Northwest, Rockies, & Badlands

Late departure from Pocatello today, around 8:30. Due to the climbing and descents into Jackson, Wyoming tomorrow, we had another review and safety check of our bikes. Made sure brake pads gripped evenly, headset wasn't loose or wobbly, tires in good shape. We'll need to rely on our machines tomorrow as we enter Wyoming, our third state, and ride into Jackson.

Today's ride was a leisurely ramble with little elevation (a mere 739') and huge tail winds. At Route Rap last night, we were warned of several dog packs along a stretch of road at 18 miles into the 67 mile ride. We were told not to run into the dogs if they were coming head on as it wouldn't end well for the dog and even worse for the rider. However if the dog gave chase, they were likely just going after the lead rider and don't bother with the following riders. A simple loud shout like "GET OFF THE COUCH" should send them back home.

I had my strategy set. Matt would take the lead on today's ride. Surprised by the tail winds, Matt and I easily passed the early riders and probably for the first time on tour found ourselves leading the whole group. This without expending any extra effort. Glancing at my Garmin, we were easily cruising about 21.5 mph, really barely touching the pedals. Of course, I forgot my notes from last night, until I found myself a bit out front and here comes the first set of dogs.

Fortunately, they were coming from the right, and with the help of the wind and a bit of pedal power, they were easily outpaced. So much for strategy. We did encounter three or four other chasers also without incident until I hear a shout from behind, that Matt had lost the bite piece from his Camel Back. Same thing happened to me coming down one long descent in Oregon when all of a sudden Gator Ade started spewing from the hose and for a moment making me think I had lost my hydraulics. Luckily for me, when it happened last week, all I need to do was stop, double back, and pick up that bright blue bite piece from the pavement and push it back on to the hose. Of course Matt lost his in from of the pack of dogs that gave us chase.

"Hey, Jim. You're good with dogs, you want to run interference while I look for my bite piece?"

"OK. Sure"

We slowly rode back and our chasers showed up to check us out. I used my best "Aren't you a goooood dog? Yes, you are!" voice while I had a dog on each side of me. My skin was crawling until I looked at them and they were just smiling and wagging their tails. These were good dogs that just liked a good chase. Matt found his mouth piece and we were back on the road and out of dog territory in just a few minutes.

Although winds favorable, there were some long stretches of backroads where divots and seams took revenge on the posterior. Bike jarring, teeth shaking bumps these were. Combined with the chip seal rumble, it was a bit taxing. Just a description of the road. Overall, a really pleasant ride with mild temps low 80's under sunny summer skies peaking at low 90's by the time we rolled into Idaho Falls about 12:30. We did stop at a SAG, took a few pics (not a lot of stuff caught our eye today), and popped into a truck stop about 7 miles out from destination for quick lunch of Filet O'Fish, drinks and butt break.

Rooms weren't ready when we arrived, and "Roomhilda" at the front desk wasn't going to exert any effort to let us know when they would be ready except to announce "Our policy is to have rooms available by 3:00 PM". Translated, "They're ready when they're ready so just cool your engines."

I get that. It's the 4th of July weekend, she has to work, they're sold out, cleaning staff is doing what they can, and we're just another band of One-Nighters in sweaty spandex she'll never see again.

While waiting, the ABB luggage arrived and we helped unload it from the trailer and put the bags in the meeting/breakfast room. I scoped out my set of duffles and remembering I had my casual clothes near the top, grabbed them and ducked into the mens's room to quickly peel off the spandex and donned the comfy stuff for the possible 2 1/2 hour wait.

Time flew faster than expected chatting with the other riders and my room was ready by 2:30! Score! That gave me 2 hours for calls home, shower, "sink laundry" and veg-time before Route Rap. I was feeling fairly rested, fed, and relaxed, ready to face tomorrow's ride into Jackson. That was until route rap and the details of tomorrows ride and warnings were shared with the group. Now I'm a bit anxious but I really do know tomorrow will take care of itself. Looking forward to the views, the climbing, and the reward of the downhills. We have two passes to traverse: Pine Summit at 6764' and Teton Pass Summit at 8431' - a 6 mile climb with average grade of 10%. That's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh, I like it uh-huh, uh-huh.

Getting punchy. Time to stretch and get ready for tomorrow.

Two riders are leaving the tour after tomorrow's trip. They have something called "jobs" they need to get back to.

The Wash Tub. Good place to stretch while waiting for the bathroom to be available.

Nice view from Hotel in Pocatello last night.

SAG stop at abandoned Wagon Wheel Cafe. Man in center with back to camera (Noni, from Israel) announcing another yoga session tonight. Cancelled due to nothing but concrete and baking sun outside and no meeting rooms available.