Category: 2017 Northern Tier

Somehow I got my “load” time mixed up this morning. I knew there should have been more people waiting by the trailer but there were none. Fortunately Pam saw my confusion and came to the rescue. I got my stuff in the trailer, grabbed a quick breakfast, and got on the road.

Side note on the breakfast…it was basically just carbs and coffee. I did get an apple to go with my biscuit and bowl of Cheerios but there was no protein option. Then dinner was Subway sandwiches. I hope it gets better tomorrow and beyond.

In spite of a poor breakfast, I did exceedingly well for the first 35 miles of the ride. I actually kept up with Steve, the strongman of the tour, and Mike and Karen, two other really strong riders. We were on a down hill trend. If not, I would have been left in the dust.

Later I caught on with Bev and Greg but lost them on an uphill. They were on a mission to get to Hot Springs before the day got too hot.

And hot it did get. I heard different numbers but it was over 100 degrees out on the road. Our first big climb came around mile 73. I, along with others, had to keep stopping to cool down by drinking the ice water we’d just gotten from our support team. 

The descent from the four mile climb was only one and a half miles but then it was fairly flat for a long bit and I was able to fly through there. So when the next bump came along, I was doing well and got over it easily enough.

I made my best time since we started this trek getting to the motel. Then my room wasn’t ready. So, as I was going to sit in the lobby, Bev came in and said they’d just been at the DQ. She gave me directions and I was off. Met up with some others from our group there so shared a table as we enjoyed our treats.

The only photo from today was at the South Dakota state line. The landscape was interesting but I did not want to stop as I knew it was only going to get hotter as the day went on. Come see the area, its worth it.

Tomorrow we will ride through Wind Cave National Park. Then we stop to see the Crazy Horse memorial before getting to Mount Rushmore. We’ll have one of the rest stops at the National Presidential Wax Museum. All this and 73 miles of cycling too.

Another early morning. Yawn.

The alarm went off at 5:20 this morning. Luggage needed to be put in trailer at 5:50. Quick ‘continental’ breakfast at the motel and on my way.

I’m still not comfortable with the route sheets so am glad for the Lady-in-my-Pocket who gives me directions. I also saw another rider ahead of me. Turned out to be Dale. He was amused when I told him I was glad to find another rider so at least if I got lost, I wouldn’t be alone.

The first half of the ride went by quickly. I stopped in the town of Glenrock to read about the “rock in the glen.” Turns out John C. Fremont camped in the area on his first expedition out west. He was guided by Kit Carson.

Continuing on, I arrived in Douglas where they have jackalopes and hollyhocks.

Somewhere along the way I was able to latch onto the Bev, Greg, the Stabler brothers, Alan group which had grown to include Hao and Deb. I stayed with them until I dropped off for water at the van. That was the last of that pull for the day. Later I caught up with Hao who had also dropped off. So we rode together to the third rest stop. Then I was on my own but that was OK because the tar snakes were a problem and it was easier to avoid them without also having to deal with other riders.
One of the recommendations today was a truck stop known for their pies. I stopped for the pie but also got to play with a dog that was visiting. The dog’s person was inside the truck stop. As I was preparing to leave, I realized the dog had a stone and was asking me to toss it. So I did and he chased it and brought it back. We played for a bit until I told the dog I had to go. He still followed me as I started riding away but went back when his person came out of the truck stop. Timing was perfect.

When I finally reached Lusk, I had time to clean up before the big Rawhide celebration parade. Fun but short. Lots of horses and horse drawn wagons. I wasn’t prepared when the “Indians” came racing down the street on their horses. So no photos of them.

Yesterday was our rest day in Casper, Wyoming. Thought I might sleep in but have gotten so used to early days, it was an early day.

Cousin Dave came to pick me up and we were off to see The Oregon Trail exhibit. It also included information on lots more stuff. If I could get my photos, I’d share some of that info. grrrrr

We went for a lunch and then picked up his friend Angel and drove to a rock where the travelers through the area signed their names. Some names are dated back to the 1800s. The rock is a huge piece of granite that sits all by itself in the flatlands. We actually climbed up and down it without any special equipment but I went slow and careful.

After a nice Mexican meal, we were off the The Beach Boys concert. It was a fun show but I was glad they kept it to a 10ish ending as morning would come quickly.

One would think internet service would be better in a big town like Casper but not at this motel.

I don’t usually notice this kind of stuff but when we pulled in yesterday after cycling 120 miles, I overhead one of the riders ask about laundry soap. The staff just said “we’re out.” They didn’t offer any other options. Later, I was at the front desk and heard one receptionist, while looking at the phone, say to her coworker, “they hung up on me! Poor internet is just the way it is around here.” Then several coffee drinkers mentioned the motel only supplies decaf coffee in the rooms and when they asked about it, they were told that’s all that is available. If they want regular, they can come to the lobby or breakfast room.  Not the best customer service, I’d say.

Too busy/tired last night to post about the day so here goes.

Started the day thinking I’m finally getting it together. My bike odometer was set at zero, my Ride with GPS program was turned on and the route sheet was clipped on the bike. It was 7:15 so I was thinking I was getting a good start time for the day. First instruction, turn left out of motel onto US-26. Did that but the GPS program kept beeping at me which means I’m off course. Stopped to see why. Thought I figured it out and started again, still beeping. Stopped again. Had to figure out how to get the program to stop so I could restart it. It all worked but by then I might as well have left the motel at 7:45 – aarrgh.

Anyway, with 120 miles to go, I decided no stopping for photos today. It was a pretty morning but I’ll just have to pull up memories instead of photos. I had pulled over (can’t remember why now…that was yesterday after all) and was just getting ready to start again when Bev and entourage rode by. Fortunately for me, they were coming up a little climb and so had slight separation between riders. I was able to get on my bike and join the group.  Being with them made a huge difference in how the rest of the ride went for me.  I arrived in Casper and felt good, tired but good! First time I’ve ridden a double metric century.

We were almost to the end of the ride and I was getting tired. I’d just been telling myself I can do this…just hang on when Bev dropped back and said, “Come on Nikki. You can do this. We’re almost there.” Having her do this was great encouragement at just the right time. Thank you Bev!

Our group did stop occasionally for a butt break which was a Very Good Thing. We also stopped at Hell’s Half Acre where I did take pics. This is a wondrous place, well worth the stop. Can’t download pics here. Check Facebook.

Casper is one of the stop/start places along the route. About five riders will be going home and two riders are joining us. Its sad to lose people when bonding has just begun.

Today is a day off the bike and I have a cousin who lives here. He’ll be coming by soon to pick me up for a fun filled day.

A REAL breakfast today at the Cowboy Cafe in Dubois, Wyoming! The staff handled the hungry hoard standing outside their door 10 minutes early with aplomb. Once the door was opened, we all surged in, found seats and looked quickly at the menu before setting it down in order to get the waitress’ attention. Orders in, meals out. So nice to have something besides powdered eggs, Eggo type waffles, cold cereal, and packaged oatmeal.

As we left town, these were some of the scenes we saw.

Across the street from our first rest stop was this cute little guy.

We followed the Wind River a large portion of the day. I thought it was wind, like the invisible stuff that blows around but began to think it might be wind, like what you used to do to your watch because we crossed it many, many times.

I stopped at the memorial about an Indian war…between the tribes.

At a roadside rest stop, I found a couple of interesting signs about the area.

The route today was 80 miles but almost flat. I ended with a 16+ mph average and that was without any paceline. We followed Route 26 all day. No turns until we got into Riverton. As I neared the end of the day, I was starting to fade. Then I saw Deanna stopped at the side of the road so stopped there too for a break. She was looking across the road at two Pronghorn antelope. Glad I stopped!

Enjoyed lunch with Greg, Bev and their group before heading back to the motel to do laundry and relax. Its so hot here, I just set my cycling clothes outside for about half an hour and they were dry!

I finally found a post office in one of the towns we went through. I’ve seen lots of signs pointing to where the post office is but no indication of how far off the route they might be. With the distances we’re doing each day, I’m not going to go searching… I don’t need any further extra miles.

Am in Riverton, Wyoming and am adding the photos from yesterday.

Tonight we have poor internet so I won’t be able to post photos…and I saw some astounding scenery today! Although we had to be shuttled through Teton National Park, I still had amazing views of the mountains from the bike. I stopped at one scenic overlook. As I turned into the overlook facing west instead of east, I was overwhelmed by emotion that hit me as I saw the whole Teton range in one view.

Today’s ride was “only” 55 miles for me. I stopped at more than one overlook and a state memorial which added a mile or so to my day. Although we crossed the continental divide, the climb getting there was not nearly as strenuous as yesterday’s climb over Teton Pass. Continental divide is 9,584′ above sea level at this pass.

Just beyond this point, I crossed the Togwotee (TOE-go-tee) Pass at 9,658′ elevation. Togwotee was a Shoshone who guided the Army Corp of Engineers in the 1890s as they were looking for a way to create roads through the area.

Water! I saw so much water today, running off the mountains and into the creeks. The sound was so refreshing as the day got warmer. And I noticed something strange…the water had been running the opposite direction from our way of travel until today. Now it runs in the same direction I ride. Something to do with the continental divide. (wink, wink). Weird how the brain works.

As I was getting closer to our destination of Dubois, I came around a bend and was stunned by the mountains in front of me. Totally different from what I’d been seeing. These were layers of red and white rock that went on for miles. 

Just about a mile before I got to Dubois, I got a flat! Fourth one so far. Three, including today’s, were caused by wires from the retreads that are on the roads in the shoulder where we second class citizens have to ride. Kim came along and stopped to help me finish the tire change. I kept looking for the SAG truck with the floor pump but no luck this time. We got enough air in the tire for me to limp in to town. 
We just missed the Independence Day parade but saw all the horse folks as they were riding back to their trailers. Apparently it was quite a parade with LOTS of military equipment as well as old firetrucks (I saw those too).

Waiting for the fireworks now.

Leaving Idaho Falls early, early meant we were riding into the sun (again). Once it had risen high enough not to be a bother, I stopped for some pics.

Once we got out of town on Route 26, there was the dreaded headwind! However, the terrain was still mostly flat or gentle rollers. I tried staying with several different groups but they were all feeling stronger than me today so I’d eventually drop off the back.

After the first rest stop, we were warned about a descent at mile 37 because of rumble strips. So I began cautiously but as I began to realize I didn’t have to stay in the shoulder, I checked for traffic and then “took the lane.” We dropped into a beautiful little valley and then crossed the Snake River once again.

Our second rest stop was at Pine Creek Pass which was the first climb of the day.

And we made it to Wyoming at mile 71. Here I am with Roel and Dirk. Roel didn’t know what I was up to but he did tell me to stop touching his hair.

The climb up Teton Pass is tough especially after 70+ miles of riding. The last two or so miles are at a 10% grade and the elevation is over 8000 feet. Tired, not much oxygen, makes for a 3mph climb. I got off the bike several times to get my breath and let my heart rate drop. Even when I was walking, I had to stop to recover before continuing.

The descent from there was awesome! As I was going down, I saw Dirk and Roel pulled over so I stopped too. No sense overheating the brakes on the 10% downhill grade, right? When we started again, I flew past both men. I love going downhill on a wide, clean, gently turning road. I did have to pull over for a few cars but it was mostly clear.

Here are some of the wildflowers I saw today.

Started the day by retracing some of yesterday’s route. As I looked back, I had to stop to take this photo. A beautiful setting for the city of Pocatello.

As usual, I started early with the slower riders which worked out well since I could stop and take some photos. However, today I was ready when the faster riders came by and I  jumped on a wheel. It was the group that included Bev and Greg which was the group I wanted. We all rode together to the first rest stop. As they were getting ready to leave, Bev asked if I’d like to continue with them. Yes!  So, I stayed with them for the rest of the day. I couldn’t believe how quickly we got through 67 miles!

here are some of my early morning photos.

As we got into Idaho Falls, I dropped back and took photos of the falls. They aren’t very high but they are wide and come out at various points. The city has built a wonderful walkway/bike path along both sides of the river and falls. I do enjoy the power of water.

Tomorrow we ride into Wyoming. It’ll be a long day in the saddle with 90 miles and lots of climbing.

Knowing we had a long day today and that we’d probably have the same winds as yesterday, I set my mind to the task of fighting headwinds from the get go. It helped. I started early. The sun was still low on the horizon and we were heading east. This does not make me comfortable because the sun is shining in the eyes of any driver coming up behind me. Once we got out of Burley, the traffic was very light which I appreciated.

As I was solo at this point, I felt free to stop just before our first crossing of the Snake River today to take a photo of the commemorative sign about the ferry that had been run here in the late 1800s.

Not long after this some cyclists came along so I jumped on for a break from the wind. It is amazing what a help it is to have someone else in front. Although I tried, I couldn’t keep their pace and had to drop off. 

Soon after, we were on Interstate 86. The rest stop was at the rest area provided for drivers. When I pulled in and looked around, I realized I had been here when driving up to Montana one year. Back then I had taken the time to look at the historical information provided. So I didn’t take the time to do it today.

The next section of the ride took us back along the Snake. I did stop for another photo here.

I rode on by Register Rock Park because I feel like I don’t have time to stop. Maybe its just me, but it feels like a race to get done each day. I’m a bit disappointed because one reason I am doing this ride is because I want to see the country.

At the second rest stop, we were told the road had deteriorated from last year and there would be gravel somewhere along Sundance Rd. So when we (I was with a group at this point) saw a gravel road at the Sundance Road sign, three of us took it. It led us to RR tracks so we had to backtrack, sigh.

Later, when we hit the real sections of gravel, it was yet another challenge. Not only heavy gravel but also washboard. It was hard to find a good line and there were several gravel sections – yikes! I think back to the day Gale and I ended up on gravel roads for miles…unintentionally, of course. I think that experience helped me get through today.

As the ride neared the end, I was with Roel. So glad he was willing to wait for me and help me get in.

The motel tonight is a maze. To get from the lobby to my room on the second floor, I have to go up stairs to the first floor then down some stairs around a corner and then up another set of stairs. Confusing but I’ve got it down now.

Although today was less miles, it was not an easy day mentally.  Last night I was excited about seeing the Shoshone and Twin Falls. Today my legs felt like lead. I did see the Shoshone Falls from afar but did not ride DOWN to see them.

When I arrived at the beginning of the DOWN for Twin Falls, I couldn’t do it so turned around and saw nothing of those falls.

I had been riding with Andy until I turned off for Twin Falls so now I was on my own cycling into the headwind. The scenery didn’t change much, just different crops in the fields. The roads were rough and some had no shoulder, potholes and gravel.

Thankfully, I caught up with some others and ended up riding and visiting with Theresa. That got me to the rest stop without any pain. After that I was in a better place mentally and finished the ride with a good attitude even though I was on my own again.

Our dinner tonight was in the motel in Burley (say that fast three times-its fun!). It was delicious!!! (Yes, it deserves three exclamation points)  the sauce for the noodles and chicken was yummy. The chicken was cooked to perfection. The vegetables were varied, spiced just right, and not overcooked. I’d say our best meal so far.

I stopped at this viewing spot where Rose took my picture. Here’s some info about the bridge.

This provides a good idea of where we’ve been the past few days.

Today was scavenger hunt day. We had to find Waldo as one of our scavenges…

Today my distance was 43 miles. I get to double that tomorrow. So, off to bed for a good night’s rest.