Day 19: Wisdom to Dillon - 66 mi & 2,257 ft elevation gain

So much to mention in today's post!  Partly because it felt like our most difficult ride -- it certainly was the longest and it involved TWO mountain passes.

Fortunately we were able to sleep in an extra hour which really helped our sore legs.  As we rolled out of Wisdom at 7am the temp hovered around 52 and was expected to climb only to 85 by the time we reached Dillon.  That took some pressure off -- no need to race to beat the heat.

Most of the truck traffic took a shorter route to Dillon but we opted for the lesser traveled Rt 43.  The road was recently paved and this time it was not chip and seal but nice smooth asphalt so it was smooth rolling!

Due to the forest fires in Idaho just on the other side of the mountains, there was a layer of smoke blanketing the valley.

In contrast to Idaho and Oregon, the roads were straight and long.  This made us feel somewhat safer as the passing motorists had a clear line of sight -- our blinking head and tail lights were visible for miles as were our "green pool noodles" fondly known as baguettes.

As we passed through Jackson, a family of cowboys and cowgirls was busy moving bulls from one pasture to another across our route.  That was about the only signs of life we saw along the ride although there were plentiful signs of lost life including a badger and moose carcass (Suzanne has a knack for finding these creepy things!).

At about mile 20 the ascent began and capped out at 7,400 ft by mile 28.  It was slow going -- even the horse flies were moving faster!

At this point we lost Lisa who has proven to be a persistently strong climber.  She speed ahead to catch up with Sue and Suzanne (so we all thought!).

Lauran experienced a mechanical malfunction as the bolt in her bike rack gave way.  She had a secret roll of duct tape aboard and was able to pull a MacGuyver by jeri-rig the rack.  She caught up with Betsy, Pete and Steph at the top of the pass and then the four were treated to a 10 mile respite as they coasted downhill, resting their legs in anticipation of the next pass to come.  

Lauran hit her all time speed record clocking in at 42.5 mph,  Pete hit his at 39.2 mph and Betsy did too at 35.8 mph even though she graciously slowed down to wait for Stephanie, queen of the brakes.  Earlier, the two Sues went so fast they wore grooves in the pavement which caused two screws to work their way loose and fall out of the frame.

The second climb loomed ahead.  Thanks to Lauran who, at just the right time, doled out the last of the chocolate covered coffee beans.  That was just the boost needed to get up the pass.

Big kudos to Lesli who went above and beyond to double back multiple times to check on all of us during the 6+ hours of riding.  Knowing that she was 'just around  the corner' was a big help and relief! 

Lisa won the record for clocking in 71 miles.  A few miles before arriving in Dillon, she took a right rather than a left which set her in the wrong direction for an extra 5 miles.  Thanks to a couple of locals they got her back on track.

Once in Dillon, Suzanne landed at Sparky's Garage Bar & Grill where she enjoyed a key lime pie.  The rest of us caught up with her for a much need lunch and milkshake.

After checking into the Beaverhead Lodge, Betsy discovered a significant bolt was missing -- yikes! 

Earlier in the day, Sue Sister's bike began make a strange noise.  After investigating further it will require a trip to the closest bike store which is 2 hours away!

This evening the crew scattered to explore downtown Dillion.  

Suzanne and Lisa scored cool t-shirts at the Patagonia Outlet and Lauran and 

Steph went in search of IPAs at the local Brewery.  Everyone met at the Blacktail Station for dinner.