up with a good, cheap replacement. I buy fresh corn tortillas every morning and a kilo of bananas, ingredients for the super Mexican Power Bar! I roll a banana up in two soft tortillas about every hour and I am good to go. I know that you must be thinking that this food doesn’t sound very pleasing to the taste buds but when you are starving, you’ll eat anything. I’m burning lots of calories on these 8 hour days and all my mind thinks about is food, mostly donuts and ice-cream. The trailer attracts lots of attention; one mother even asked if I would pack up her daughter and take her to the U.S. with me. Sorry, this baby already weighs enough. The first week the trailer seemed incredibly heavy but now I don’t notice it, it’s all part of the bike now. As I rode through one of the toll stations on the main highways, one of the workers joked that I needed to pay the higher price for having a double length vehicle, ha ha. I actually ride for free on the toll roads which is good, less traffic and big shoulders made perfectly for a Duzer on a bike. So now I am in Oaxaca and this place is amazing, lots of colorful indigenous culture and great food. I may have even found my dream town in a magical place called Juchitan. There you can buy spoonfuls of refried beans on the street for a peso! It’s like an all you can eat buffet of street food, first you buy handmade tortillas, then you buy the beans from another woman, then you get some spicy cheese from another and all this makes for great tostadas. Now I’m off to the beaches and a date with my good friend Jeff, Andale Andale, Arriba Arriba!! By the way, it’s not raining anymore and all my clothes have finally dried out.

Reptiles falling out of Trees

2005-10-09T19:13:00.000-06:00

Reptiles falling out of Trees
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

When I was a boy I always wanted a pet Python, and now they fall out of trees right in front of me.

Close Call

2005-10-09T19:12:00.002-06:00

Close Call
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I have amazingly had no flat tires so far, but this one was close.

Jungly Roads

2005-10-09T19:12:00.001-06:00

Jungly Roads
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Lush green canopy hanging over me the whole way.

Lots of Water

2005-10-09T19:12:00.000-06:00

Lots of Water
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

This is what much of the Yucatan looks like now after Hurricane Stan. Maybe I should have brought a kayak.

Cozy Sleeping

2005-10-09T19:11:00.000-06:00

Cozy Sleeping
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

A very nice man let me sleep in his back room where the rain wouldn´t get me.

Highway Commerce

2005-10-09T19:10:00.000-06:00

Highway Commerce
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

In Mexico you can buy anything from the comfort of your car, even the illegal sale of Parrots stolen from Chiapas.

Hidden Ruins

2005-10-04T15:15:00.001-06:00

Hidden Ruins
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Ancient Mayan ruins in a little city called Xpujil. Ten bucks to the person who can pronounce that correctly.

Happy Road Signs

2005-10-04T15:15:00.000-06:00

Happy Road Signs
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Drive carefully, your family awaits you. The traffic has been very respectfull, the beers trucks pass on by at 80mph instead of 100mph.

Pedal Problems

2005-10-04T15:12:00.001-06:00

Pedal Problems
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

This is the kind of problem that you can´t anticipate. I fixed it with a regular flat pedal and was moving in no time.

My housing buddy

2005-10-04T15:12:00.000-06:00

My housing buddy
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

This is Marcelo, he rescued me after my pedal broke. I was fed an amazing dinner of beans and eggs and got to sleep in his front yard. (he doesn´t look happy in this photo but he´s really a happy guy)

Sunset in the Rainforest

2005-10-02T10:36:00.000-06:00

Sunset in the Rainforest
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

Belize is amazingly beautiful, even when it rains all night and you get wet in your tent.

Camping in the Mayan village

2005-10-02T10:30:00.000-06:00

Camping in the Mayan village
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

We were quite the spectacle a few nights ago as we camped alonside a river in a small Mayan village called Golden Stream. All the boys and girls came out to visit their new neighbors and play with their flashlights.

Mayan Mamma in Golden Stream

2005-10-02T10:26:00.000-06:00

Mayan Mamma
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

We were invited to stay with a nice family while camped out in the village but the tents were already up. They invited me over in the morning to chat and visit their house.

I Belize I can Fly

2005-10-02T10:21:00.000-06:00

The smile that was on my face as I left La Esperanza over a week ago is still going strong. It's my sore legs and butt that aren't as happy. My journey so far has taken me from high mountains, past tropical lakes, through thick jungle and wetlands and even Caribbean beaches. Leaving Honduras was sad, it was my home for two years, my security, my family, my beans. I zipped across the Honduras-Guatemala border, raced 20 miles through banana country in Guatemala and threw my bike on a boat headed to Belize. Three countries in one day isn't bad for a days work on a bicycle. Belize is like no other country in Central America, it is a taste of the Caribbean islands locked into the mainland. The people are very laid back and friendly as can be. All sorts of cultures live side by side here, the Mayans, East Indians, Chinese, Menonite, Garifuna and Mestizo. This place is a multicultural wonderland and they are proud of it. A banner strung across central park in Punta Gorda read, "Diverse people, Diverse views, one goal, betterment for all." Maybe we can learn something from these people. It was a strange transition going from Spanish to English, although, the English is very hard to understand as it is mixed with Creole, slang and British words. I try to be cool and jive with the homies, "Hey mon, respect" or "hey broder, what happen'n?" This just doesn't sound cool coming from a white boy on a bike. I am not a Gringo here, here I get, "Hey white boy!" It is all said with repect here, no offense taken. I've stayed with a nice East Indian family, with Mayans in the rainforest, a funky ex-pat named Barry and with an El Salvadorean family up north, this is great! The riding has been mosty flat but the heat makes up for the easy terrain, I'm sweatin like a Duzer in the jungle. The roads are virtually trafficless and many times the only sound on the roads is the whistle of the wind in the power lines, very tranquil. Food status-Lots of Fry Jacks(fried bread), dairy products made by Menonites, and Snickers bars. Butt Status-Red like a Baboon Tan Lines-Bad and getting worse Mosquito bites-Too many to count Songs sung to myself while alone on the road-Informer(lick ya boom boom down), Born to be Wild, Follow the Yellow Striped Line(Sung to the tune of Yellow Brick Road) and Oh Donna-"I have a mommy and Donna is her name, do do do do, She likes to worry about her son on his bike, oh donna don't worry, Ryan will be back....again, he'll be back again, do do do do. I head to Mexico today, Goodbye Caribbean vibes, hello tacos and Tequila!

Humpy Troubles

2005-10-02T10:20:00.000-06:00

Humpy Troubles
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I have seen a lot of crazy things alongside the highways but this is the best. Two dogs stuck together with eternal love.

The ghost of the Duzer

2005-10-02T10:17:00.000-06:00

The ghost of the Duzer
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I ride so fast people only see a mysterious shadow cruise on by.

An upgrade?

2005-09-25T21:15:00.000-06:00

newbike
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

I decided to switch bikes, this one doubles as a taxi so that I can make some money on the way home.

Goodbye Baleadas

2005-09-25T21:14:00.000-06:00

Goodbye Baleadas
Originally uploaded by duzercruzer.

This was my last plate of Baleadas, a sad day for all Baleada lovers. This food kept me going strong for two years. Ingredients:Flour tortilla, refried beans, eggs and a sour cream like substance

7 Hours Later

2005-09-24T17:12:00.000-06:00

After seven hours of grueling riding up and down mountains I made it to a nice fish restaurant where my Peace Corps buddy Manny lives. My average speed was 10mph(going up) and top speed was 36mph( going down). Manny lives under a fish restaurant off the side of the Tegucigalpa-San Pedro Sula Highway and he was nice enough to let my stinky ass stay with him.

What's in the Yellow Bag?

2005-09-24T16:54:00.000-06:00

I bet you are all wondering what I am taking on this little bike trip. Well, here it is. Waterproof bag to hold all my stuff, a tent(thanks Dan Y), a Thermarest(thanks Dan G.), a travel hammock(thanks mom), a small blanket(thanks Popi), a frisbee for the beach, five colorful soccer jerseys, 5 pairs of rip off Tommy Hilfiger lycra socks, a travel towel, one pair of padded bike shorts, swimming trunks, video camera and digital still camera(dont tell this to anybody, don't want theives to know), a camel back(thanks Sarah P), medicine, sunscreen, 20 LiveStrong braceletes to give to kids along the way, rehydration salts, anit fungal foot cream, bug repellent, Books(the Motorcycle Miaries, Huck Finn, Mexico Guide book, One Hundred Years of Solitude and Playboy(just kidding), a lock(thanks Logan C), rechargable batteries, two jars of low fat peanut butter, strawberry jelly, running shoes, sandals, electric shaver, extra bike tubes, a leatherman, a big Crocodile Dundee style machete(go away bad guys) and a headlamp. It is pretty amazing to fit all I need in one little bag, we all should try to fit our lives into a waterproof bag. Also a big thanks to Adam Trapani for sending down tons of great bike components and to Alex shorter for bringing down the big trailer.

The Hills are Alive With the Sounds of a Duzer

2005-09-24T16:38:00.000-06:00

It was an emotional goodbye Friday morning and my departure was delayed by all the nice people who came to visit and hug me goodbye. After all the tears, I headed out of town and was whooping and hollering all the way down the mountain, yeeeehaaa,sniffle sniffle, yeeehaa!. It was a very freeing moment to be finally pedaling my bike, this advenutre is a year in the making.

Goodbye Esperanza

2005-09-24T16:27:00.000-06:00

The kids woke me up at 5am to get their last hug before they went to school. This is what that morning looked like.

Ryan and his Rig (Little Honduran Girls not Included)

2005-09-06T17:30:00.000-06:00