Darby, Idaho to Jackson, Montana

70 miles

3,648 feet of climbing

Good afternoon.

It’s day 22 – I rode from Darby where I stayed in a fantastic little bed and breakfast that I found – great place to rest. It was a long day up and over a pass that took me above the snow line.

It rained all day long, freezing cold rain. It really takes it out of me now. I am in a little town called Jackson in a tiny little hotel.

No heavy revvy’s today. My daughter asked me a couple days ago if I thought I could capture some video while I was on the road. That would mean me holding this phone while I was riding – probably not a good idea – but in some ways it would be a better idea because, you know, you’re always getting these videos when I’m off my bike and I’m in real clothes, I’m warm. Usually I’ve eaten. And so I’m in a good mood and I’m in that state of having accomplished something, and that just makes me super happy.

But that’s not how I am all day long. Today climbing the pass with it really pouring rain and it’s only 40 degrees and I’m all by myself, it’s just scary. There’s no doubt about it. That’s when I fight fear. And it’s also just plainly miserable. Like, it’s not very fun, but it’s beautiful still in its own way.

I did have a Road Angel today. At the bottom of that pass there were three or four guys – one of them was driving a truck and the other three were riding, and then they would switch throughout the day. At the bottom of the pass, I met up with them and they took my bags to the top of the pass. So that was really awesome. Then I got to put them back on my bike for the downhill and that was a rocket ride.

In the midst of all the crazy, tough stuff that happens during the day, there’s all kinds of little bright spots, too. And I like to try to look at the sunny side of life whenever I can.

So I’m still doing really well, still enjoying the ride. I have another long day tomorrow. I’m really tired riding in the rain, so hopefully tomorrow is the last day of it.

I hope you’re enjoying following these things along. Thanks for the love that’s been being said and sent. I really appreciate it.

Enjoy the ride – I am as well.