July 20 - Day 25 - Jackson, WY

Flagg Ranch to Jackson Hole, WY - 55 miles, Avg Speed - 10.7 mph

Waking up this morning was a chilly experience! Once again, equipment was frozen and frost in the air. We quickly packed up and headed for breakfast at the lodge. We continue to hone our plan on getting to Jackson Hole to get Numbstuff’s spokes fixed.

After climbing one small pass in the morning our ride was a relatively easy trek to Signal Mountain Lodge. Although it is nice to be back on paved road for a change, the price we have to pay is riding on a narrow shoulder with a huge amount of traffic, mostly RVs. Has to be said, most RV drivers are middle age men whose perception of the width of their vehicle is the same as their perception of their waist size – ie the reality is a lot larger! We have quite a few close shaves with RV wing mirrors. Numbstuff does his best to plead with the staff at the “sold out” place to hold some of our equipment so we can cycle the 35 mile (each way) detour into Jackson Hole to get the rear spokes fixed. The hotel staff agrees to hold back some equipment for a day, and off we go…

The road was paved to Jackson yet we faced one of the strongest head winds all 30 plus miles. This delayed us a bit but we arrive in town around 2:30 and go directly to the bike shop, Edge Sports Shop www.jacksonholeedgesports.com Jarod and his staff were terrific about working on the bike quickly. It’s great to see a locally owned shop with such a great attitude and work ethic. Thanks again to Edge Sports!

Of course, we immediately find the local brewery while the bike is being worked on. Snake River Brewery is a must on a stop in Jackson Hole. Good beer and gourmet pizzas and food were a welcome release.

After picking up the bike we checked into the Antler Hotel. This hotel is typical of what we get along the road when available.

Dirtbaby and Numbstuff catch up on laundry and walk the town. We actually run into the folks from New Jersey from days earlier … Susan buys some "Bitches Creek" beer from the local wine and beer shop, Jackson Hole Wine Company. Delicious!

Nice to have beds to sleep in tonight as we are tired from the past few days events. All part of the journey and a reminder that riding the bike is only a small part of the experience of undertaking such an odyssey.