In 1920, a group of eager Americans embarked on a 5,000 mile tour of twelve National Parks west of the Rockies. Their route followed the newly established National Park-to-Park Highway, which later became remembered as the “Playground Trail.”

While the route doesn’t officially exist today, the network of roads linking the National Parks still remain as permanent fixtures in the U.S. highway system. Beginning in June, I will attempt to recreate the dedication tour that took place nearly a century ago; only this time it’ll be via bicycle.

Rick Olson has never toured. At the time of the trips conception, Rick was lying on his roommates (his parents) couch with little direction in life after graduating. It was then that he happened upon the documentary, Paving the Way. Knowing he needed adventure, the idea of touring the National Park-to-Park Highway instantly popped in his head.

Of course he didn’t realize it was 5,000 miles until the majority of the plans were set.

Both a blessing and a curse, Rick is a magnet for individuals who keep the earth off-axis. It is his intention to connect with these characters… and listen to a ton bluegrass while winding his way through the mountains.

Cali Bagby is Rick’s pseudo older brother. Having spent 11 months as an embedded journalist in Iraq, Cali has been in dire need of scenery. Channeling her spirit animal, the warthog, Cali will provide the emotional stability of the trip. For the first month, she will be the pillar that never falls in times of adversity. In July, Cali will be headed to Afghanistan to continue her career as a war journalist, at which time Rick’s tears whimpering will be heard by no one but himself… unless he can persuade his brother to remain on the road.