We didn't really know what to expect from Wyoming, but today showed that, in addition to the National Parks, Wyoming has a lot to offer.
As we rode away from the Grand Teton NP, it seemed we were unable to escape the magnificent views of the Tetons. Every second bend in the road that we rounded brought the mountains back unto view behind us, presenting us with another angle and another forefront to the mountain backdrop.
Whilst up ahead of us loomed the buttes of Wyoming, in particular Pinnacle Butte, as we cycled through the Buffalo Valley. By the roadside yellow, lilac, and white wildflowers swayed in the wind.
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| Togwotee Pass |
The 17 mile climb up to Togwotee Pass (also another crossing of the Continental Divide) at 9,584ft took us just over 3 hours total elapsed time including 2 breaks. Unexpectedly, this was quite an enjoyable climb as the gradient was mostly about 6%, sometimes less, and there were sections where we lost a little elevation along the way to give our legs a break, albeit for just a short while as we then had to climb back up all the elevation we lost and more.
The Brecia Cliffs kept coming in and out of view around each bend, providing us with a distraction from the climb. We really got to enjoy the views from this pass, taking it easy and taking the time to take it all in.
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| You can still see the Tetons behind you on the pass |
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| Pinnacle Butte |
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| Brecia Cliffs |
After this we had a nice 23 mile descent into Dubois. Although highway 26/287 had a nice wide shoulder, a lot of it had bits of loose gravel on top, making us concentrate a little more than we wanted to on the descent.
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| Wind River |
The narrow Wind River wound its way through ranches and pastures along Elk Ridge. One minute I was looking at the river, then after a short period of having my head down, I looked up to find the colourful Painted Hills in front of us as we neared Dubois (pronounced Du-boice) This was another unexpected surprise, as was the glorious tailwind that pushed us into town.
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| The Painted Hills |
Dubois feels like a wild western, outlaw town left over from the mining days gone by. Hotels have safe post corrals for the horses and it seems everyone arrives with a horse trailer hitched to their truck.
It's our first night in a KOA RV Park & campground. We're stuck on a patch of grass in the middle of the RV park that has 4 tent sites, sharing with 2 off-road motorcyclists riding the Continental Divide, another cycle tourer, and Kevin and Dan who are on a mission to spread the word about Williams Syndrome. Kevin has cycled 5600 miles up, across and down America and now Dan has joined him taking the bike whilst Kevin runs another 2800 miles across the bottom of America!
Hopefully we are out of the cold weather for a while as we are back in high desert country. Dubois markets itself as the town of warm winds. I hope they are right and also that the winds will be blowing in our favour tomorrow.
CRANKING ODYSSEY STATS
Total Odyssey miles: 1,509
Overall Fastest Speed: Steve (46 miles per hour) Mandy (35.4 miles per hour)
Bludge Days: 1
Bonks: nil
Dog chases: 3
Dummy Spits: Steve (2 - Day 10 because it rained; Day 16 - because the rocks in the river were slippery)
Mandy (1.5 - 0.5 Day 14 those freakin' wreckless Idaho drivers!; Day 26 because my bike computer had a meltdown)
Flats: Katie (4)
Wrong turns: 6
Beer of the day: Grand Teton Brewing Old Faithful Ale (Pale Golden)
Lesson of the day: a shorter ride day followed by a big burrito and a soak in a cold water lake does wonders for your legs the next day
No. of days with no shower: 11
No. of days in a hotel: 6
Starting weight: Steve (90kg) Mandy (51.5kg)
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