SEPTEMBER 9, DAY 8

SEPTEMBER 9: JACKSON, WY to MONTPELIER, ID,  117 MILES 

We Left Jackson at 7am with tempatures of 40 and overcast ,  pretty comfortable relatively speaking so far on this tour. (Although at home in Arizona I would think that as pretty cold and  miserable). 

The first 20 miles we were in a huge pack of 15 to 20 riders on a bike path which was narrow , not safe and didn't allow for any error.  I was fearful as no one has gone down yet (which is pretty unusual) and I  hope that continues. 

The first 50 miles were fast and flat; about  21 mph average. A group of 6 had formed  at that point and we were on  very good pace, however  my main riding partner, Tom got  a flat  at that point which broke up the group.  I stayed with him  for the quick  repair and we were able to catch  1 of the riders from our original group!  We were now a pack of 3 strong riders. The sun was starting to shine and we noticed gorgeous fall colors along the way. 

SNAKE RIVER, SOUTH OF JACKSON 

 FALL IS IN THE AIR! 

Our lunch stop was at 77 miles in the town of Smoot   (population 100-- and that is the real name of the town) just as we stopped it started  to thunder and lightning and within a few minutes was  raining and then hailing like crazy! A few of us huddled in an open "park like pavillion to wait out the storm.  The temperature  dropped by 20 degrees in just a few minutes. I had discarded my arm warmers and wind breaker the stop before but I sure needed them now. We're laughing but it was miserable... all  cold and wet with  40 miles to go and  facing a mountain pass off 7,500 feet. (I considered getting in the van and not finishing the ride -- but  that lasted about 2 minutes because  what would I report to my daughter?!)  **wink**

HAIL? HAVING FUN NONTHELESS

HUGE HAIL STORM 

At 80 miles we started climbing to the top of Salt River  Pass,  a 6 mile climb with elevation of 7,700 feet and  a fast decent of 7 miles reaching speeds of 45 mph. We flew by  logging trucks on the left side; scary and fun all at once. The weather was turning  once again. We've really had it all on this trip! 

START OF THE 6 MILE CLIMB 

BEAUTIFUL SALT RIVER 

The final assignment was a climb with  an elevation of 6,900 feet and a slow decent due to a strong head wind of 20- 25 mph head wind which lead us into our final destination; Montpelier, Idaho. Not much here except a gas station, Mexican restaurant and our  hotel. We have arrived in our 3rd state. 

ED -- THE AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHER BEHIND THESE PHOTOS! 

Tomorrow is a short day of 94 miles less and than 3000 feet of climbing. The day following will be one of the toughest days on the tour ; 150 miles and 9000 feet of elevation heading into Utah 

LIFE IS MEANT TO BE LIVED BY FACING THE CHALLENGES IT BRINGS!! 
  Today's miles 118
  Total miles   904
  Today's climb 4000 feet
  Total climb 34500 feet
  Avg speed today 18.05 mph