Day 16 ~ Jackson to Dubois, Wyoming

88 miles and total climbing of about 4600'. The cool morning had everyone dressed in layers. The landscape was so impressive today. I was in awe most of the day.. even during the 20 mile climb. We were extremely fortunate to have about 25mph tailwinds at our back most of the day. (leader Mike assured us that there will likely be a payback day)
The first 6 miles this morning took us out of Jackson Hole and along the vast land of natural grassland set aside for elk refuge. After a small hill, the grand Tetons came into full view. AWESOME. Everyone stopped to take it all in. This is not the whole group.. but it is the majority.
The Tetons stood so majestically out of the valley. These mountains are so impressive that it was hard not to continuously coast, peering to the left to get another eyeful. The clouds were hovering the grand mountains, but eventually the strong winds allowed the blue sky to appear.

We can't pass up the pose that says ...
"We cycled past the Grand Tetons."

Tim, loving life. What a great way to spend a work vacation.

I spy Gerard, our awesome ABB mechanic and perodic photographer, trying to sneak in a shot with the Tetons in our background.
Happy Cathy, knowing how sweet life is.
9 o'clock Shot of the Day
First SAG stop - Matthew's smiling possibly because he knows life
doesn't get much better than this.

Our climb was gradual; 20 miles to gain 4,500'. The changing scenery kept everyone inspired to see more, "ride on".

Nancy, trudging up the 20 mile climb with a big smile.

Why I Ride by Nancy Deklyn
"Have I been riding?" All my friends ask.
Hell yes, I’ve been riding, I’ve been pedaling my ass
all over the county, all over town.
I’ve ridden when up, I’ve ridden down.
I've ridden to work. I’ve ridden to play.
I've ridden nearly every day.
I've ridden high, I've ridden low.
I've even ridden at 20 below.
I've ridden up mountains and sailed to the bottom.
I've ridden feeling regal and times I've felt rotten.
I've ridden tired, pissy and sore.
I rode when I thought I could ride no more.
I' ve ridden on hot days: 100 degrees.
And days so cold I thought I would freeze.
I've ridden in traffic, on bike paths, on roads
I've ridden on freeways and I've run over toads.
I've ridden over highways and beneath bridges.
I've ridden on mountain tops, canyons and ridges.
I've ridden in snow I've ridden in rain.
There’s those think I'm crazy, a few think I'm sane.
Yet all look and ask with a sigh,
"Why do you do this, Towanda, Why?"
I've wondered myself, and then it came to me.
And a lot more easily
Then reminding myself this as I trudge up a hill,
It is because I want to, I can and I will.
Smooth roads, tailwinds lush green and fabulous views make this climb a true joy.
Our highest pass on our trip across America, Togwotee Pass is also on the Continental Divide.
The air is pretty thin at 9,658'. The air is also clean, crisp and exillerating...especially when you know it's all downhill from here to the town of Dubois at 6,917'.		 The valley at the pass had colorful wildflowers and wide open vistas.
The landscape begins to immediately change on the descent from Togwotee Pass. The wind and rain have weathered this red sandstone to some unusual shapes.

Tony is sailing down the straight, smooth road, enjoying the 25+ mph tailwinds. But watch out for cross winds when turning the periodic corners.
The beauty in this landscape is the diversity from what we just rode through earlier today. Incredible.

Cathy deciding whether to continue the cross country journey on her bicycle or on this giant jackalope.


Kate, Karen, Darrell, Jeff and Jennifer gather at The Rustic Pines Bar for a beer. Kate had Tim and Cathy ready to square dance in the next room, but we couldn't get any others motivated to join us. The square dancers looked like they were having a ball.   YeeHaw