SEPTEMBER 7, DAY 6

WEST YELLOWSTONE TO JACKSON, WY : 136 MILES 

When I woke up at the crack of dawn today, I knew it was going to be a hard day as we faced the Grand Teton mountain range but I didn't know until later, that it was going to be  3rd hardest ride I've had this year and darn cold to-boot. 

The first hardest was  RAMROD (a 168 mile Ride Around Mt. Rainier in One Day) which I did with  my  son-in-law Jeff and the second one  was a Saturday training ride I did with Jeff and Gentry (a long time friend). On that ride we hammered out 100 miles and 7,500 feet climbing with grades of over 15%. Those guys are young, strong and tough; I was mearly happy to hold on in sight of them. 

But, more about today… 

THE GRAND TETONS AND OUR MISSON OF THE DAY

My day started at 5:00 am. That's when I  get up to prepare for  a 7:00 am ride that's going to last an entire day. Breakfast was at  5:45 which for me is very difficult since I'm not a breakfast person  (unless breakfast is 2 hours after I get up then I can very much be a breakfast person: bring on the omelettes and bacon!)  So, I've  had  to force myself to eat as I have learned the hard way more than once in my riding career,  that If I don't fuel properly early on I will pay the price later on. 


We took off at 6:45 and don't let these  sunny skies decive... it was only 24 degrees!   I had 4 layers of clothing  plus winter gloves. (I literally brought every kind of  cycling gear knowing we'd have these huge temperature swings). 10 miles into the ride my fingers were frozen numb as my fingers are at the front of the bike so they break most of the wind. 

TOM AND ME POSING WITH FROZEN FINGERS 

First 25 miles were fast. Overall time, 1:15 minutes which is 20 mph.  That may not sound fast to non cyclists but that is considered a pretty good  pace, especially for a old guy like me! We continued that pace until the 50 mile mark. We were flying pretty good! All through gorgeous 'tater country! 

HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE

THE DISTANT TETONS DRAWING CLOSER

At 75 miles  we dropped speed a bit as  we encountered rolling hills and a moderate head wind.  Our average speed at this time was  18.5 mph and 2,500 feet of climbing.

The real climb started at the 120 mile mark. HELLO TETON PASS!   In  5 miles we gained 3,000 feet of elevation with some grades of 10% or more…..heavy clouds started rolling in again. 

Our maximum elevation was 8,670 feet the highest elevation to date. 
Heres a look at those beasts from the back side -- worth all of the effort! 

A fast decent into Jackson Hole Wyoming welcomed us to the end of the trail and the local watering hole (a true cowboy bar!)  for dinner and beer. WHAT A DAY! PROUD OF TODAYS EFFORT! 

Miles today 136
Total miles   736
Today's climb 6000
Total climbing to date 29, 500

LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST BECAUSE IT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE!!