Day #86: Alpine, WY to Soda Springs, Idaho (73 miles)
- chrisbentley349
- Jul 9
- 1 min read
I started early enough to have a long shadow. It was also cool, so I layered up. This was all good for a long ride that only had restaurants at the 10 mile and 50 mile markers.
For most of the day, the ride felt magically beautiful... lots of climbing, but the road was not busy and it gave access to empty and pristine farmland. Lots of cows watched me and I saw a mother and baby sheep who stared at me intently, and a shepard with two sheepdogs, who flanked me waiting for their master's command to attack... which luckily didn't come.
One funny moment: I was pausing to eat a snack, and a car drove past, when suddenly there was a shout of "Chris!" and the car pulled over ahead of me, and a couple jumped out... it was the folks I was talking to while doing laundry in the hotel last night. They snapped a few pics and we chatted and then they headed off... after deciding against the idea of my holding on to their open window and them pulling me up the hill, while bathing me in AC :-)
The last 20 miles were tough because I was pedalling against a 10 mph headwind. Luckily, the road was a little downhill at that point, so that evened things out...
I entered the 12th state on my trip: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming... and now Idaho! :-)
Other videos:
Stats: 73 miles, started at 6:15am, ended at 4:30pm, 9 hours of actual riding:
Another epic day, Chris!! Beautiful views, watchful livestock, and bonus laundry friends along the way! 😄 Love that you’re now up to your 12th state! Idaho welcomes you (and your long shadow)! Alex and I got a good laugh picturing the “AC-powered hill assist” - maybe a future upgrade? Keep pedaling - we’re cheering you on every mile!🚴😊
Happy biking in Idaho. I always want to visit all 50 states, so far only have been to 12. This brings back my dream of visiting all 50 state capitol buildings :-). It looks like the road getting tougher, but cool weather, less cars, a lot of cows, sheep … and “old” new friends all together made such an amazing day.
Cool hearing the chittering of the bugs and birds! I love that the people recognized you... I'm telling you, it's like you're making this whole trail into your small town! By the way it warms my heart to see you taking the videos standing on the side of the road :)