Northwest, Rockies, & Badlands: Across the Continental Divide to Dubois

Ride from Jackson to Dubois, Wyoming

Stats:

86 Miles

4,662' of climbing

Crossed Continental Divide at Mile 55

Cleared Togwotee Pass 9658'

Average moving speed 15.1 mph

Top speed: 41.3

Had restless night last night after yesterday's heavy climbing. Wanted to turn in early but lost track of time writing blog until I heard the fireworks that started at 10:00 PM. I shut down the laptop and "oh, what the heck" headed outside my hotel room. Within ten steps I had a primo view of the base of the ski slope. Exactly where the fire works launched. Felt guilty taking in the sights like a kid when I should be in bed. I was joined by another biker (Martin, from Germany), who woke to take a few pictures with his SLR. After the finale some twenty minutes later, I turned in but couldn't wind down and fall asleep. Still running on adrenalin from day's ride.

Morning came and we were off to Dubois. Much travel on smooth bike trail through Teton National Park. So many views of the Grand Tetons as we rode North with strong South winds boosting us along. We eventually left bike lane and travelled up to Togwotee Pass and the Continental Divide along busy RT 26 I didn't realize it until I saw a turn-off sign but we did pass within 42 miles of Yellowstone Park. Maybe that's why we saw the Bison in distance.

I stopped for a lot of pictures today but they don't do justice to the sights. Best part of the day? After Togwotee Pass, we had 30 miles of 4-6% grade downhill all the way into Dubois. It reminded me of how I felt when dreaming I could fly like Superman. Sure, I was paying attention to the shoulder and traffic, even so it was exhilarating. We actually hit the posted speed limit of 30 when we hit the city line. Temps were mid 60's at top of mountain pass but breezy and only hit mid 70's in town. Best cycling weather we could ask for.