Gravity sucks, Wind blows and together…
… they make you Stronger!! (Day 5)
After a relaxing rest day due to poor weather we had a mostly sunny day to put in some miles. Despite headwinds at every turn and two decent passes (Salt Creek and Geneva) we were able to log 64 miles and have a great day. From Afton, WY to Montpelier, ID we had 50 miles of nothing but the mountains and beautiful scenery. We did stop for a quick lunch at a camp site in the Cache National Forest that still hadn’t opened for the season and a brief rest in Geneva, ID where the town consists of a church, post office and a shuttered school building – that’s it.
The day ended with a new friend bringing us a bottle of wine 2 miles outside Paris, where we spent the evening camped at the rodeo grounds. Jenn decided that she would rather go to Paris than Dingle, our initial destination.
Special thanks to Mike and Robbie for a great sandwich and pretzel dog at Twisted Sub in Montpelier, ID. A must stop if you are ever in the area.
Just before bed this huge owl (at least 3 feet tall) landed on the flagpole above us and was continuously dive bombed by 4 to 5 birds. The owl wouldn’t even flinch – appeared to almost snicker at these other birds.
Epic day!
(162 miles)
Jenn heading into the wind
Smoot, WY sells ice???
</aWe have it easy compared to the pioneers that came this way
Top of first pass of the day
ahhhh, downhill but the wind is still in our face
Back in Idaho
Geneva, ID
Geneva pass – downhill from here!
Twisted Sub and friend Mike – Montpelier, ID
Etna to Afton – Day 3
Quote of the day: “If you would have told me in advance we would be riding when it’s 34 degrees and raining you would be doing this as a solo trip” – Jenn
After waking up to a steady rain we spent the a.m. in this great little store (ETC) drinking coffee and figuring out this blog.
Despite the weather we are staying warm and having fun. Helps to stop for a beer and pickled egg occasionally. Being surrounded by the beauty of Star Valley helps too.
Memorial Day – Day 4 (rest day)
Thanks to all who have served our country especially those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
In honor of Memorial Day, we decided today would be a rest day in Afton, WY. Had nothing to do with the rain/snow/hail, our tired legs, sore asses or the fact that is up hill for a while. And were not camping either – we have a nice cabin at The Corral Lodge.
Given the weather it was a great day for a lazy rest day but a bummer for those wanting to enjoy a long weekend outside. We did catch the local VFW service at Afton’s Veteran memorial – nicely done.
Stopped in at the Cowboy bar and ran in to a friend from Dad’s bar and the bartender bought Jenn 2 ‘red headed sluts’.
Look who our friend’s Liz & Derek ran in to at Craters of the Moon, ID. Mind boggling!
Heading to Dingle, ID via Smoot, WY in the morning. Weather is looking to improve. Looking forward to putting in a few miles – only 97 since we left Driggs.
Jenn and Angie in the Cowboy bar in Afton
Crossing into WY – Day 2
Beautiful ride up Swan Valley along Palisades Reservoir and thru Alpine, WY before calling it a day in Etna. Camped out of the wind behind a church.
Another cross country rider – Day 2
Met Tim as we were starting out on day 2. He’s from Holland, MI and riding from Boston to the Oregon Coast – solo in 8 weeks. Very impressive. Tim – thanks for saying Hi and the tips – travel safe!
Keepin my girl happy….
bacon eggs, and coffee made on my super sick stove.
Quote of the Day: “What’s too tough for others is just about right for you” – Dan the Forest Service Fireman and all around nice guy we met at the Saddlesore
Saddle Sore Saloon (Swan Valley, ID) 27 miles
Great way to end our first day and ironically appropriately named!
Our new Home
Jenn had a really hard time riding by given that it was 45F, raining and we had to go over the pass.
Today is the day!
SNOW - pics from yesterday
rideandexplore 