Today we had what was called a rolling rest day. We rode almost 35 miles. For most of us this is barely getting warmed up. Team Stop A Lot took off and was joined by six others early in the ride. We formed a double pace line moving comfortably at about 17-18 miles per hour. As we rode along we picked up 6 or 7 additional riders who had started earlier and don’t usually ride this fast. However, when they were in the pace line, other riders can pull them along.

The pace lines were led by Dan and Mary for the early miles. They rotated to the back and Jennifer and I led the rest of the way to the SAG stop. When you are in the front you have to work harder but you also get to listen to all of the conversations behind you. It was such a joy for Jennifer and me to hear all of the conversations going on behind us. We commented on how relationships were developing, and today with the easy pace and the pull that the line created, we had riders with us that we are usually just passing. It was restful and coming into Idaho Falls was not difficult since it was a Sunday morning.

Most of our rooms were not ready since we arrived early so many of us went to breakfast and visited. We returned to our rooms at 12:00 noon and moved in. Many riders are out by the pool, some have walked into town, and I am getting caught up on email and writing this narrative. Today we rest, tomorrow we will work.

Tomorrow we ride up over Teton Pass and then drop into Jackson Hole, WY. I love Jackson Hole and I love the pass, but I never thought about riding over it on a bike before. I am guessing we’ll ride about 55 miles before we get to the boarder of ID and WY. We are presently at 4,708 ft. I am not sure how high the pass is. I’ll tell you tomorrow. I think we are all ready. We will try to conserve our energy early in the day and save it for the climbing. I believe the descents are more dangerous. I always try to be most careful descending. In mountain climbing the majority of accidents happen on the descents and this has affected my thinking in regards to bicycling. Mentally, I will just be prepared to work hard all day and think about how good that shower will feel in Jackson Hole.

My butt is feeling better on the right side but now the left cheek is a bit tender. The other thing I am contending with is that the mirror on my cycling glasses clamps to the bow on the left side. This additional pressure has caused a spot to wear on the left side of my nose. I may have to stop and see if a pad could be put on my glasses. I have also always used Carmex for my lip protection but Carmex does not provide UV protection. Last night I walked to Bi-Mart and picked up SPF lip protection for my lips. Presently my lips are “toast”.

I really haven’t been that tired each night, but last night it must have caught up with me. I went to bed at 8:30 PM and slept straight through until 6:00 AM. I feel good today and I am as ready as I’ll ever be for tomorrow. I only hope it is not too hot tomorrow. The heat is the greatest unknown and can really zap your strength.

When riding day after day and taxing your body this way you have to be so conscious of what you eat and drink and to be sure you eat and drink enough. I get tired of drinking water so I try to drink other fluids when I get a chance, but you have to force yourself to keep drinking. I try to drink so much that I have to get up at least once in the night and it is better if I have to get up twice.

I have also found that my two new pairs of bicycle shorts are more comfortable than my two older pairs. I always reserve the new pairs for the tough days. This may be more than you ever wished to know, but many have asked me questions about the physical toll the trip has on me. I will give you an update from time to time.

In the evening I am enjoying listening to music on my new iPod, which was a gift from my riding buddy Jay and his family. I love music and have found it to be relaxing and inspirational. I want to thank Jay, Rosie, Sarah, and Hannah for such a wonderful gift.

Have a great Sunday. Jackson Hole, here we come, ready or not!!

Click here to see more pictures from today!