Hi there!
So I am not so good about updating my
blog better late than never. The Hot Spring Loop. Oh man, that trip kicked my butt and ticked off my
achilles. I wasn't able to train as much as I wanted, with the election in May
then a cold that had me in bed for a week in June doesn't create good
conditions for training. When planning I figured I riding 65 miles per day
would be good. 65 miles on gravel and going up and over passes is way harder
than 65 road miles.
The first day, I rode out of Boise with Kyle and Sarah
riding the first 20 miles. Then my first pass, the heat kicked my booty. Riding
around the reservoir. Finally about 3 pm I was officially on the route! I chose
a campground with a hot spring. I was making slower time than I wanted. My
booty was starting to hurt. I finally made it to the "campground" it
was abandoned about 30 years ago. There was an outhouse that didn't look
inviting. I looked for the hot spring, then I saw it, across the river. I could
see the steam just downstream. Being alone, I wasn't comfortable crossing the
river. So my first soak would have to wait. I made dinner and went to
bed.
The second day. I was up early and headed out. There was
a hot spring about 15 miles at the base of the first major pass. I made my way,
again slower pace than what I was hoping. I made it to the hot spring for an
early lunch. I crossed a small creek with hope of soaking. What I found was a
hose but no hot water. So no mid-day soaking. I filled up water, ate, and started
the slog up the pass. As I made my way up I found granny gear going a whopping
3 miles per hour. My booty kept hurting. I was clawing my way. A few hours
later and 4-5 miles below the top I was walking. A truck passed me offered a
ride, I declined. They passed me again and this time I accepted. By this time I
was worried about running out of water. They drove me to the top and I was
grateful for the help. I don't like taking rides from people, the point is for
me to ride my bike not hitch hike. I had under estimated my ability and the
challenge I accepted. I needed the help. At the top, I had a blast going down
into the first "town" Rocky Bar. Rocky Bar has a house and sign! I
had another small pass to climb then drop into Featherville. There was a small
store I picked up an ice cream and gatorade. I rode on to a campground about
another 10 miles. There was a developed hot spring. When I arrived I realized
that it was Saturday night. I was able to find a site. Then I went soaked.
While in the pool I realized that I had only talked with the folks who gave me
a ride. I craved conversation but no one talked. I made dinner and laid down.
Now, I only had my sleeping bag no tent or tarp. A young girl, about in 4th
grade came over and asked why I didn't have tent and I was worried about
raccoons? I said I didn't need a tent. I told her that I was riding my bike
around. She was taken aback, in a good way, she had never thought about riding
her bike and camping. I have to say, I love when I shatter people's world with new
ideas.
The third day. I was up early again. Another huge pass,
Dollarhide. I had 30 miles of slight uphill, 10 miles of steep uphill, and 25
miles of downhill to Sun Valley. Riding the first section was again slow, my
booty hurting, plugging along at 8-10 miles per hour. Once I hit the steep
uphill I a sense of joy came. I could see how much I was climbing which makes
my heart beat a bit faster. I was still going 3-4 miles per hour. I did have to
walk a few places but I made it! Then the downhill, on the steep downhill I
would try to keep my speed around 25 miles per hour, not wanting to lose
control on gravel and go over the edge. I passed a number of hot springs but
didn't soak, I wanted to keep moving. I realized late in the day that it was
Father's Day. So I pushed into Sun Valley. I was so hungry and tired. When I
arrived in town I called dad to say happy father's day and that I was alive and
well. He said that I have family in Sun Valley! Why, my parent's didn't tell me
this before my ride not sure. I booked a hotel room as I couldn't find a
campground in my 10 minute search. That shower was just wonderful! I rise out
my biking clothes. I contact my family, Frankie and Alan, we plan to have
breakfast.
Day four. I got up and mostly packed and rode to
meet Frankie and Alan for breakfast. Sun Valley has a very similar feel to
Jackson. Oh man, Frankie and Alan were great, they a few years older than my
parents. Alan is an avid cyclist. He has a sexy road bike (typically I don’t
say road bike and sexy but this one is an exception). He passed on the daily
group ride with the guys to meet me. They invited me to stay the night, I accepted
my body was beat up. I wanted to buy a new saddle. I was starting to get saddle
sores which for me is the indication that a saddle doesn’t fit. I bought a new
Brooks B17 men’s, what a difference! Alan and Frankie showed me around, we went
to the newly remodeled resort, wow! Alan has WWII jeep, this is his other toy. We
enjoyed each other’s company. Crazy to have family close by and they get the
mountain lifestyle.
Day Five. As I was packing up I topped off my tires with air. Then
blew my tube! Alan would ride with me for the first 20 miles. About 10 miles in
I my Achilles was hurting to the point that I needed to take some vitamin-I (Ibuprofen)
and tape my Achilles. I had felt it on the first days but it always went away
in the first 30 minutes of riding. Now looking back, I wonder if the saddle
pain was masking the Achilles pain. When the pavement ended Alan said good-bye.
I headed up Glenna Pass and hopefully on to Stanley. Mid-afternoon I was at the
Glenna Pass lodge. The bike shop gave me info about the next turn, without that
information I would have stayed on the road. The “gravel road” was overgrown
not very visible. It was a hard but fun climb. Again not making the time I had
hoped but I started to accept my fitness and challenge. I topped out. Then
headed down, again checking my speed. About 20 miles from Stanley there is a
lodge with food. I figured I would have dinner and ride on bit. Across from
Smiley Creek Lodge is landing strip. I talked with two guys who were flying
around. I ended up staying the night, the owner let me stay in teepee! My Achilles
never felt great.
Day Six. I woke up and had breakfast at the restaurant. I met a
woman who was riding a section of the loop. The day before she tried the single
track section and she turned back. The year before she raced the Great Divide
Route in 28 days, averaging 98 miles! Badass? Yes! Just as the folks the day
before at the Glenna Lodge had said the route needed work, she said the same
thing. We headed out. My leg was still hurting. I wasn’t sure how far I wanted
to go, I wanted to give my leg a bit of rest. By mid morning I knew that I
needed to pull off. I had a choice, pull off and be able to rest and recover to
work in July or push though be in pain and probably really hurt myself. I
called Kyle and Sarah to see if they could pick me up. Being such wonderful
friends and despite Kyle haven’t a root canal done that morning they came to my
rescue. I made it to Stanley. There is a hot spring in town and I soaked for
the second time.
Post ride. I stayed in Boise for a few days before heading back to
Teton Valley. My Achilles was still grumpy and swollen. When I got home, my Achilles
started to squeak! I went to physical therapist and we created a plan to help
my Achilles. I love that I live in a place that gets my lifestyle! I was able
to work a NOLS course. My Achilles today 10 months later is still not 100% but
it doesn’t affect too much.
No comments:
Post a Comment