To continue from yesterday....
Not only did we leave the lodge and go over Towgotee Pass (9658 feet), we rode our first century! And not only did we ride a century, we rode 14 miles more than a century! It was a first for all but Gift-she'd previously ridden one on a tandem, but not fully loaded.
The pass ended up being just fine-the snowplows had the roads cleared and the grade wasn't too steep. We made the top in an hour. It didn't snow on us but there were moments of blowing snow and a few wind gusts. We snapped a couple photos at the top-this is the second highest pass on this cross-country route-and headed down. We spotted a couple of elk and a good view here and there of the mountains when the clouds allowed. It was chilly on the descent and we were glad to warm up with hot cocoa at a lodge about 8 miles down the other side of the pass.
We got a late start leaving the lodge (11am) because we wanted to make sure road conditions would be ok for us. Because of our late start, we had some tentative plans for where we'd camp along our way. Plans changed as we rode because we had enough downhill that the miles were flying by. At around mile 80 we decided we'd attempt to ride all the way to LANDER, WY. That was another 34 miles. We kept our pace and rode into town at about 8:30pm!
Trent Kunze, a friend we know from Antarctica, lives here and he graciously welcomed us at his home! Thank you, Trent!!!
Today, Friday the 13th, we are happy to report that the skies are blue and beautiful! Trent is taking us on a drive to see a particular canyon around here and then we will likely hit the road. I think we are anxious to ride in short-sleeve jerseys and without rain gear for once!
On a side note, I forgot to include that we had a fun surprise when we went to breakfast at our campground in Yellowstone. Tony Buchanan!!! He's on a roadtrip with his gal and had just arrived at the park. What are the chances??? Awesome to see you Tony!!! Enjoy your travels!!
Signing off...
amy
3 comments:
Wow! $12 for a human and his/her human-powered transportation to get into the park! I do believe charging is fine, but I agree, in comparison to what of a fully loaded automobile accesses the park for, that is plain B.S. I hope you all are carrying enough weight to put a dent in their roads so that you truly get your money's worth---kidding of course;) Speaking of heavy, loved the bulldozer photos!! By the way, a cyclist was just killed yesterday on highway 36 between Boulder and Lyons...many others witnessed it and it was not pretty at all. He was hit and drug by a dump-truck, that he (unfortunately) biked in front of :( PLEASE, oh PLEASE may you all continue on a safe and enjoyable journey!
When do you think you'll be around Denver? I also have a fun friend in Cheyenne who would love to hear your stories and let you crash. I could come up there to meet you and stay the night. Let me know what your plans are. 303-952-9272 or skyward_me@hotmail.com. Gift's BFF Tony won't be back until July1. Glad you are having so much fun. Your faces are really brown!
Mandy
Giftie-
Miss ya lotta mucho! You've always been my hero, but now you're my ultra-mega way coolest superhero!
I'm jonesing to talk to my super hero friend when she gets done with her adventures, but in the meantime I'm getting a kick out of your stories!
Stay safe out there you explorers!
Luv ya lotta mucho,
Kelli : )
your fellow adventurer in Cali! But not for long- the South Pacific, here I come!
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