Thursday, June 29
Miles: 47.86. – Accent: 3,030.
Totals:. Miles-1,320.99 – Accent- 49,559 feet climbed – 116.33 hrs in the saddle
Sleepy eyed, we stumbled to the cafe for breakfast and coffee. First guests, we sat by the window and watched two squirrels chase each other around the tree. A huge raven was walking the roof line. The mosquitoes are thick here too. Deet doesn’t seem to phase them.
Breakfast burritos are the best! I can eat some of the insides, roll it up and have a snack later. You learn to be creative and resourceful when in the field.
It was chilly this morning so we started just after 9. We are climbing over 3,000 feet today and going over the Continental Divide at 9,584 elevation. The air is thinner so we want to take our time. Luckily, we’ve been acclimating to the elevation over the past week.
Up we go. In the first four miles and nearly one hour, we climbed nearly 1,000 feet. With the bikes loaded, we want to pace ourselves. Pushing harder serves to make us lightheaded. The last thing we need to do is pass out on the side of the road! More Beware of Bears signs. The camp host sent us off this morning with this advice: Just remember to go downhill. You might be able to outrun them that way. I keep surveying the terrain. Which way is downhill?
As vehicles pass us, we can hear the engines working hard…shifting down gear after gear.
I think about what I’m experiencing. I never would have imagined I would have the opportunity to ride my bike here…to see this beautiful country this way.
To have a partner to share moments like this, to have someone who encourages you and believes in you, and to have someone who allows you to struggle but is there to help if you need it, is such a special gift. This is something no money or status can buy but a true gift from the heart. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. So thankful.
And the memories created? They are more precious than gold.
We roll in to the parking lot of Togwotee Lodge for a snack at the gas station. There we meet four other cyclists who are headed in the same direction-oh, the youth! Off they go and at such a pace! And just then, Jim and Michele roll it! So good to see them!
Refueled, we head back out. The skies are growing darker and darker. Drew checks the radar for weather patterns and there is definitely a cell moving through. Perhaps it will pass in front of us. We decide to continue riding but at a rather slow pace. As we prepare for the last big climb to the summit, a rider is descending on the opposite side. “It’s crazy at the summit! It’s crazy at the summit!” he cried. Oh no! What are we in for?!
Up, up, up. And now we know. A hail storm had passed through. There was slush all over the road. It must have been horrifying for the riders caught in it. It was definitely chilly and we were glad we dressed warmly this morning.
Down from the summit, we found the Lava Mountain Lodge. It’s shortly after 3 and a hot cup of coffee sounded so good. There, we met Taylor. He brought us two piping hot cups of coffee. Hands wrapped around the outside, we began to thaw.
Just then, the foursome we met at Togwotee Lodge rolled up. The look on their faces was priceless!! How did the two old cyclist get here first?! Seems their mapping app routed them to an 8 mile section of gravel where they got drenched. They had mud head to toe! They fueled up and off they went again. Man, they are tough!!
We chatted more with Taylor. He tells us he’s from Florida but is a musher here. Now that’s not something you come across every day. I share how my dad and I ran a team when I was younger. The memories and life lessons were priceless. We talk about the lead dog, how the team functions, exciting moments. I tell him about the time, maybe 20 years ago when my family was in Alaska and my son wanted to dog sled. Sure. We can do that. I was absolutely fine watching them hook up the team. And then the dogs got excited and started their chattering. Hearing that, that moment, launched me back to the 13 year old girl who raced sled dogs. Tears streamed down my face as they do each time I tell the story. I think when your young, you don’t realize how valuable those experiences are…how much they mean. Taylor understood. He knew exactly what I was talking about. Thanks Dad, for believing in me. For challenging me and being there to help me if I needed it. And for allowing me space to struggle through something and succeed. The memories and experiences you gave me are the best gifts you could have ever given me. I treasure them. And in tough moments, steep climbs, you are right there with me. I am the most fortunate person ever to have had you as my dad.
(nice stream at the campground)
Arriving safe in Dubois, we set camp, went to visit the local dollar store for some goodies, get dinner at the bowling alley and return for a quick shower. And no bear box. Hurray!!
Arriving safe in Dubois, we set camp, went to visit the local dollar store for some goodies, get dinner at the bowling alley and return for a quick shower. And no bear box. Hurray!!
We survived!!