Monday, July 2, 2007, Idaho Falls, ID to Jackson, WY, 88.9 miles, 10 hrs, 10 min, 9 hrs on the bike, Ave. speed: 9.8 mph, Climb: 5989 ft.

What a day - I survived! We started out with headwinds and slow climbing. The headwinds died down a bit and we started the first of two big climbs. That first climb seemed to take forever, but I finally got to the top and then cruised down the hill into Victor, ID.

Stopped to regroup and get a sandwich at the local grocery store, and then almost immediately started the climb up over the pass. As the climb went on (and on, and on) and got steeper, it seemed like I would cycle at about 5 mph hour for a minute or two and then have to get off the bike and catch my breath. Finally I started walking for stretches at a time before I would get back on the bike and ride for a while. Somewhere between the last 3 or 4 miles, I just started walking and continued walking to the top. The grade was so steep (at least 10%) that I even had to stop and catch my breath occasionally while walking. I FINALLY got to the top - under my own power - and took a breather. I was wasted - no energy left at all.

After food, water and rest, I started down the other side of the pass. This was challenging too, because the grade going down was also at least 10%. I used my brakes so much I could smell rubber and the rims of my tires heated up. The grade lessened as I got lower, so then I let off the brakes and cruised as fast as I could in to Jackson.

I was so physically exhausted that I burst into tears in the shower. I was so tired and so overwhelmed that I actually did what I did! Amazing.....

Oh yeah, it was a beautiful route too, but I was working way too hard to enjoy it. Some day I will be conditioned enough to take in the scenery.......