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