After modifying our schedule by adding a day to the ride to allow us time to recover before our big climb into Jackson Wyoming on Thursday, we ate a big breakfast before departing Twin Falls. We decided to put in 100 miles today and then the last 40 miles to Blackfoot and an additional 30 miles to Idaho Falls tomorrow. We rode 88 of the 100 miles on the shoulder of Interstate 84 and 86 (straight east). The balance of the ride (15 miles) was on State Hwy 37 & 39 (mostly north). There are limited on/off ramps on the interstate in this section 
of the state. With a wide shoulder, smooth surface and what I would call a low amount of traffic, we made good time. Did I mention that we had a tail wind? We covered 103.6 miles in 5 hours 1 minute.
The total climb for the day was 2,335 feet. It felt good not having any big climbs today. The temperatures ranged from 63 to 83 degrees - a relatively cool day. The maximum elevation today was 4,526 feet. We have three more big climb days - two come within the next five days. Tomorrow should be a relatively easy day, but this could change depending upon the weather. There are chances of rain both tomorrow and Thursday.
When we left Twin falls this morning, the flat tire count was a dead heat between Matt and I - one each. Just 8 miles into the ride, I managed to get a flat and blow a tire. La
rry was there in no time with a new tire and we were back on our way. Matt managed to hit the rumble strip and his tail light bounced into his rear tire, throwing it out of true. One quick phone call and Larry showed up with our spare rear tire. A mile later, and Matt picked up a screw in his new rear and the competition for the least flats drew even again - 2 flats and a blown tire each. Without Larry's support, it would have been a much longer and hotter day.
When we got to the hotel, I put the truing stand that I have been carting across the country to good use. Within a few minutes, Matt's wheel was trued. Without the truing stand, we would be looking for a bike shop to get Matt's wheel trued. This would have costs us the better part of a day if you could even find a bike shop. Now we will be heading out in the morning with Matt back on his own wheel and a spare in the event we need one.
The scenery today was not as impressive as yesterday, except for one gorge, unless you like to look at cars and trucks like my grandson Sammy. I couldn't help but think of that as I biked down the interstate.
2 comments:
Howdy Fellas! I'm back from Ride the Rockies and it is a nice change for me to read a blog instead of write one! A lot of people talk the talk, but you guys are walking the walk...git-r-done!
I have one question...is the mind (that's sigular for a reason...you two fight it out) still willing and are the bodies still able? :)
Great pictures Larry! I was looking for the one of the tree Matt talks about where the thousand falls were!?! The rose bush brought a tear to my eye...
Sounds like you gents are having a great time and the climbing is almost behind you. I'm hoping things are clear for you through the midwest with all the flooding and am more then sure you are way ahead of me on that.
Let me know when you are hitting O'Neal, NE as I'll plan on hooking up with you for a few cold beers and some grub off of G's mom's grill. And no Friedman, you won't even have to cook it this time!
Keep up the posts as it's fun to keep up with you guys and I'm jealous as hell. Look forward to seeing you soon and riding with you then...I'll need to borrow that tow rope Matt's asking for....
Brian
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