Day 16, June 30, 2015, Jackson Hole, WY to DuBois, WY, 86 miles and 3800 feet of climbing.  One of the ways that I evaluate a good day is by checking to see how many pictures I took.  Today I had in excess of 120 and that qualifies as a phenomenal day!  I slipped out of the motel early and after finding an Espresso shop I entered into the Teton National Park.  There is a bike path that traverses the majority of it and at that time of the day I pretty much had it all to myself.  Within a couple miles I was treated to my first views of the snow covered Teton Mountain range.  Often times on this ride, views elicit a strong emotional reaction and today was no exception.  I got seriously “choked up” at what I was able to ride next to.  To say the view was majestic is an understatement.  I immediately began taking pictures, not realizing that I was going to be up close and personal with them virtually all day.  Being on a bike path, separated from the road way was a blessing.  Had I been on the road I would have been a hazard as I was constantly distracted by the enchanting views.  After we exited the park the mountain range was behind us and I was repeatedly distracted by catching glimpses in my rear view mirror.  We climbed most of the day and at mile 56 we reached the Continental Divide at Togotwee Pass.  The elevation was 9658 feet above sea level.  It was a long hard ride up to it but the payoff was a 30 mile down hill ride into DuBois  (elevation 6917 feet) and our motel.  If not for wanting to maximize my speed it would have been possible to coast the entire way without pedaling.  There was little traffic and no sharp curves so I could really let the bike run.  It was exhilarating.  Another incredible day heading east across northern America!

 

 

Entrance to a park in Jackson Hole, WY.  The town seems to have lots to offer and would be a nice place to hang out for a few days.

 

You may have noticed that there has been no mention of Espresso for awhile.  I have been in an "Espresso Desert" and have not been able to find any.  There were lots of opportunities in Jackson Hole.  This is my second stop on my way out of town.

 

My first view of the Grand Tetons.  As the day went on the views just kept getting better.  Look for the hot air balloons.

 

From the bike trail in the park.

 

Pic of Snake River in the foreground.

 

I saw this in my rear view mirror and had to stop a take a pic.

 

A herd of Bison insde the national park.

 

I made it!  If I understand my geography correctly it is now all down hill to the Mississippi River.

 

Towards the end of the 30 mile down hill run into DuBois.

 

Today's elevation profile.

Day 15, June 29, 2015, Idaho Falls, ID to Jackson Hole, WY, 91 miles and 5500 feet of climbing. Wowzer, we are in Wyoming after a very challenging and absolutely rewarding day.  We were on the road at 6:00 a.m. and headed east.  Shortly after the sun got up the wind picked up and it was right on our nose.  By the time we reached the first SAG stop it was a brisk 18 mph .   The wind only compounded the ride difficulty because we were also climbing.  Shortly after the SAG stop we entered the foothills of the Teton Mountains.  Fortunately the wind died down as the climbing intensified.  The terrain changed from agriculture/high desert to green, lush mountains.  It was a welcome change and there were some incredible views.  I would have stopped to take more pictures but because of the incline concluded early on that it was best to keep moving forward.  As we approached Teton Pass the climbing intensified significantly.  The incline increased from 6% to 8% and the last ten miles were a thigh/lung burning 10+%.  It was brutal.  At the 78 mile mark we reached the summit of Teton Pass at 8500 feet above sea level.  With the temperature reaching 90 degrees and the thin mountain air it made for some light headed riding.  For the last 20 miles prior to the summit I drank 6 large bottles of water.  The word for the day was hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  Reaching the summit we were rewarded with some incredible views and we could see for miles.  We were also rewarded with 12 miles of downhill with the first 7 miles being at 10%.  I reached a max speed of 45.2.  It was exhilarating.  Tomorrow we get to ride through Teton National Park.  They say the views will be better than today’s.  I will believe it when I see it!!

 

Leaving Idaho Falls

 

The wind mills in the background were happy the wind was blowing, but not me!

 

 

 

 Wheat fields stretched all the way to the mountains

 

 

At an overlook of the Snake River

 

Approaching the Tetons

 

Crossing the Snake River once again as we approach the Tetons

 

Beginning to climb

 

Final SAG stop prior to the push to the summit

 

 Entering Wyoming!!

 

 

Teton Pass

 

Elevation profile of today's ride.  We were at 4742 feet above sea level when we left Idaho Falls.  We climbed to 8500 feet for the Teton Pass.  Tonight we are at 6123 feet in Jackson Hole, WY

Day 14, June 28, 2015, Pocatello, ID to Idaho Fall, ID, 66 miles and 760 feet of climbing.  We began this journey 2 weeks ago today and in that time have traveled nearly 1000 miles.  The time and miles are slipping by.  Tomorrow we leave Idaho and enter Wyoming.  We just keep rolling along.  On paper today should have been an easy day but due primarily to the scorching heat and a route that included far too many turns it was actually quite tough.  We began the day with a safety inspection of our bikes just to make sure they are holding together and are ready for our “assault” on the mountains.  That delayed our start and by the time we left at 8:00 a.m. and the sun was already beating down.  The route involved many turns and for me this makes for a grueling ride.  You have to stay hyper alert and keep a close eye on your odometer.  The next turn never seems to come fast enough and like the proverbial “watched pot that never boils”, the more you watch the odometer the slower it seems to click off the miles!  The terrain and roads reminded me of home, riding in Hampton Twp.  The fields were planted with potatoes, wheat, corn and sugar beets.   There were miles of rough “chip and seal” roads that were mainly flat.   The only real difference was the mountains on the horizon and the amount of irrigation.  We pretty much followed the Snake River most of the day.  We have been following it since last Monday.  Boy that river certainly gives life to lots of land out here!  I got to Idaho Falls around 1:00 p.m. and was totally toasted by the 98 degree temperature.  I went immediately in search of a chocolate shake and several tall glasses of ice water.  I did spend some time around the Falls and found them to be quite impressive.  Overall, another wonderful day out here in the West!

 

 

My guardian angel, again.  I asked Leisa if she had sent a guardian angel out here to see me home safely home.  She said she had not, because she was quite certain that my burning desire to return home to my Wild Rose would motivate me to stay safe.  I then thought that perhaps it was my brother in law Myke Ward. But then I remembered that crow who chased me through Oregon calling out, "Why would someone pay good money to spend 36 days with a bicycle seat shoved up his......?".  So I decided it wasn't him.  Then last night I was talking with my sister Joy and we both concluded that it had to be her daughter and my niece, Kyle.  So that mystery is solved!

 

Leaving Pocatello

 

Crossing the Snake River the life blood of the Idaho high desert.

 

Idaho Fals

 

The Fall are actually a hydro electric generator.  The Shoshone and Twin Fall are hydro electric generators as well.  So, the river provides irrigation and electricity too.

 

Today's route cue sheet.  If you look closely you can see how many turns we had to make.

 

Day 13, June 27, 2015, Burley, ID to Pocatello, ID, 86 mile and 1200 feet of climbing.  Hit the road at 6:00 a. m. for another sunrise ride in an effort to beat the heat.  It was a pleasant 64 degrees when we left but by 1:30 p.m. when I pulled into the motel it was a toasty 95!  Started the day in irrigated farm land and saw lots of fields of potatoes (probably those big ole Idaho baking taters?).  We then entered an expanse of open range that was absolutely beautiful with mountains way in the background on one side and the Snake River on the other.  Cattle were grazing freely as there were no fences.  They would sometimes cross the road in front of you and I became quite adept at dodging there cow patties/piles.  It gave me a taste of what it must have been like back in the “old days”.  Towards the end of the day we alternated between riding on I-86 and a frontage road that parallels it.  If not for the blazing sun (at the end of the day) it would have been perfect.  I arrived at the motel hot, hungry and thirsty.  Before checking in I found the nearest Subway to eat lunch and cool off.  When I got back to the motel I found the lobby full of disgruntled cyclists as the rooms were not ready.  Geesh……nothing worse than a bunch of guys who think they deserve to have their every need met and on time.  A casual observer would have never guessed that all they had to do for the past 13 days was get up and ride a bicycle through some outstanding areas of this country!  Oh well, I found a lounge chair by the pool, layed on my back with my legs elevated and took a nap.  I am one blessed brother!!

 

Leaving Burley as the sun rises.

 

Potatoes were growing eveywhere.

 

That same cyclist followed me again.  I'm thinking it is a guardian angel that my Wild Rose has sent to look after me.

 

Crossing the Snake River. 

 

Look out for cattle!!

 

Riding through the open plains.  This road went on for miles.

 

Cattle on the open plains.

 

Historic site. "Signature Rock".  A stop on the Oregon Trail where the emigrants stopped to sign their names.  Boy they must have been hardy, determined souls!!

Day 12, June 26, 2015, Twin Falls, ID to Burley, ID, 47 miles and 1150 feet of climbing. After a long day yesterday we followed up with a relatively short and non-challenging one today.  We had a late departure i.e. 8:30 a.m., so after breakfast I road back down to the Snake River Canyon to see it in the morning light.  It was even more breath taking than it was yesterday plus I was treated to watching several “base jumpers” jump from the middle of the bridge and parachute down into the gorge.  When I returned to the motel everyone was loading up and saying goodbye to Katie.  Yesterday her Dad (Mike) hit a curb, crashed and broke his hip, ending their ride.  Katie just graduated from college and her and her Dad and dreamed of doing this trip together for many years.  I feel very sorry for them and it reminds me that this can be a dangerous sport.  Shortly after leaving town we took two side trips to see Soshone Falls and Twin Falls.  Though it involved some challenging climbs it was well worth it!  The remainder of the day was spent on a “frontage road” heading East, parallel to I-84.  The temperature reached 90 degrees and there was absolutely no shade.  Fortunately the humidity was low at approximately 15%.

P.S.  I had another wonderful day on the bike and it was made extra special by the Supreme Court’s decision that Gay marriage bans were unconstitutional. We have been waiting far too long for this day. Finally equality and justice have prevailed.  Hallelujah!!!

 

Bridge over Snake River Canyon.  You can't see them but several base jumpers are preparing to take the plunge.

 

Floating to the canyon floor.

 

Down stream from Soshone Fall.  Can you see the rainbow in the center of the pic in recognition of the Supreme Court decision??

 

Soshone Falls

 

One happy Dad.  The Supreme  Court got it right!!!

 

This sign made me miss my Wild Rose even more!!!

 

Twin Falls

Day 11, June 25, 2015, Mountain Home, ID to Twin Falls, ID, 100 miles and 2350 feet of climbing.  Wow, another great day of pedaling!   I left the motel at 6:00 a.m.  The ride leader wanted to get us on the road early in an attempt to beat the heat.  I had to set my alarm for 5:00 a.m. and today was the first day it woke me up.  Every other day I have been up before it goes off.  When I began the day it was a refreshing 62 degrees.  It was nice to be on the road as the sun was peaking up over the distant mountains.  As the day wore on the temperature steadily increased and reached 88 degrees when I arrived in Twin Falls around 2:00 p.m.  The first part of the ride was through dry, barren scrub land.  It slowly transitioned into heavy agricultural terrain as we began to follow the Snake River.  Again, irrigation is the only thing that allows this land to produce anything.  Towards the end of the day we traveled through cattle country and far too many feed lots where they are brought to fatten up prior to being turned into our dinners.  The feed lots are not visually or aromatically pleasant.  I’d prefer to not see how our food is produced.  Throughout the latter part of the ride we were treated to awe inspiring vistas of the Snake River.  As we entered into Twin Fall we crossed over the Snake River Gorge.  What a way to end the day!  I had another great day on the bike.  Felt strong and comfortable.  Ended the ride with a 15.2 mph average, which is good for me! It really did not feel like a hundred miles.  On rides like these I usually get stronger everyday and so far it seems to be the case on this one.

P.S.  Early in the ride I heard a loud sigh of relief from the right side of “the road”.  When I was able to check the news I learned that the Supreme Court had ruled affirmatively on a key provision of the Affordable Care Act.  That sigh I heard must have been from all of those Republican legislators who were fearful their lawsuit would be upheld and they would have to come up with an alternative to what is proving to be a successful first step in insuring all Americans.  The things I hear out on the road!!

 

Early morning sunrise over the mountains.

 

This bicyclist rode along side me for several mile in the morning and I just could not shake him!

 

I had to ride 28 miles to find Espresso.  The coffee was sub par but this lady was a delight.

 

How'd you like to live in this town?

 

Bridge over the Snake River Gorge.  I have never been on a bridge that shook so much.  Everytime a car passed it rattled!!

 

Snake River Gorge in background.

 

Pic of Snake River going through a valley.

 

Snake River Gorge.

 

Elevation profile of today's ride.  Nothing but a step for a stepper!