Saturday, July 01, 2006
Day 13 - Blackfoot, Idaho- July 1st 2006
Weather: Sunny 95
Location: Blackfoot, Idaho (from Burley, Idaho)
Miles per day: 11o
Average miles per hour: 13.65
Elevation climb: very little/very flat
Blizzards/Ice Cream to date: 12 (3 today!!!)
Flat Tires to date: 1
An incredible ride today - 110 miles on rolling (but relatively flat) terrain along the Snake River. More potato and wheat fields. Irrigation systems are amazing to see up close.
I am really enjoying Idaho for one reason only: THE POTATO - my all time favourite food! Blackfoot is the "Potato Capital of the World", because it has the largest potato industry in Idaho, the United States, and even the world. It is home to the Idaho Potato Expo (a museum and gift shop that displays and explains the history of Idaho's potato industry), which is home to the world's largest baked potato and potato chip.
Today we were along the Snake River Plain from Idaho Falls, past the American River Falls heading towards Wyoming. The Snake River is 1,038 miles (1,670 km) in length, and is the Columbia River's main tributary. The Snake originates near the Continental Divide in Yellowstone Park, Wyoming and flows south through Jackson Lake (in Grand Teton National Park). The river flows down Wyoming's Snake River Canyon, then enters Idaho.Well today was Day 13, nearly two weeks of cycling and as I may have mentioned before, it has been a physical challenge, possibly due to the fact that I was not able to do the full recommended training. However, I am here to say that within two weeks I have adjusted to the sometimes grueling regime (Centuries are grueling but enjoyable). Two months ago, apart from my Brompton Fold Up, I had not cycled for several years. One month ago, I was just doing 26 miles per day (actually, the intention was to cycle 40 miles per day but my odometer was reading 40 MPH but actually set to KILOMETERS, so only 26 miles per day). But this is something I have dreamed of doing and I realised this summer was a great window of opportunity. Ready or not, I had to give it a go.... As they say, Carpe Diem! And so far, so great....
The next few days will continue to be a challenge - Day 15 is a 5,000 foot climb (4,000 feet to 9,000 feet) into the Grand Tetons followed by an additional 2 days of big mileage and finally capping it off with a 120 mile ride. Wish me luck!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Day 12 - Burley, Idaho- June 30th 2006
Weather: Sunny and 95Location: Burley, Idaho (from Twin Falls, Idaho)
Miles per day: 38.67
Average miles per hour: 15.13 (a trip record)
Elevation climb:
Blizzards/Ice Cream to date: 9
Flat Tires to date: 1
Had a great day in the potato fields of Burley, Idaho. Miles and miles and miles of Potato fields. Today, the smell of dirt was refreshing.
A relatively easy day of 38 miles. However, over time, the cummulative miles have taken their toll. I took the afternoon off for a long nap in Burley.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Day 11 - Twin Falls - June 29th 2006
Weather: Early on, slight drizzle and overcast turning sunny. High of 95.Location: Twin Falls, Idaho (from Mountain Home, Idaho)
Miles per day: 99.56
Average miles per hour: 13.33 (one of my best days, possibly due to a generous tailwind!).
Blizzards/Ice Cream consumed to date: 8
Flat tires to date: 1
Elevation climbed today: 2450 feet
With a big ride ahead (97 plus miles), it was an early start at 6:00 am, just after dawn. We left Mountain Home heading down through farming communities (most of it growing potatoes) and passing along rail road tracks. I just love seeing the trains move by us along the landscape! Later in the day, we saw large dairy operations (very impressive) and lots of cows, horses, goats and sheep. As promised, the scenery did improve, switching from lovely green farms (lots of irrigation here) to barren desert buttes.
We headed into Twin Falls City along the Snake River - quite impressive. The canyon views are amazing and I was stunned to see them able to squeeze a golf course within the gorge. In 1974, Evil Knevil (remember him?) attempted but failed to jump the Snake River with his rocket-powered cycle. We crossed the Perrine Bridge, so named for I.B. Perrine, who is known for irrigation and electric power development in Idaho. The bridge (built 1927 and rebuilt in 1973) structure spans 1400 feet, 476 feet above the Snake River (when constructed, it was the 'tallest bridge in world' ). The bridge is one of the few places in the world used for B.A.S.E parachute and bungee jumping: Building, Antennas, Span, Earth. A few of the group saw the jumpers today. Four miles away (up the Snake River) is Shoshone Falls; At 210 feet they are higher than Niagara Falls. Tomorrow we are going to swim in the river.
The road conditions improved from yesterday with far fewer flat tires (just 6 today compared to yesterday's 20). The cause - see the photo - the nasty truck tires! Being on back roads today helped immensely. That said, Twin Falls is an immensely busy city with evidence of being a Truckers Paradise for stop overs (lots of hotels and fast food) and a population of about 30,000.Today was one of my best days of riding yet. I was averaging 15.38 MPH for the first 40 miles. Whilst my endurance is improving, its still not quite there for the 97 mile days. I am gaining quiet confidence that 'I WILL FINISH' each day and hence am enjoying the scenery and the stops quite a bit more. Today, I managed an ice cream at 9:30 at a place called STINKERS in the city of Bliss - and who says Americans don't understand irony? I then spent a leisurely break at a real western country bar and cafe which was filled with a group of Latter Day Saints and a few Potato farmers - made for an interesting conversation. I topped off the riding bit of my day with what has become a 'must have' Subway sandwich. Later it was on to an 'all you can eat' buffet restaurant - Americans seem to love these. I myself am not so keen.
After completing a near Century today, I am physically exhausted and need some rest.
Another great ride and another great day!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Day 10 - Mountain Home - June 28th 2006
Weather: Low 90s Cloudy/Overcast
Location: Mountain Home (from Boise)
Miles per day: 52 miles
Average miles per hour: 12.73
Flat Tires to date: 1
Blizzards/Ice Creams to date: 7
Today was dull. Yes, its hard to say that as I am on Holiday. But facts are facts. Following all the amazing terrain we have seen in the last 10 days, today was a let down. We are promised better scenery tomorrow as we head towards Twin Falls, Idaho. We spent most of the day on Highway I-84 with desert like scenery and rough pavement. It was a short day (just 50 miles) so no compliants. Mountain Home is a population of about 11,900 supported by the local Air Force base.
Many suffered flat tires. On the highway, as the trucks lose their tires, the debris moves to the bike lane where the nearly invisible wire (which holds the rubber together) works its way into bike tires. If you are lucky and check the tires, you can find the wires and pull them out before they cause a flat tire. Today, I found two small wires (so small, they require a tweezer to pull them out). Fingers crossed, I have been very lucky. Lets hope it lasts.
Day 9 - Boise, Idaho - June 27th 2006
Weather: Sunny, High 90s/Low 100s
Location: Boise (rest day!)
Miles per day: 2 (testing out smaller tires)
Today was a brilliant rest day. Boise is a great 2nd Tier city (population about 200,000 within city limits). The weather is 4-season with average winter temperatures at 29F and summer at 90F. There's great access to the outdoors (Sun Valley Ski Resort, Lakes and great bike trails). It's history dates back to when French-Canadian trappers finished crossing the territory's flat arrid plain, the forest by the river was a truly welcome sight. Therefore, they named it Boise, which means "wooded" and it was incorporated in 1864. The locals were very friendly and its easily a city that I could spend more time in.
One of the largest employers in the area is Micron Technology, one of the world's leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions including DRAMs, Flash memory, CMOS image sensors, other semiconductor components and memory modules. I'm a sucker for technology and was amused by the Technology oriented street names (see photo).
Whilst many spent much of the day fine tuning their bikes at George's Bike Shop, I decided to spend a little time repairing the Engine (aka - me) with a sports massage and a leisurely lunch.
Later in the day, I made some last minute efforts to lighten my bike with thinner tires and a smaller bag. With a good 24 hour rest, I am ready to go!
Day 8 - Boise, Idaho - - June 26th 2006
Weather: Sunny, 90s
Location: Boise, Idaho (from Ontario, Oregon)
Miles per day: 67.57 (should have been 62)
Average miles per hour: 12.83
Flat Tires to date: 1
Blizzards/Ice Creams consumed to date: 6
We crossed into Idaho today, a milestone! It was a relatively easy ride, apart from the numerous turns leaving ample opportunity to get lost (and put a few extra miles in).
I have now developed a daily strategy: Get out early, peddle hard the first 50% and coast in. This creates ample opportunity to meet fellow riders (as they pass me). My favourite morning group is the Pace Team headed by Essex, UK Peter. He's an amazing rider with great form and usually is pulling a pace group of 6-10 riders. I, of course, feebly try to challenge them. Usually burns my thighs out within seconds but provides me a good laugh for the day. As the day progresses, I lag behind picking up the Three Amigos (3 friends from Sacramento, CA). As they pass me, they generously toss me a power bar and words of inspiration. Finally, I join the Scenic Group (our views are rarely obstructed by other riders and we look for any excuse to stop!).
As I drift along, I begin to focus on observing every detail of every mile. I am amazed at the roadside finds which include interesting roadkill (deer, snakes, raccoons, badgers, skunks, chipmunks and various birds) along with numerous lost action figure toys (usually decapitated) and various coins. At one point, I found 3 dimes within 3 miles and began to think I could fund the trip through collecting coins. Luck has ran out with no significant finds within the last few days. But with a day off, I have some luck as I am desperate to rest!
Day 7 - Ontario, Oregon - June 25th 2006
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Weather: Sunny and very hot (tops 103).
Location: Ontario, Oregon (from Baker City, Oregon)
Miles per day: 83
Average miles per hour: 14.22
Today was a brilliant down hill day! The views were beautiful - for me, there is nothing better than seeing a train with a mountain backdrop.
We also had our first go at Highway riding. As it was downhill, it was rather enjoyable and I felt much safer on Highway I 84 with a shoulder buffering me from the trucks by at least 3 feet. Previous days, I could nearly feel the hair on my arm touch the trucks!
We passed through Huntington, Catfish Capital of the World (or so they claim). The day passed quickly as we biked along the Snake River heading into Ontario, Oregon (just .6 miles from the Idaho border).
One final note on Oregon for those who have not visited the state. The last 6 days have been stunning and I would highly recommend a visit. A few interesting facts of Oregon:
1- The Columbia River gorge is considered by many to be the best place in the world for windsurfing.
2- Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and is formed in the remains of an ancient volcano.
3- The Columbia River forms most of the northern border between Oregon and Washington. The Snake River forms over half of the eastern boundary with Idaho.
4- Eugene is rated by "Bicycling Magazine" as one of the top ten cycling communities in the United States.
Weather: Sunny and very hot (tops 103).
Location: Ontario, Oregon (from Baker City, Oregon)
Miles per day: 83
Average miles per hour: 14.22
Today was a brilliant down hill day! The views were beautiful - for me, there is nothing better than seeing a train with a mountain backdrop.
We also had our first go at Highway riding. As it was downhill, it was rather enjoyable and I felt much safer on Highway I 84 with a shoulder buffering me from the trucks by at least 3 feet. Previous days, I could nearly feel the hair on my arm touch the trucks!
We passed through Huntington, Catfish Capital of the World (or so they claim). The day passed quickly as we biked along the Snake River heading into Ontario, Oregon (just .6 miles from the Idaho border).
One final note on Oregon for those who have not visited the state. The last 6 days have been stunning and I would highly recommend a visit. A few interesting facts of Oregon:
1- The Columbia River gorge is considered by many to be the best place in the world for windsurfing.
2- Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and is formed in the remains of an ancient volcano.
3- The Columbia River forms most of the northern border between Oregon and Washington. The Snake River forms over half of the eastern boundary with Idaho.
4- Eugene is rated by "Bicycling Magazine" as one of the top ten cycling communities in the United States.
Day 6 - Baker City, Oregon - June 24th 2006
Weather: Sunny
Location: Baker City (from John Day)
Miles per day: 85
Average miles per hour: 10.22
Today was mentally and emotionally challenging! Following yesterday's 117 miles, I knew today was going to be tough and my strategy was to start at 6:00 am, substituting cold pizza for normal group breakfast. However, I was not prepared for the brutal 5,000 plus foot climb over 3 mountains (Dixie Mountain, Tifton Mountain and Snall summit). Nor was I prepared for the lack of access to food along the way. No lunch. I was feeling weak. It was not easy. In the end, I triumphantly and jubilantly pulled into Baker City looking for a cold beer.
In spite of the difficulty, there were many stunning views of the mountains and the valleys. Again, with the excuse of taking photos, I stopped frequently to rest and ponder. After completing the 3 climbs, we coasted into Baker City riding along the John Day River. The excitement came as we watched a local 'four stage' bike race which was commencing in downtown Baker City.
