Date: Monday, July 7, 2003

Miles Ridden: 89.06

Cumulative Miles: 1,053.06

From: Idaho Falls, ID

To: Jackson Hole, WY

Elevation Gain (ft.): 5,390

This was a day I had been anticipating since I signed on for this trip late last October. Today was the day that we would ride over Teton Pass, 8,431 feet. As a family we have driven over Teton Pass many times. It is a breath taking view from the top of the pass as you look east or west. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think about riding my bike over it and now the day had arrived to put all my training to the test. We had been informed that the last 2-3 miles to the summit was at a 10% grade. This is very steep! I was told that the maximum incline for a freeway is 7%. In addition, we would be climbing all day until we reached Teton Summit. In route, we had to conquer Pine Creek Pass.

We ate breakfast at 6:00 AM and loaded about 6:30 AM. We mounted our trusty steeds and took off. For the first few miles out of Idaho Falls we rode by one our favorite hamburger places called Scotty’s. As we left town our little band of four was joined by a number of others to make a long pace line. There was a very strong head wind that we were forewarned about. Head winds are a cyclist’s worst enemy. We actually had strong head winds until mile 40. The first SAG stop was located at a place that my family had stopped at many times before. We remember it because it has a composting toilet system that at one time during my mother earth days; I considered putting in our house. :-)

We progressed with determination to the small town of Victor. We stopped and had a bit to eat and drink at a little store. Now the ride really begins. We paced ourselves cautiously. Mary led out and at one time a few other riders would pass us and Mary would pick up the pace. I shouted to her to ride her own pace, to save it for later when the real climb would begin. She pulled back. (Later we would pass each of these riders prior to the summit.)

We steadily continued climbing. It is 12 miles from Victor to the top of the pass. As the climb ensued Mary fell back to ride her own pace. Dan now led with me following and Steve bringing up the rear. On occasion Steve would fall off the pace but would always fight his way back to our little band of three. As we started into the last two miles, Dan fell off the pace and had to catch his breath. There is less oxygen at this altitude than when we started the day.

By now I was in my little chain ring. I had put a lower geared cluster on my bike prior to the trip to allow me to climb better. (I never had to use my lowest gear.) Now I encouraged Steve and started to call out each quarter mile as we doggedly pursued the summit. We passed rider after rider who went out to fast. Some were walking. Some were stopped and just resting. There was no way we were going to stop and rest. We were on a mission at this point. Yelling encouraging words to one another. At last we rounded the last turn and it was a straight shot to the summit of the pass; one quarter mile to go. We pushed on and successfully completed our mission. Those who were already on the summit cheered and celebrated our arrival. We did the same as others struggled to the top. I walked back down the way we had come up to look for Dan. He soon rounded the last turn and drove for home. Steve and I cheered him on. I took a picture of Dan right before he reached the summit. Now we looked for Mary. Time passed and we were growing a bit concerned. But just then she came into view and pushed for the top. We were all cheering wildly as she finished. She never stopped to rest. She made it all the way to the top. Team “Stops A Lot” was all in safe and sound. What a great day!

We savored our feat by taking many pictures from the summit and refueling our bodies. The descent is very steep and dangerous. In mountain climbing the majority of accidents occur during the descent. We all wanted to get down safely. We started down riding our brakes constantly. I stopped a number of times to take pictures. The road was also bumpy which didn’t help matters. We finally made it down to the small town of Wilson. We stopped for a smoothie and a bagel. We had about 10 miles left to get to Jackson.

After our refueling stop we picked up a tail wind and breezed into Jackson Hole. What a day! I always call Barb as soon as I get in so she won’t worry. I told her I could believe I was in Jackson Hole, but I couldn’t believe that I rode my bicycle here. It seems like only yesterday that we left Astoria.

I love Jackson Hole and after dinner a number of us took a shuttle into town and had ice-cream, of course. On the way home a man riding the bus told me I had nice legs. That is another story for another time but rest assured, I am still hearing about my legs.

I want to thank all of you who have been praying for my safety and for strength. In reflecting upon Teton Pass, it was not as hard as I had anticipated. My riding buddies, Jay and Gregg had prepared me well for this day. We had ridden from my house to the steps of Timberline Lodge and we had ridden from my house to the top of Larch Mountain and back on a hot 91 degree day. These rides and the other training I did made this day very manageable and would leave me in good standing for conquering the continental divide, tomorrow, 9,658 feet.

Thanks for joining me on my ride across America. As team Stops A Lot says, “Everyday is a good day!” Hope you are doing well.

Click here to see more pictures from today!