August 15, 2010 Looking Back

It's been almost a month since Steve And I finished our cross country ride.Looking back at what we have accomplished I find it hard to believe what we did. I'm still thinking about all we have seen, and all the people we met in this beautiful landscape we call our Country and home.As my life goes on I'll still picture the sites I've seen,and more important the people that put the magic I felt into each and every day.One thing I know for sure is that my live and my feelings about people and places will never be the same....Ted

Thursday, July 22nd, Day 77
Eugene, Oregon

It’s over and very hard to believe that we did 4,200 miles on a bike and we navigated over 200 thousand feet of elevation across the country. The west was incredible with its mountain ranges and we can realize, with accurate and personal experience, the beauty of this country we call home.

Wednesday, July 21st, Day 76
Sisters to Blue River, Oregon

Our last mountain pass is today. And this is our next to last day on the ride. Imagine that.
Our objective is Santiam Pass at an elevation of 4,800 feet. Our hope today is to enjoy as much as possible of the ride we are embarking on. Let me tell you, it was totally enjoyable.
The climb to Santiam Pass was 21 miles that we both jumped on with eager anticipation. When we hit the summit, I think the two of us were relieved. This was the last pass, the last mountain climb, the last cold morning, the last of everything on this ride that started over 4,000 miles ago and also two months ago.
We are headed to Eugene and we both feel it’s all-downhill from here.
It’s hard to relate how powerful we feel.
More after we get to Eugene.

Tuesday, July 20, Day 75
Ochoco Divide to Sisters, Oregon (77 miles)

Today, in essence, was two days. The first three hours, then the rest of the day.
We woke up to 38-degree temps on top of Ochoco Pass. A breakfast from our bike pack certainly wasn’t what would help warm our chilled bodies. We started a 20 mile downhill that resulted in our stopping many times on the way down to warm our hands and faces that were being pelted by the frigid air. It was oh so cold.
In less than two hours, we were 30 miles down the road arriving in Primeville for a very welcome second breakfast. While there, we changed into our shorts and shirts from the warmer clothing that we needed on the road down. The temperatures were rising rapidly into the high eighties and low nineties. We Passed through Redmond and onto Sisters. We are staying in Sisters City Park tonight. A nice hot shower is the order of the day, however, the showers are not functioning at the moment. They’ll be ready tomorrow afternoon while we are on our way to Blue River. Bike Ted.

Monday, July 19, Day 74
Dayville to Ochoco Divide

Today we did two mountain passes, Keyes Creek, 4,350 feet and Ochoco Pass, 4,700 feet. We started from Dayville and passed through “Picture Gorge,’ and John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. This is an area of many fossil finds and is quite beautiful. We traveled through a canyon along the John Day River for about three miles. Then a long climb of about 20 miles to Keyes Creek Pass. Then up and over for a 7-mile downhill trek to the town of Mitchell, population 171 with two cafes and many boarded up buildings. We had a quick lunch then began the next climb, a mere 16-mile uphill trek to Ochoco Pass. This ride was a little on the rough side. When we hit the summit, we found the Forest Service Campsite and tented for the night. A very tired two bikers said good night at 8pm. Bike Ted

Sunday, July 18, Day 73
Austin Junction to Dayville, Oregon (61 miles)

This morning at 5:30am, it was 40 degrees. Steve and I had a “cold” breakfast at tent side. Needless to say, we dressed warmly and were on the road by 6:30. The day began with a climb to Dixie Pass at an elevation of 5,300 feet. It actually turned out to be an easy climb and we were up and over in a little more than an hour. The rest of the ride was downhill into our goal for today, Dayville. Enroute, we passed through Prairie City, John Day, Mount Vernon and finally into Dayville.
The cities and towns in this area of Oregon seem to be very alive and vibrant. It’s a welcome change from other areas of our country that were dismal and dreary. It’s nice to see because it’s making the end of this trip very interesting and colorful.
Bike Ted.

Saturday, July 17, Day 72
Baker City to Austin Junction, Oregon (54 miles)

The ride today required Steve and me to go through two mountain passes, Sumpter Pass at 5,100 feet and Tipton Pass at 5,150 feet above sea level. The two passes were about 14 miles apart. We had to climb, too, when leaving Baker City at 3,500 feet. So, you can see that most of the day was “UP.” We both worked hard this day and were rewarded with an 8 mile downhill on our way into Austin Junction.
We are tenting for the night.
A side note of the day…. I had my 7th flat tire (hope it’s the last) 12 miles outside Austin. Thank God it was the front tire…much easier to change. Till tomorrow. Bike Ted.

Friday, July 16, Day 71
Oxbow to Baker City, Oregon (72 miles)

This was the hardest day physically for the two of us. We moved out of Oxbow at around 6:45am and did not get to Baker City until almost 6:00pm. In between, we had a helluva day in Hell’s Canyon. There are only two small towns in the canyon…halfway, which was 17 miles out…then the mountain pass to another small town at 27 miles out. Then it was a 45-mile stretch to Baker City with no services, no food, no water and temperatures in excess of 100 degrees. It was a long, hot ride that had the two of us bouncing off the ropes. We both hung in there and agreed by day’s end that this was the most difficult of days we’ve experienced. Sleeping was very easy. Bike Ted.

Thursday, July 15, Day 70
Council, Idaho to Oxbow, Oregon (63 miles)

We did it. We have reached our last state, Oregon. We left Council and had a few short climbs on Route 95. Twenty-two miles later we were in Cambridge, Idaho for a second breakfast. We then moved off Route 95 and began a new trip on SR71. Another climb, this time 18 miles to the summit.at 4,131 feet. The pay back for that was a 7 mile downhill almost to the Snake River that is on the Oregon border.
A bonus tonight is we switch to Pacific time. That means, too, that we have about 400 miles left to finish our journey.
p.s. the Snake River and the Brownlee Reservoir that was created by the Brownlee dam is a sight to behold.

Wednesday, July 14, Day 69
Riggins to Council, Idaho (62 miles)

This morning, Steve and I left the Salmon River behind us as the sun was coming up over the mountains. Today was another steady climb of 35 miles to the town of New Meadows where we had our second breakfast. Then we had another climb of about 10 miles before we began a descent into Council.
On today’s ride, we had to follow Route 95 that became a big distraction for us. The shoulders were very narrow and there were many big trucks, tractor-trailers and the worst, logging trucks. The logging trucks were the ones that put the fear of God into me. They drive very fast in both directions…loaded and not loaded…and little pieces of bark and trees are flying off the truck as they pass you on the road.
For that reason, Steve and I couldn’t enjoy the eye candy as we have on other days while crossing Idaho. The drivers, however, do give us some room and for that, we are very thankful. Bike Ted.

Tuesday, July 13, Day 68
Kooskia to Riggins, Idaho (76 Miles)

The day started brisk but under sunny skies. The temps were in the high 50’s. These conditions are great considering we were about to enter into an almost 30 mile climb. We passed the town of Grangeville and did our final climb. The road had a strange name “Old White Bird Hill,” and this stretch of road took us to an elevation of 4,300 feet.
Our overnight has us at 1,200 foot elevation.
As we got to the top and took our last turn toward level ground, I looked to the left with Steve and could not believe my eyes. Before us was the most beautiful valley I’d ever seen and this actually was more magnificent than the Lochsa River and Clearwater area.
We could look off into about 50 miles of trees and green hillsides that looked like they were painted on canvas. Sooo, we both look at each other and said I can’t believe we are in Idaho. From that point on, the day got only better. We descended 12 miles down old Route 95 on a series of switchbacks that took us to the town of White Bird back to 1,600 feet of elevation. It was just remarkable.
From there, we followed the Salmon River for another 30 miles to the town of Riggins.
The river was a series of rapids following many twists and turns surrounded by hills and trees and our trip was a series of twists and turns without the rapids.
Today has to be another best day of our trip. Bike Ted and Fast Steve.

Monday, July 12, Day 67
Powell Campground to Kooskia, Idaho (88 miles)

We left the campground at 6:30 PST. We were following Idaho RT12 (Lewis and Clark trail) through Lochsa River Valley. The Lochsa River changed to Middlefork Clearwater River after leaving the valley. This area has to be Idaho’s most cherished secret. This valley was the prettiest we’ve seen on this trip and is by far the nicest I’ve ever seen. I would gladly return to this area in a heartbeat just to spend a little time marveling in the splendor of magnificent surroundings.
If you have four days that you can spare, come here for a great vacation.
Our day was dry with temps moderating in the high 80’s. The only drawback to this pleasant day was the headwind we had to fight during the final 30 miles or so. So Be It!!!
Our reservations tonight are in a motel in Kooskia. Kooskia is the gateway to the Clearwater and Nez Perce National Forest and the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness area.
Till tomorrow. Bike Ted!!

Sunday, July 11, Day 66
Lolo to Powell Campground, Bitterroot Range, Idaho (44 miles)

Steve and I are in our next to last state. This has been quite a journey and we have been witness to some of the most magnificent country in the world, bar none. The Bitterroot Wilderness is incredible and we are trailing the Lochsa River. This is part of the route traveled by Lewis and Clark during their great expedition. The beauty of this area is something that each person must judge for himself or herself. For me…there is no way to describe the forests, the rivers, the mountains, the creeks. It is a true feast for the eyes. We started by going up 25 miles to Lolo Pass…nice climb with a great view. This route was a continuation of the Lewis and Clark route.
We stopped for our second breakfast Bear Cave Bar and Grill in Lolo and waited almost an hour to be served. It set a new record of slowness for us. We have seen some pretty slow service but this takes the cake.
From there, we started downhill to Powell Campground. We both were looking forward to an early end to the day and to a good night of rest before heading tomorrow to Lowell, Idaho.

Saturday, July 10, Day 65
Darby to LoLo Montana (Square and Round Dance Center RV Park) (58 miles)

This was an easy ride. Mostly downhill and a 17-mile bike path to ride on. A bike path is very unusual. I can count on my hands the number of paths we saw on the ling journey.
We should really rally across America to establish bike paths that would ensure the safety of riders. I realize that establishing many routes running nationwide would be an impossible task. Perhaps a major north/south route and east/west route would encourage many to get out and ride. I’m not suggesting that they get on a bike a travel 4,000 miles. My vendetta here is to help VetDogs of America raise awareness of the need for companionship between dogs and our veterans. Our secondary need is to get veterans involved. Come on. We all suffer from some sorta disorder because of our service to country.
Our men deserve the best we can provide. Part of our responsibility is to make certain the returning veterans, who have lost limbs, can survive in the society they vowed to protect with their lives and their new limbs. Those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) need our involvement. Let’s get on board and kick some ass.
Your contribution to VetDogs goes a long way.
Let’s support VetDogs.
Back to the ride. We had a little rain with warm temperatures approaching nearly 90 degrees but with low humidity. We are experiencing a lot of joy seeing this magnificent country from a bike and not a passing car. Things that happen around us only make the trip more pleasurable. And most of the people we’ve met have made us comfortable with their concern.
There have been many occasions when we looked forward with anticipation to the end of a daily ride. Today was one of those times. The facility we were staying at is heralded as one heckuva place to stay. They have the greatest showers, free washing machine privileges and entertainment. Yes, entertainment. We watched in awe a live demonstration of how to square dance. What a rip!!
We are tenting here overnight and the rent for tenting bikers is $8.00. That’s like eating at McDonalds. This facility is located on Route 12 westbound just outside Lolo.
See yah…Bike Ted.

…continuing on to Darby

We were following the Bitterroot River complete with rocks, trees and canyon walls on both sides of the road.
Blue skies…clean air…life doesn’t get much better than this.
Bike Ted.

Friday, July 9, Day 64
Wisdom to Darby, Montana (mileage unknown)

Today was a day of transition. We left Wisdom at 6,100 feet and headed toward Darby that is 4,000 feet. Beginning temperature was around 60 and the daytime high was around 75 to 80 with little or no humidity. We had a 27-mile climb out of Wisdom to Chief Joseph Pass at 7,250 feet. It was a long but not so cumbersome as some of the climbs we’ve made lately. The downhill was nasty consisting of many hairpin turns and a grade of 6 to 7 percent. The decent went slowly allowing at least four separate occasions where I stopped to cool my brakes. Once on the bottom, I could look back on the experience as one I will never forget. Was I happy? Do bears shit in the woods???
Steve who is much better at handling extreme downhills was waiting at the bottom for Ted. His bike, too, has disc brakes and they don’t heat up the same way padded brakes do!
We stopped for lunch and I enjoyed a Bison Burger (very interesting). I’m game to try a lot of different foods…bison, why not???
We were on a downhill the remainder of our ride into Darby.

Thursday, July 8, Day 63
Dillon KOA to Wisdom, Montana (68 miles)

Today we had to go through two mountain passes…the Badger Pass (6,755 feet above sea level) and Big Hole Pass (7,400 feet above sea level).
The initial part of our ride today had us making a 14-mile climb to the top of Badger Pass. The entire climb consisted of about 1,500 feet. Piece of Cake LOL.
Great biking weather and probably the best we’ve experienced so far. Moderate temperatures and low humidity helps the body regulate the intensity of each effort. The starting temps were in the high 40’s and topped off at about 65 degrees. The extreme humidity during the day approached a low of maybe 10 to 15 percent. Our ascent cost about two hours of time. Remember there were two passes to negotiate today.
We left Badger Pass and rode about five miles to a valley before starting the climb toward Big Hole Pass. This climb was steeper and only about 1,400 feet. The actual distance of the climb was about 7 miles and took nearly two hours.
Once we crested Big Hole, the downhill and the balance of the trip to Wisdom was relatively simple.
We encountered more legendary mosquitoes, this time the famous mosquitoes of the Montana Mountains. You can be traveling 15-20 mph, and they still find you. In our estimation, Steve’s and mine, during this trip to date, we have given more blood than a blood bank can collect in a month. Hate those little vampires.
Bike Ted.

…continuing onto Dillon

We started a climb that lasted about ten miles and culminated at Teton Pass. We had a calorie burn of about 115 per mile. When you consider that on a flat road, we average about 55-60 per mile, so it was an interesting climb.
From that point on, the day became warmer and, thanks to a higher power, the wind did not howl into our faces as it had on previous days.
Our night will be spent at the KOA in Dillon owned and operated by Bob and Pam Meyerson. This is a magnificent facility surrounded by beautiful landscape.
The Meyerson’s extended Steve and me an additional discount because we are bikers.
Hey, this gives us an opportunity to stay in a cabin instead of tenting for the night. You know what they say about creature comforts. ‘Til tomorrow, Bike Ted.

Wednesday, July 7, Day 62
Ennis to Dillon, Montana (74 miles)

Starting temperature this morning was around 45. It warmed up during the day to the 70’s because of the sunny skies. We began our daily trek having breakfast at Yesterday’s Soda Fountain at 124 Main Street, Ennis, Montana. Chicken-Bacon-Artichoke Salad for the Special today. And Swiss Tomato Mushroom Soup; homemade, of course! A must stop for you when you’re passing through Montana. Our waitress, Jennifer, was the best. She had a dry sense of humor and provided the best of service to the two travelers.

…continuing from Earthquake Lake to Ennis

We encountered more nasty wind after leaving the lake area. There was a 15-25 mph headwind directly into our faces. It was maddening because here we had a stretch of downhill that lasted almost 30 miles. By all rights, we should have been able to do some freewheeling at speeds of 18-20 mph. Instead, we had to pedal our butts off to maintain a forward progress.
We arrived in Ennis ready to bite the tires off the bikes.
A note to all…Wal-Mart again showed me why I like the stores. While riding today on a very narrow shouldered road, a Wal-Mart truck crossed over the yellow line to give Steve and me a wide berth. I gave a wave and in return, the driver blinked his taillights. He was the first and only driver on the trip to acknowledge my Thank You.
I love the stores because, as a biker, they always seem to be able to satisfy my needs and at the right price.
And when their people act like that, you can be assured they exist in a happy environment.
Bike Ted

Tuesday, July 6, Day 61
Lake Hebgen to Ennis, Montana (50 miles)

We awoke to a temperature of 39 degrees. You know how sometimes you wish you didn’t have to get up. That was my feeling this morning.
It rained most of the night so our gear was wet. Our tents had to dry before we left. When we were ready to get going, we stopped for breakfast.
We were in the area of Earthquake Lake. We passed this lake soon after we started our ride. Back on August 17, 1959, this area experienced an earthquake registering 7.5 on the Richter scale. This was a tremendous earthquake that caused a portion of an adjoining mountain to release a huge dirt and rockslide that came to rest blocking the flow of the Madison River. Within six hours, Earthquake Lake was formed. Fifty plus years later, you can still see the tops of dead trees in the middle of the lake. Sadly, though, 25 people died in the quake.

Monday, July 5, Day 60
Yellowstone to Kirkwood Resort and Marina, Lake Hebgen, Montana (75 miles)

We said goodbye to Yellowstone Park today pulling out of Grant Village and heading west to Old Faithful. We couldn’t leave without watching the geyser blow off. The first 17 miles to Old Faithful was a lot of climbing, you know, going up. We crossed the continental divide twice.
I was a bit disappointed to see the commercialization at the geyser. I guess I was totally surprised, too, at seeing the amount of people that were standing around waiting for the blow off. It was exciting at the time of eruption but, personally, I enjoyed West Geyser Basin more.
Steve and I continued heading west out of the park. We were on a downhill now and passed by Madison Village while following the Madison River on the way out.
We experienced some rain and a chilled wind during the last 30 miles. To make matters worse, Steve had a rear tire flat that had to be repaired so we could continue our way to the campground at Hebgen Lake. We were so anxious to get out of the nasty weather that caused us to set a record at putting the tent into place.
I’m writing this and prepping for a good night of sleep. The wind is blowing and the rain continues to fall but I’m safe and sound. Thank you.
Bike Ted

Sunday, July 4, Day 59
Off Day at Yellowstone Park

We had no bears overnight but campers next door were enjoying life. We woke up at 6am to find ice all over our tent, flies and 34-degree weather (no rain, thank you). Steve and I put out cloths to dry overnight and they were frozen.
Soooo we dressed warmly and headed to Grant Lodge for breakfast. We then headed by bike, about three miles, to the West Geyser Basin to see the geysers and the hot pools. Luck would have it that a National Park Service ranger named Lauren Muccino (a New York native) was giving the tour. The tour was fantastic and her knowledge of the geyser basis was exceptional.
An hour and a half tour went quickly and ended too soon. We took some pictures of Lauren with Steve and me, and then headed to lunch. We went back to our tent and prepared for the next leg on Monday.

Saturday, July 3, Day 58
Moran Junction to Yellowstone Park, Wyoming (58 miles)

Today was the big day for Steve and me. Both of us have never been to Yellowstone Park or Grand Teton Park. The ride to Grand Teton went very well as did the entering into Yellowstone. We made our entrance on the south side. The first four miles we just kept climbing. The park itself is just an outdoor wonderland.
The lakes, the streams, the forest, and the smell in the air…I’m overwhelmed.
The traffic going into the park and to our destination at Grant Campgrounds was very heavy for the 20 miles we rode into the park. However, people in both cars and trailers were very polite to us and made the trip easy. We set up our tents among a crowd of 25 people on each side of our setup.
We had to put all our food and water into a bear box away from the tent area. You can’t be too careful in an area where the bears know all the tricks on getting food. We are staying over in the park tomorrow to rest.

Friday, July 2, Day 57
Dubois to RV Campground Grand Teton Park RV Resort near Moran Junction

The KOA campground in Dubois has to be one of tops on my list of places to visit and stay. I would recommend this facility to all travelers.
The temps this morning are in the low 40’s. Pretty chilly for July but we are in the mountains. It’ll warm up.
We both had a hearty breakfast in anticipation of a major calorie burn. We were about to embark on a climb to the Togwotee Pass at an elevation of 9,600 feet.
We climbed for about 23 miles and came to a road construction dilemma. We were not able to navigate the road on our bikes. There was a construction pick-up truck that offered us a ride past the roadwork. We got aboard and were driven about four miles that got us past the obstruction and we were able to continue our ride.
The worker dropped us off about three miles from the top of the pass. We pedaled our way to the top and were treated to an incredible view. The Grand Tetons were off to our left.

Trust me…there is a higher power and you certainly feel it, viewing, feeling the air, and smelling the breeze. It was truly amazing.
On the downside of the pass, we were again ferried over bad roads. Once past the construction, we started a 17 mile downhill.
After a few “No Room at the Inns,” we found an RV campground that had cabins and that’s where we are staying tonight.
That’s it for now.
Bike Ted

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2010
BULLETIN….BULLETIN….BULLETIN.
THE POLISH BROTHERS, TED SWEDALLA AND STEVE KUREK
ON SUMMER TOUR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THE BOYS HAVE ARRIVED IN OREGON AND ARE ON THE LAST LEG OF THEIR TOUR…CONGRATULATIONS FROM YOUR SUPPORTERS
LOVE YAH

…heading to Dubois July 1st

The drama increases. Our destination, Dubois, is about 20 miles away from the point where we begin to follow the Wind River. The river passes through a winding Valley that causes the gusting winds to hit us square in the face on some of the twists and turns.
At times, I was pedaling downhill and going a mere 4 to 5 mph. That’s what I call windy.
We had no relief whatsoever on that last leg. The wind was still howling when we pulled into the campground. We tented for the night hoping not to be blown away. Steve and I felt like we had been beat up by a gang This might have been the toughest ride we’ve had so far on this trip.

Thursday, July 1, Day 56
Ray Lake to Dubois, Wyoming (77 miles)

Today was two rides. The one we enjoyed in the morning and the worst day I’ve had since starting this trip in the afternoon.
Our first 28 miles jaunt from Ray Lake to our scheduled stop at Crowheart was a normal ride of up and down grades. There was a light wind blowing and the temperatures were very moderate.
We could see a storm front building to the south of us that was creating a high wind blowing in our direction. We are headed north so the winds were pelting us on the left side and gusts were upwards of 45-50 mph. Both Steve and I were in jeopardy and the two of us were nearly blown off the road on several occasions.

Wednesday, June 30, Day 55
Sweetwater Station to Ray Lake (Lander) Wyoming (52 miles)

Today started with more winds and that seems to be the trademark of Wyoming and one of their claims to fame. The most interesting feature of the winds…a change of direction is possible from minute to minute, a moment’s notice. And the velocity can be anywhere from 5 to 40 knots.
Steve and I met a man Tom Maederer who recently left the navy. He was an FC2, fireman, on a destroyer. We met at a breakfast stop while we were in Lander. He completed a six year enlistment and, after his ride, will be on his way back home to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He will be attending college under the G.I. Bill that will pay for his education. A great guy whose service to his country we certainly appreciate.
We, Steve and I, food shopped, had a haircut and got some clothing.
We then headed to the campground located about 10 miles north of Lander.
I’m tented for the night and the brisk winds are rattling my cave.
Bike Ted.

In Sweetwater…

We set up our tents at the “Mormon Handcart Historic Site.” The Mormon Handcart Pioneers were participants in the migration of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to Salt Lake City in Utah. The members used handcarts to transport their belongings. This movement continued from 1856 until 1860.
As luck would have it, there was a group of people at the site. We had an opportunity to observe a group of people pulling handcarts into the campsite. This was a recreation of the actual movement of the Mormon Settlers in the eighteen hundreds. The group had pulled their carts a total of 12 miles on this hot and windy day.
It’s 7:30pm and not a sound can be heard in the still of this night. Everyone must be sleeping and that is exactly what I should be doing.
Until tomorrow.
Bike Ted

Tuesday, June 29, Day 54
Rawlins to Sweetwater, Wyoming (87 miles prox, long ride, long day)

Ten hours on a bike can be brutal. Especially when you cover terrain that haunts you in dreams. And guess what we were encountering…the famous Wyoming Winds. No, that’s not a baseball team. Nor is it a basketball team…it’s mother nature making our lives miserable.
Nothing sucks more than pedaling into headwinds. A 4000 calorie burn turns into an eight thousand calorie day. Not bad if you’re well rested and fully breakfast’ted. Love the play on words.
We pedaled 33 miles from Rawlins to Lamont to our second breakfast stop. On this excursion, we didn’t see a house, a farm, a cow, a horse or any people. We stopped at Grandma’s Café for some chow. I’m hungry and this is normal. We calorie up early, then burn it off and need some more fuel.
We were the only people in Grandma’s and she was the only person, so she was chief cook and bottle washer. The place will seat between 75 and 100 people, but where was everyone. Maybe it’s more of a nighttime eatery.
I asked for home fries and ham. The piece of ham almost covered the plate and was more than I could handle. I passed a piece off to Steve and put a piece away to nibble on during the day.
We are off to Muddy Gap. There’s only one building in town for gas and food.
Onto Jefferson City. Current population, 50. At one time, when the uranium mine was operational, there were around 5,000 residents. It’s really sad to see all the buildings boarded up and the lack of people.
We had another 19 miles to reach Sweetwater Station.

Monday, June 28, Day 53
Saratoga to Rawlins

Today was an easy day for Steve and me. We rode 44 miles in great weather. Wyoming is a vast state and we encountered little or no people along our route today. I guess we’re off the beaten path, as they say.
We saw many long horned deer. Mike Joyce, one of my customers from the old Liberty days, would have a field day here. Being able to watch them in their habitat is something I will cherish forever and this is a chance of a lifetime. To watch them moving at the speeds they can attain is so different than watching them on the tube.
We arrived in Rawlins at 11:30…reason is the fact that we were moving right along at a brisk pace, better than 12 mph. Rawlins is a municipality that straddles the continental divide. It is the county seat of Carbon County and has a population approaching 10,000.
It has been a great day. I am totally amazed with Steve Kurek. Steve has a piano service in Lake Tahoe. One of his services is tuning pianos. I love a great piano and Steve, who is 66 years old loves his job. He is remarkable at 66 because he looks and acts many years younger. His ride is one that most would cherish. He moves up grades like he’s riding on flat ground. Friendship is a special thing and our friendship began on the first day of the ride. We entered into this ride not knowing the people we were riding with. I am most fortunate to have Steve as my partner because he is inspirational. My shortcomings fade when in his presence because he exudes the confidence and makes me want to succeed!
I’ve enjoyed our time on the road but equally enjoy our time together seeing what America is all about. I know the both of us are in awe of this magnificent country and we are proud to be Americans. .
Til tomorrow…bike Ted.

Sunday, June 27, Day 52
Walden to Riverside, Wyoming 50 miles (oops Saratoga, 68 miles)

Our night sleep in Betty Lou’s house was disturbed by the continuance of a street dance party that went into the wee hours of the morning.
Exhausted, but eager to go, we started our trek to Riverside. This would be our first stay in Wyoming. Temperatures in the morning were in the low 40’s with absolutely no wind and bright, clear skies.
Our trip was going good until a tremendous bout of tiredness engulfed my body just outside of Riverside. The shit sleep of the night before was taking its toll. Steve’s encouragement had me adrenalinized. We stopped for a second breakfast and that is when Steve’s further encouragement had us going an additional 18 miles to Saratoga. I’m amazed sometimes at how the body can make radical changes in short periods of time. Training has a lot to do with success and we trained before starting the ride back in May.
We met three riders going West to East. We were able to exchange information about both our rides.
The final leg of the trip into Saratoga was greeted with winds, gusting winds. By the time we made it to town, both of us were beat. Being so tired prompted us to take a motel for the night rather than tenting. It made sense. A good night of sleep would refresh us.
We ate in the motel room and crashed.
Bike Ted.

Saturday, June 26, Day 51
Hot Sulphur Springs to Walden, Colorado (62 miles)

We camped next to the Colorado River overnight. We tented and I was asleep by 8:30.
Steve actually crashed before I did. Biking makes going to bed early automatic. Burning so many calories each day and bringing your body to the brink of exhaustion dictates the early to bed routine.
It was around midnight when a freight train went through. Don’t know how many cars were involved but the engine had a great whistle. Five whistle blasts and 2 rings on the bell and five whistle blasts and 2 rings on the bell and five…you get my drift??
Several hours later, there was something or someone outside my tent. I gave out a tremendous yell and I could hear whatever it was running off. This had to be close to 3am. Went back to sleep and we were up at 5am.
By the way, the mosquitoes here in the Rockies are big and numerous and bullet proof. No matter what repellent you use, they still manage to close in for the blood sucking. Too many bites to count. I look and feel like a pin cushion.
On this ride, we crossed the Continental Divide once more but this time at Willow Creek Pass. The elevation here was a mere 9,621 feet above sea level. We enjoyed comfortable temperatures in the low 70’s. Not too much humidity. The only hang up was a 12 mile climb of about 2,100 feet. Once over the Divide, it was mostly downhill into the town of Walden. It began to hail on our way into town and then the lightning and rain started and continued into the night.
In lieu of tenting tonight, we are staying in a motel. Looking for a place to stay was a chore. We wound up going to 4 places that were sold out. At the fifth, the motel owner let us stay in her home overnight. The house is directly behind the motel. Thank you Betty Lou.
Bike Ted

Friday, June 25, Day 50
Silverthorne to Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado (59 Miles)

This was a good day. The temps started out in the high 40’s and got up to a high of about 75. The great thing about today was the fact that we could do an “express.”
An express is a constant speed that can be maintained for a good period of time. We actually got up to speeds of about 25mph in spots.
Our ride got us to Hot Sulphur Springs…a place where people love to bathe in the water.
If anyone can appreciate a hot shower, they would more appreciate a dip in a hot spring.
Similar, but different…Here, within the community, there are at least 100 sulphur springs that are available for use.
Our ride into town has us following the starting area of the Colorado River.We went through a canyon that brought us into town.
We set up our tents in a campground that paralleled the Colorado River.
There I washed my clothes and washed my body in the Colorado River. Imagine that!!
Another once in a lifetime event that will remain as one of the highlights of this trip..
Steve…did you bathe???
I know we have separate tents, but…LOL!!!!

In Silverthorne

Though it’s late in the season, there is still snow on the peaks of the surrounding mountains. In Breckenridge and in Silverthorne, the countryside of little and bigger creeks, the mountains and the snow is magnificent.
One note to all my bike friends. When you are not accostomed to the high altitudes, don’t do what I did at the start of the ride. As we left our motel, we had a downhill and then up hill before we got to our actual route. I rushed downhill to make the uphill easier. Big Mistake. By the time I was halfway up the hill, I was out of breath. It took me about 10 minutes to recover. Take it slow. Let your body guide you. Till tomorrow,
Bike Ted.