Day 6 Jackson Hole, Wy to Montpelier, ID 117 miles 3400' climbing

I've got to come up with a new way to start these posts....I've worn out "another spectacular day"! That's what it was!
We rolled out of Jackson Hole a little later today because of the reduced mileage. The first 8 miles or so we rode on Jackson Hole's cycling path. It's wide and nicely paved, with plenty of small hills, dips and turns...fun! We followed Hoback River for the next 30 or so miles...until our first rest stop. We had a fairly large pack today because of the downhills. Neither Craig or I are comfortable around a large group, so we short-stopped the first rest and set off alone. At some point I joked that Chip would catch us. Within 10 miles...there he was, flying by with the Slauson boys (a father & son team) on his wheel. He worked really hard to make the catch. We short-stopped rest #2 and the 3 of us rolled on towards Montpelier. Chip and Craig are monster climbers! They easily gain 1/2 mile on me over a 2 mile climb. They're also nice enough to wait for me at the top...knowing I also stop to take pictures that will immortalize their feats of strength...ha! The last big climb was especially long and nasty! It just kept going up! As we descended (and about 5 miles from Montpelier) we ran into road work. The entire road surface had been stripped to gravel. While Craig rolled ahead to check if we could ride thru it...I canvased the waiting trucks to see if one would let us jump in for a lift to the other side. Craig report was not good...lot's of loose gravel! So, into the truck we went. These guys were really nice. They were returning from a few days of hunting with their horses (in the trailer) and 3 vintage flintlock rifles! One of which we discovered was still bundled up in the stuff we were sitting on in the truck bed. Thanks for the lift guys! Back on the road and straight to the local Huckleberry milkshake vendor! I'll miss huckleberries!!!



















we started the day on the Jackson Hole cycling trail





















The road along the Hoback. You can see the size of the group ahead.


















The Hoback River





















Mini Moo #2 (with some help from photoshop!)



















Proof that we are now officially "in-Thayne"!

















along the Salt River


















That...is a lot of hay!

















Would love to read the real estate description on this place: unique hilltop location, no noisy neighbors, 360 degree views, gets pummeled by prairie winds from every direction!



















Downtown Afton...and the World's Largest Antler Arch...yeehaa!



















Mr. Cinematography...Chip!




















into the valley!



















for my horse lover!



















Me...not having fun on the climb!



















3 miles at 7%...me likey!



















Looking back at Craig and Chip
















Great roads....very little traffic!

















The gang made it to the border!




















Up...up...up!

















That was a nasty climb!
















Craig and Chip hanging on for dear life! Sure beat riding a couple miles on that gravel! We'll make up the missed (2) miles tomorrow!



















Chip and I ridin' shotgun!

Day 5 West Yellowstone to Jackson Hole,WY 135 miles 4500' climbing

Today was absolutely EPIC!!! Definitely THE best day on the bike I have ever had!

Lon gave us all the option of an alternative route today...through Yellowstone National Park! Same miles...same climbing. The only difference would be that we would be without support as the vans would only be able to support the normal route. I've worked inside Yellowstone and knew this was the route for me. I'd always wondered what it would be like to ride your bike thru there. It was way better than I had expected. At the ride start there were only a handful of people who decided to ride thru Yellowstone. Some scared off by Saturday RV traffic...some just wanting to do the normal route. Craig and I were all set. I stocked up on Clif Shots and Clif Bloks...because we'd have to get the 135 miles to Jackson on our own. I knew there were stretches of road close to 40 miles without any services at all. At 6:30 sharp...we rolled! It was magical riding thru those valleys
as the sun was rising. By the time we reached the first geysers at Paint Pot...the sun was up! We made a Clark Griswald-style tourist stop at Old Faithful...which was barely bubbling! Got water at the store and headed south. Our goal was to get to Dornan's at HWY89 and Jenny Lake Rd for lunch. I was a man on a mission! Craig is super smooth and the two of us made great time. We entered the park at 6:40A via the West Yellowstone gate...and exited the South Gate at exactly 10:59AM! Not bad considering the big climbs we had!

The much rumored RV traffic was hardly a factor. Everyone gave us plenty of room! The roads were in spectacular shape...at least until we got into Teton National Park, where we had to take the lane as the shoulder was pretty beat up.

Finally got cell service as we reached Dornan's in Moose Junction...on what I have been referring to as the AT&T "no-GO Phone". It was great to talk to her! Miss you babe! Lunch was awesome! I had venison sausage on pasta with a curry sauce...and Craig had a chicken salad and a calzone...hey, we burned about 8K calories today! People are always fascinated with what we are doing. It's great fun to watch the look on their faces when you tell them you started the day 130 miles to the north!

The final few miles into Jackson Hole run along the base of the Tetons and has to be one of the most spectacular rides you can do!


Enough of the report...let's look at some photos...shall we! There is so much beauty in this world...and I am extremely fortunate to be able to see it...and be in it! Oh...and if you are sitting at a desk in an office: please accept my apologies for the first photo! Crazy isn't it!
















The pic of the day!!
















a deserted West Yellowstone as we rolled out!

















Craig...leading the way!






































approaching Paint Pot Geysers





















Craig and I on a new training regimine! We call it..."The Sulfur Workout". Pick a really long route that passes by bubbling pots of primordial goo...it's a little tough to breathe. Don't even get me started about the National Parks bathrooms!






















at the tragically underwhelming Old Faithful..."back in the car kids...we're off to Wally World"!



















Well stocked for anything the wilderness can throw at me...thanks to the fine folks at Clif Bar (and Rocco)! Nothing say's Yellowstone like Mango flavored Clif shots!



















Craig and I take a photo break at the top of the "divide". Sadly, it was not all downhill from there!















Yellowstone traffic jam...all for two Elk about 1/2 mile away! Thankfully, it was a slow day for wildlife. Neither of us was relishing the thought of a bear, moose, bison, wild badger encounter...without the safety of a car!















Downhill toward the Tetons

















good timing! I'm getting hungry!
















WOW!















Craig and I entering the Tetons
















Pano towards the Tetons

















rollin down the 89 into Jackson


















does this man look happy?

















Craig rolling on the Jennie Lake Rd...Tetons behind!

















what's left of my lunch and the fine view from Dornan's porch


















Now....that's a sky!



















Andrew digs American BBQ!


















There was a motorcycle festival going on in Jackson Hole over the weekend. Harley's everywhere!



















Having fun with technology! There's a webcam on Town Square in Jackson Hole...so we decided to look it up on Joel's iPhone. Voila...there we were...standing next to the famous Antler Arch! The things we do to kill time out here....

Day 4 pics...finally!

Farm scene leaving Bozeman
















Hey WChioji…does this bike look familiar? It belongs to Lil Pluke. She is along on this tour with her son, Raymond, and would love to se you. We leave Montpelier,ID on the morning of Monday, August 4…headed to Evanston, WY. Bring the RodFather!

















Our version of Merkat Manor...waiting to cross the road!




















We had a tough decision to make today…either ride “in” the road, or stay to the right of the rumble strip. As you can see there’s not much room there! You’re tax dollars hard at work!



















Today's lunch by the Gallatin River: grilled bratwurst, pasta salad, broccoli and tomatoes

















Today’s group: me, Andrew, Allen, Ruth and Craig
















Thanks for taking our pic Biker Dude!

















Rolling along the Gallatin River


















Huckleberry shake...for Sheepman! It was mighty tasty!

One last pic...then I've got 135 miles to ride to Jackson

Andrew’s friend in Australia asked a question about a certain riders legs.
Since we’re starting to run out of stuff to report on…I thought it would be fun to have a little contest. Please vote for your favorite legs. This’ll be fun!

AAARGH...still no luck uploading!

The connection out of here is really bad! I'll try again when I get into Jackson Hole this evening.














Here's the only shot that I could post! It took 10 minutes!

Day 4 Bozeman to West Yellowstone 91 miles 4000' climbing

Another beautiful weather day! We backtracked about 8 miles to the west out of Bozeman and then head due south to West Yellowstone…along the Gallatin River.

The Gallatin River is spectacular! Unfortunately, it also flows to the north…which means out entire ride today was uphill! The uphill route combined with a steady 20-25mph headwind made what was originally billed as a relatively easy “recovery ride”…a bit of a battle! At times we struggled to make 12mph! Andrew, Craig and I rode together most of the day. We’re a good fit…safe and steady! Ruth and Allen joined in for the last 50 miles or so…we needed all the help we could get!

Riding along the river and into the northern fringes of Yellowstone National Park was pretty spectacular! Got to see the occasional fly-fisherman and a few river raft tours (America on vacation). Other than that…no wildlife today! The meadows are filled with wildflowers this time of year and that makes the air smell really fresh.

I’ve worked within most areas of the park…and often wondered what it would be like to ride your bicycle through it. Tomorrow, I’ll find out!


Blogger's server is not working...so I'll try to upload photos after dinner.