Sisters To St. Paul
Day 7

Date: July 31,2005

Route: Swan Valley to Teton Pass

Distance: 33 miles

Ride Time: 3h 15m

Elevation Climbed: 3850

Weather: High overcast with a smattering of sun and rain. 65 to 75 degrees

 

 

Log

Last summer the route on Bike Idaho took us over the Teton Pass … a truly memorable experience. It was the toughest climb I had ever made. Tougher than climbing Mt. Bachelor, tougher than the 3 miles at the top of Three Creeks, tougher than the switchbacks out of Oak Creek Canyon. Tougher than all of these put together. I wanted to do it again.

The Snake River was lovely in the morning light. We left early for the drive to Swan Valley, the start of my ride. I kept Jon company at breakfast waiting out a brief cloudburst. Then I mounted up and climbed out of the valley toward Victor. It was a brutal start: a 2 mile climb of 8% - 10%. But the next 20 miles were oh, so sweet! I dawdled taking pictures and relaxing as the sun lit the fields and mountains. I pedaled over undulating hills, through endless golden fields, and past dilapidated homesteads and prosperous ranches. On the descent into Victor I caught my first glimpse of the Grand Teton …thrilling! Out of Victor I followed the North Fork of Pine Creek into the mountains of the Targhee National Forest. Then the real work of the day began. I had eaten, I was hydrated, I was ready. The start of the climb was deceptive: a very civilized 5%. But it wasn’t too long before I was in my smallest ring and largest cog. I stayed there for the next 4 miles making progress at a tippy 4mph. Even though the sign said 10%, the slope varied from 8% to 15%. But it was not as hard as I remembered. I knew the road and was mentally prepared. A perfect temperature of 75 degrees certainly helped. I arrived at the top and enjoyed the view into Jackson Hole. I had NO desire to ride down. I had had a dicey descent last year that involved traffic, cliffs, speed and space, so I graciously (thankfully?) drove the car to Wilson while Jon flew down on his bicycle.

We drove to our next lodging: a resort/motel on the east side of Grand Teton National Park halfway between Jackson and Yellowstone. A shower, a sandwich, an hour with my book, and I was ready to go. We drove into the park to Jackson Lake for a 3 mile hike. We were both excited to find and shoot wildlife. We quietly walked along Coulter Bay, Heron Lake, and Swan Lake. The scenery was beautiful but we were mostly unsuccessful in our quest. We spotted a river otter and heard an argument between cranky swans. It was nearing dusk so we drove south to the open meadows. We found a herd of buffalo that moseyed beside and in front of the car, seemingly oblivious to our presence. They are BIG! On our return we saw several groups of elk but it was too dark to take a picture. Finally, best of all, we came upon a moose splashing in the river … right at the bridge! Jon jumped out to get a picture and I popped up for the best view of all.