Dillon --> Jackson (7/12/10)

Getting the usual early start we headed out to tackle the two big climbs that we would have trying to get to Wisdom (which by the title you should see that we didn't make).  The ride out of Dillon was nice, we missed our turn however and had to back track about a mile or so, which is really not that bad when I think back to my other missed turns.  After getting back on route we headed towards the climbs, the first of which we could see.  Robin and Zack headed on past Dennis and I because they are better hill climbers than I am, and Dennis was just hanging around to chat and enjoy the ride, which we did.  The first climb was not that bad, it was steep but not too steep and the wind had only gusted a couple of times.  Getting to the top we took a break for shirt changes, photo opt and snacks.

 

The downhill is where we started to get the headwind, it was a nasty one too.  5-6% grade and I had to pedal all the way down, boo!  Getting to the bottom the wind didnt stop, it was blowing right in our faces at about 10 mph, not bad but not a help either.  Struggling along we made it to the next climb, this one however was steeper and longer, and the wind had kicked up in to the upper teens to lower twenties.  Starting the climb was slow, finishing the climb was even slower.  At one point the wind was blowing me and I was standing up pedalling at a whopping 3.4mph!  After what seemed like the longest climb ever I made it to the top, where Dennis was waiting for me. We decided that we would more than likely stay in Jackson, about 11 miles before Wisdom because we were too beat.  If the others made it to Wisdom we would catch up with them the next day.  

Again pedalling down the hill again, we cruised at a blazing 8mph into Jackson, totally blown out and in need of some food and cold drinks.  We found Zack and Robin at the lodge in town (town had 37 people) and quickly got a tent spot so we could drop our gear and head to the bar/cafe for food.  After eating at the bar and talking to the owner we headed back to the lodge to get our swim on, they have a natural hot springs in town and the lodge pipes the hot water in to a huge pool and lets the guest swim in it, luxury!  After a swim we got our stuff set up and got ready to eat dinner (we tend to eat a lot of food, all the time).  After dinner we discussed the plan for the morning and headed to bed.