We stopped by a mountaineering store for some bear spray before heading west towards Idaho. On our way into town the weather was cold and rainy, but it was warm and sunny today as we made our way through the large network of bike paths leading out of Jackson. Unfortunately bike paths never have very good signs and we made a wrong turn and wound up going 3 miles in the wrong direction before realizing it. Oh well, extra mileage.
Between Jackson and Idaho lies Teton Pass at 8300 feet and the old road to the pass has been converted into a bike path. This is convenient as the road to the pass averages a grueling 11% grade for the whole 2000 feet of gain – which would be much less enjoyable with cars whizzing by. To put this in perspective, a typical highway pass will usually have a grade of about 6% with some segments of 8% or rarely 10%. Today I was in my lowest gear for nearly the whole climb as the road switchbacked up the steep mountain through recently plowed snow.
After two or three flats for Donald (depending on how you count) we reached the pass and descended into Idaho. The weather turned cold and by the time we reached the town of Victor for lunch our hands were freezing. The Thai restaurant in town is surprisingly good – not just serving typical American Thai fare but rather a whole slew of interesting dishes. Highly recommended.
As we left the restaurant a light rain began to fall and the rain jackets once again made their way out of panniers. We had our sights set on the town of Rexburg for the night and it was still another 55 miles to go so we kicked it into high gear.
The land here is flat and we were able to make good time. Lots of farmland on either side of the road and the occasional spilled tuber on the shoulder reveals the purpose of these farms – Idaho potatoes! Before long I got a flat tire – collectively our fourth of the day – from a defective tube this time. The sun dipped lower in the sky and we raced to make it to town before nightfall.
We passed a sign for the Teton Dam Marathon and I began formulating plans for how I might run the race in the off chance that it’s happening tomorrow. I’d want to run only a half marathon not a full, otherwise we’d need to take a rest day. And I have shoes, socks, and shirts but no running shorts so there’d need to be a retail store open late that sells them. And it should start before 7:30 am so we can still get on the road in time. But otherwise, it should be doable.
We arrived on the outskirts of Rexburg and began calling motels seeing which ones had availability. Most places were sold out – turns out the marathon *was* happening tomorrow and that’s why all the rooms were booked! But we got the worst of both worlds – most of the motels were booked and only one motel on the outskirts of town had a room for the night, but the registration for the race closed 3 hours earlier so I wouldn’t be able to attend. Next time!
We found our room and ate at the Applebees across the street. It had been many years since I had eaten at a restaurant like this and I was curious what I would think of it now. It was a true embodiment of American mediocrity.
Tomorrow we head onto Idaho 28 which has exactly one gas station and lodge in 140 miles. I’m not expecting much cell reception so I’ll check in when I can.
Notes from Donald: “Today was another flat day. Just kidding! Teton Pass was very steep. I’m sure it will get boring if it lasts but for now I think the rolling hills of the farmland are pretty.”
Today’s mileage: 88 miles
Total: 1571 miles
