Scott Junker Rides the Great Divide
Journal #7
Jackson (no hole), Wyoming
I wake up every day of the year and don't think "I wanna do a century today!" I woke up yesterday and again didn't think that same thought but by the time I had gotten off my bike I had ridden 100.23 miles, oops..
I left Ashton, Idaho too late in the afternoon to really get anywhere and then got pinned down on the side of the road by a full-on storm only 17 miles out of town. I cut my losses and sheltered up for the night.
In the morning the sky was clear and blue and after a pot of coffee I got on with it. It's an odd thing to wake up 30 miles away from a mountain range (the tetons) and say to yourself "I think I'll have lunch on the other side of those hills." The road was well graded for the most part and the big hill was fairly gentle. I rode towards Yellowstone and lunched at Flagg Ranch. From there I rode along the highway and somehow all the 'Drive America' RV renters avoided hitting me.
There was a big jam on the road where a brown bear sow and cubs were visible from the road (hopefully that's the last I'll see). while working my way through the knot of RVs and SUVs triple-parked in the road I nearly got doored twice and ran over an oblivious man's foot with the trailer wheel. He yelled at me but I rode on, how he managed to look right through me I may never know.
At Moran Junction I opted to head for Jackson. I had to yell at a moose to get out of the road, I think they're fairly dumb creatures. I arrived in good time and had ridden over a hundred miles, almost half off-road. I dined at the bar in the Silver Dollar Saloon and people kept buying me beer, and I kept drinking it. I camped in the town park and slept like a log. I rose with the sun and drank much coffee. I found out that today is Saturday (I thought it was Friday) which means that when I arrive in Pinedale I'll have to wait until Monday for mail. So I can relax a bit and criuse in this afternoon, hang out Sunday and get gone after mail on Monday.
As I ride further south the motorists are becoming less friendly, the Albertan's stop to chat, British Columbian's yell "Halloo" from the window and wave, the Montanan's waved enthusiastically, Idaho-er's wag a finger as if admonishing me for being on their road and the Wyom-o's ignore you. 28% of motocycle riders wave in some way (I counted)
Also, for some reason Utah people slow down to my speed and then accelerate past almost every time, even on the highway in motorhomes. I don't know why they can't just pass like everyone else (maybe they're slowing down to see if they know me) it drives me crazy.
When the only thing you have to do all day is ride and eat, life is pretty easy and this whole "ride your bicycle across the country" nonsense is much simpler than it seems.
I may have lost my mind as I have begun singing to myself even though I don't know any songs.
I think I'll go for a bike ride.
-Scott
Overview of Scott Junker's Adventure
Scott Junker's Ride Photo Album
Other Events from Sundance Cycles
Serotta Demo Bikes Visited Sundance
The two Serotta Demo rides this past weekend were excellent. Many pictures from these rides will be displayed soon. Read the great review and see more images from the Serotta Demo day and Sundance Cycles, LLC Saturday Ride.
The 2006 Serotta demo fleet represented a wide cross-section of Serotta's product offerings. From the new, all-carbon MeiVici to the updated and refreshed Fierte line. Serotta
Shimano 06 Dura Ace 7801-SL Wheel Set - Shimano recently invited a select few “vip” retailers to Solvang for a three-day focus group to test their new 2006 Dura Ace SL wheels. More about Aj's adventure
AMGEN Tour of California Photos
Classic Climbs of the Giro - Article by Steve Dozier appeared in Roadie International
Trek Travel Party
Sorry you missed it. Check out the photos and information about Trek Travel.
