Two for One Ride

Well after arriving in Idaho Falls at Aunt Evelyn’s house early on the 28th and having two more complete days off, it was rather difficult to face a long days ride into Jackson, WY. After not too much discussion, it was decided that we would split up the 87 mile ride into 2 days by rationalizing that this way we could spend more time with family. So, at the mini-family reunion hosted by Evelyn, we announced to Aunt Sharon and Uncle Bob our intentions and were immediately invited for dinner. I must admit that it was really Sabrina’s idea and once again, it defiantly turn out to be a wise decision. Now that we’ve arrived in Jackson Hole, THERE IS NO WAY THAT WE WOULD HAVE MADE THE TRIP IN ONE DAY! The first day we rode to Swan Valley, about 40 mile and a gradual uphill all the way. Uphill would have been no problem, but with a strong headwind for the last 30 miles, I couldn’t imagine having to go 47 more miles after that. So, I guess I kind of jumped ahead by complaining about the last 30 miles when the first 10 were enough to make us think twice about completing the days ride, road construction on Rt. 26 out of Idaho Falls. Did I say construction? I meant DESTRUCTION. No road surface on our side and only a partial hard surface coming the other way. They warned us with “Loose Gravel” signs, but that description didn’t do it justice. We really had to ride in one of the tire ruts and just let the cars back up behind us. We couldn’t get out of the rut without stopping because the gravel on the shoulder was too soft to ride. Honk, Honk went the trucks when they got tired of waiting, but that was polite. Some cars choose to speed past and practically push you out of the rut. Sabrina had a severe case of white knuckles by the time the destruction ended. Finally, 10 miles out from Swan Valley we gave Wayne the “PICK US UP” call and were happy to hear that he was only 12 miles behind us. And true to form, Wayne drove right past us about 4 miles out of town and continued into the Swan Valley general store at the intersection with Rt. 31 that we would start the next day’s climb at. It’s a good thing he did, as Sabrina and I had our first moose sighting. Yes, just down the bank from us there was a moose cow just standing in the Snake River looking up at us. This was after we had forged the Snake River on a bridge that gave us the most beautiful view of the Tetons as a backdrop to the river. What a magnificent way to end an otherwise trying ride. Life is Good!
Today started off rather sadly, having to say good bye to Aunt Evelyn and Idaho Falls, not to mention that we left Charlotte there until her return to CT on Saturday. It was really great having her along. Now the crew is down to 4. Well, back to Swan Valley to pick up where we left off yesterday. We no more than sat on the bikes than we started the accent to Teton Pass. I mean the first pedal was a struggle and every one after that for about 20 miles before a downhill grade. Then on through Victor, ID to the WY border. Welcome to Wyoming the sign read. Right behind it was another that warned, “Steep uphill – 10% grade.” And if that wasn’t enough, there was another fluorescent orange sign warning “Caution Road Work - Next 5 miles.” Great ! We can’t catch a break ! Oh, did I mention the headwinds ? No, the gods decreed, “No-one will ride over the Mighty Teton Pass today.” And so we all pushed as hard as we could before succumbing to miles of 10% grade. It was like the Cossaduck Hill that never ended. Finally I quit and waited for Ben and Sabrina to catch up and we walked our bikes to the summit as a family. Only Sabrina was offered a ride by a young guy in a pick-up, but since she was within sight of Ben and me, she graciously declined while pointing to the two of us waiting up ahead. When we reached the summit, Wayne was waiting there, resting after his long hike up to the snow line. What a glorious view, the splendor of the majestic Tetons all around us and beautiful Jackson down in the valley below. It was worth every ounce of energy exerted to be able to experience this, not to mention the Sabrina and Ben spotted 2 elk on the hillside and I saw 2 bald eagle soaring and screeching high above us. Well, a few snap shots for the records books and on to the decent. Now the sign read another warning, “Steep downhill next 5 miles – 10% grade.” Wee ! Just be careful not to melt the brakes on the rims. We stopped once for a photo opportunity and decided to stay a little longer because we could smell the brakes burning and the rims we pretty hot. Thank God we finally arrived in Jackson in one piece with lots of great memories. Two states down and 11 more to experience. Wayne found a nice campground right in Jackson, chili for dinner and we are going out on the town tonight !
Keep Them Wheels a Rollin’
Paul