This morning we left our cool little Black Bear Inn. Once again it was nice and cool in the morning. What a change from the heat wave for the last month and a half. Today was going to be another grind to the top of another pass almost 10,000 feet. It was a slow start there was more wind than anticipated early on. And of course it was directly in my face. But the blue skies and the cool temperatures help to get things moving. I had three climbs according to Garmin today and the first two came within the first eight miles. Garmin logs certain climbs and shows them to you on your bike computer. I really don’t like seeing these graphics come up unless the climbs are really short. Like I said, the first two came up and they were short, got them over and done with. The last one was 10 1/2 miles and it shows you this really pretty color graphic of just how hard it’s going to be. Every time that little graphic shows up I switch to a different screen. I can’t change the topology so I really don’t care. I just need to find a gear that feels right and keep on peddling. For a good portion of the climb I was at the bottom of my gears there was no easier option available. At different times I would just stop in the middle of the climb and take a rest. I would talk to Lisa Marie get some more water or just not pedal for a few minutes. Because of the temperature the deer flies didn’t come out until closer to the top of the climb. The scenery climbing today was again amazingly beautiful. Always changing and giving me something to look at. That is when I wasn’t scanning the edges of the road searching for bears. Leaving town they had posted large road signs warning of bears. This is the first time I’d seen those kind of like the deer signs around home. What had me in a heightened awareness was the fact that I had been in bear country for the last week and never seen those signs. I’ve had bear spray at the ready ever since leaving Fort Collins. Getting to the apex of the hill was a small victory for the day. At the top there was a small sign for a little picnic area. On a bike riding slow I was able to glance through the trees and I noticed some water. If you were buzzing by in a car you never would have seen it. When Lisa Marie and I rolled in to take a break and eat some food there is a wonderful lake where the mountains are in the background and a handful of people fishing for dinner that night. We met Susan who was sitting with her sketchbook to draw the wonderful scenery. Her husband was out fishing. This was their first time out west, and they were in awe of the beauty. We traded a few stories and enjoyed the company, but break time was over.
Leaving the picnic area and getting back out on the road about 200 yards later the most wondrous sign appeared. Warning 6% grade the next 17 miles. And I’m talking downhill. If you’re a truck driver that’s probably not the sign you want to see. But as a cyclist I can honestly say that’s the longest downhill I’ve ever seen. I didn’t have to do a whole lot of pedaling for the next 10 to 15 miles. Even with a headwind, I was coasting at a nice comfortable 30 miles an hour. Because the traffic was still light I used the whole road to my advantage. Periodically someone would come up from behind and I would gently move over and allow them to pass. Even though the sign said 17 miles of downhill there was some slower sections that allowed me to really not push on my brakes. About 8 miles down I ran into Dominic heading the opposite way he waved at me and wanted to know just how far he had to climb. When I gave him the news he looked a little disappointed but I can completely understand. Dominic told me to enjoy the descent as we departed and I can tell you I thoroughly did. All good things come to an end and so did my hill. As the road flattened out and I got closer and closer to the Grand Tetons I finally entered the park. With only a few miles to go inside the park the shoulders got pretty narrow. Something I hadn’t seen in quite some time. The traffic was definitely increased but people were generally going slow because of that. Finally ending at the lodge Lisa Marie and I were able to settle down, grab some food, get some drinks, and just enjoy another beautiful day that God made for both of us.
Insights from Lisa Marie
Leaving the Black Bear Inn from Dubois and on our way to Jackson Lake in the Tetons. First part of the morning was more flat until we got to the point where Norm started his climb up for the second time to almost 10,000 feet. We saw a sign that warned about the Bears so I stayed very close all day. As Norm said he was a slow moving target. Took lots of pictures today as we got closer to the mountains. The scenery was just breathtaking. I did have an emotional moment in the car as I thought it has been 8 days of get up early (for me), stop and start for a few miles, trying to find a place off the road to wait and no service most of the time. That means I have listened to my saved music 3 times over. Am I complaining? Not really just tired and watching what Norm is doing wishing I could do more! I just can’t understand how he did this solo every morning AND carried all that gear. So thankful Dan rode Ohio with him. Anyway I got done with my moment and moved on😁. The most exciting part of the day for me was our lunch break. It would be easy to miss. Fortunately it was right at the top of the pass and Norm was ready for a break. This spot by the lake we met Susan. It was an amazing view! Great talk and we became fast friends. Her husband and family were fishing in the lake. It was hard to leave, but now we had to get going as Norm still had 30 more miles to get to our destination. The great part of this was the downhill. I was very excited to see the sign for Grand Teton National Park. Both of were tired and needed a break. Staying at Jackson Lake Lodge, and chilling in the park tomorrow.
