Awesome. Inspiring. Yeah!!!!!!

If you're headed through the Colorado Springs area you have a place to stay, and possibly a temporary riding pal.

As for finances, my best advice is to get some estimates started, set a goal, write it down, and get going! My bank lets you have sub-savings accounts and name them online. Nothing like a "Bike Tour!" account to help motivate you! Any time you get paid, put in some $. Any time you turn down a usual expense (coffee, treat, whatever) in favor of the bike tour, put in that chunk. Tell your family, friends, co-workers about your trip and channel any gift-giving into your goal account. Sell random extra stuff on Craiglist....whatever! Nothing like the power of a dream, with a written goal. Illustrate it with pictures of you and your bike, map sections, tourist photos of where you want to go. Have a blast planning, and better still RIDING!