Day 15--Idaho Falls, ID to Jackson, WY

Day 15—July 03, 2006—Idaho Falls, ID to Jackson, WY—88 miles—5989’ climb

YEEHEE! WE’RE IN STATE NO. 3, WIDE OPEN WYOMING, LAND OF MOUNTAINS AND PASSES, COWBOYS AND GRASSES; ROCKS PAINTED BY OUR MAKER AND HELL’S HALF ACRE!

All were up early today, and after fueling big for the strenuous day ahead, riders loaded their luggage in a split second and hit the road, anxious to get some early miles in. They had a pretty stiff headwind for the first 45 miles until they turned left and started the climb to Pine Creek Pass. The day was warm, so the drop box was full to overflowing.

Ray and Mother Lil at
Pine Creek Pass Summit

Michelle and Chris Herrly—who’s been having a bit of trouble with his young 13-year-old knees—set up the first sag stop at a little park at an overlook about 25 miles out. It’s a beautiful spot with a wonderful view down to the Snake and the valley below. When I got to this SS in the van (I have a heavy viral cold, laryngitis, and cough so will be driving the SAG van for a couple of days), Chris jumped in with me and we set out to get to the SS#2 before Chris’s mother, Lil, and his brother, Ray—who were sporting climbers’ red polka-dot jerseys and blasting along at a near 20 mph average despite all the climbing. We did get to the Pine Creek Pass Summit before they did, but not by too much (See photo right.)

After SS #2, many riders enjoyed the great descent into Victor where they had a sandwich and drink at a small sidewalk cafe before riding the final 23 miles to Jackson . . . trouble is, their climb to Pine Creek Pass was just a warm-up for their climb over Teton Pass at 8431 feet. These last 23 miles contained 6.6 miles of climb to Teton Pass, some of it 10%, and then a screaming 5-mile descent at 10%. At Route Rap, we learned that one rider took the descent at 58+ mph. Whooooosh!

The scenery today was breathtaking. Fir trees and snow spotted mountains; rivers and valleys, wildflowers everywhere—Indian paintbrush, wild roses, some pretty big-petaled yellow flowers, lupine, etc. . Those riders who came up the mountain late in the day were cooled by a brief rain and then boosted along with a great tailwind. The last rider reached the motel after 6 pm.

Dinner this evening was a pizza party at Pizza Hut. Riders outdid themselves fueling up for tomorrow’s climb over Togwotee Pass and the Continental Divide at 9,658 feet.

OVERHEARD ON THE ROAD TODAY:

• “I haven’t had this much fun since my kidney stone.”
• Rider: “Andy, why don’t you put on those latex pants and get on your bike?” Andy: “Latex? Are those the shorts that look painted on?"
• “Gee, when the riders come through next year there will be a cherry grove right here and a peanut farm.” 
• “We’ve passed the 1000-mile mark. My computer says that we’ve come 1001 miles since Astoria.” 
• “I ran over a stick and it took 10 seconds before the rear wheel ran over it.” 
• “Today I learned that horseflies can fly at 5 mph.”

SHOW & TELL: Kirk reported being entertained by the clear musical voice of Bell’s vireos on his climb to Pine Creek Pass, Barry saw a soaring golden eagle, Chris saw a moose in the river, and someone reported a bear but I cannot remember who.