Day 10 - June 26

The room in Idaho Falls at the Driftwood was directly in front of falls on the Snake River. It was a great place. We did laundry and Matt and Gary cleaned the bikes. The morning of day 10 came and they were cranking at 7am.

The Plan
Today is climb of over 4700 to an altitude of 8400+. The total climb is in two stages and will be a test of the team. We decided to work a different support strategy. The riders use heart monitors to enable them to keep in a zone that is most productive. This means that riding together may make one rider move out of the zone and cause him to not ride as effective. Today they will ride a control pace in the 40 mile warm up and then climb based on their own pace. I will drive in front and take care of the lead rider. Then wait for the next other rider and then frog lead ahead about 2 or 3 miles and do it again. This will allow me to take care of each rider and allow them to hold their own pace.

The Result
It worked great. Matt is a climber. He reported a heart rate of 126 on the first climb and looked like he was on flat land. He did not stop; he gave me an empty bottle and the next time I gave it back full. I got to run with him to do the exchanges, maybe I can help in the Tour. I gave him V8 Juice and a ¼ peanut butter sandwich and GU. He went up the first mountain, down into the valley and up the second without stopping. It was a joy to watch. Gary was not far behind. He climbs differently, but is very strong. I would deal with Matt and then here comes Gary and then I do it again. The second climb went to a 10% grade. Both Matt and Gary were down to 5mp hour and below at some times and wanting an extra gear while they stood and put all their effort into the task. They rode 88 miles and averaged over 15 mph. I am impressed.

They kept me very busy, but I still found time to shoot 226 pictures during the ride. You can see the best ones on the photo tab. I am really lucky to be a part of this.

Flintstone Vitamins for a climb.....

Day 9 - June 25

If all goes well this will be a short metric century 100 km (62 miles) for the riders and a rest day. The pictures for this day start with Matt doing what he really likes better than biking in the morning, and a recap of the destroyed rubber from the day before.

As I understand it, the day was normal for the riders and I was not able to stay with them. I started the support as usual until I got a check engine light on the dash. My choices were use the GPS to find a dealer, check yellow pages at a farm house, or call our support person in Dallas who is waiting by the phone 24x7 to help us. I like the latter and called Lesley Hart in Dallas. She put the website together and has helped us improve it during the ride. She is magical when you want info. In short order I had a dealer address 25 miles away and a bike shop for the guys.

I went toward the dealer and the guys kept riding toward the bike shop, then beer and a nap. I spent the balance of the day getting four new tires, a tune up, and the light checked. The light was a part failure that was under warranty. It took till 6 pm. During that time I called Gary to see if he wanted me to trade in for a new one which already has new tires. He said the static on the line was a problem or something. Now the SUV really feels better.


I like this better than 'eat more chicken'

Day 8 - June 24

We looked at the map and determined that leaving Twin Falls has a lot of very open unpopulated country before we can get to Black Foot Idaho. The best solution is get on the interstate which is a more direct route.

The wind continues strong from the west. The freeway is east/west. Looks like a good day to ride fast. Up to this point we have not had but one flat. No major mechanical problems. I have simply been feeding and watering and transporting. Shortly after they passed over the Snake River leaving Twin Falls, Gary found glass and cut both the tire and tube. I stopped and gave them the parts and it was fixed and ready to go in no time.

They departed and I went back to take pictures of the Snake River. This time it was very deep. I took a number of pictures and even went out on the two lane to get a better shot. It was very windy and the trucks caused the bridge to flex vertically what seemed to be 4 inches. I was not comfortable.

They got to the interstate and it was not long before Matt had a problem with his rear wheel when a part got caught in the moving wheel. We used the spare bikes back wheel and started back in until Matt collect a screw in the rear tire that ate up the tire and tube. We are burning rubber and not getting a lot of speed from it.

All things considered the day was of average length, but the ride of 103 miles was completed in a ride time of 5 hours and 1 minute. That’s a 20 mile per hour average and they are not spent for the next day. I told you they are getting stronger. Must be the food I serve. Hey Orpha, I can really cook.

We arrived at the Super 8 Motel and it is great. Internet, showers and great beds. Bring on day 9.

Day 7 - June 23

Headed to Twin Falls. The country continues the same as yesterday until we got near Twin Falls. I am using a Garmin GPS to help keep us on the correct route. Most of the time “Sally” is muted and not allowed to talk. As we approached our destination I used the Garmin to take us onto old 30. It took us down a very steep winding road and on to a very pretty ride next to, you guessed it, the Snake River. The houses were very different and interesting. I found a house on a hill that had boulders from the bluff above all over the green yard. I would be afraid of more boulders falling into the yard. Another had a garden at the side of the house and a scare crow dressed very well.

The wind continues to be strong as we ride into an area with water falls coming out of the rocks. Moving slower than freeway speeds is the only way you will see these sites.

I continue to be impressed with Matt and Gary. They still talk like they are just beginning, however I can see them getting stronger and they are often catching me before I expect them.

We arrive at Twin Falls Idaho. We found ourselves in a small motel that reminds me of the ones that spotted the landscape and followed the highways across the west 50 years ago. They are now weekly rentals or closed. I would prefer Best Western.

Gary and I talked today and decided we should look at getting a bike rack. This would simplify the taxi trips to and from starts when we are adjusting the routes. So while they caught up on the route planning and blogs I went in search. We found one that can hold two bikes and expect it to be very useful if we get more construction or weather that requires my help on short notice. I believe I can adjust the load to carry both riders and bikes in less than 5 minutes when required. We will not have to shuttle one rider at a time again.

Lunch on the run.....

Day 6 – June 22

Depart Ontario Oregon and into the high plains desert of western Idaho. The sky is clear blue and hot. The land is dry and brown except for the patches of irrigated farm land. I believe that if we could build a pipe line from the Great Lakes to this area we could turn it all green and productive. It might even affect the climate and help Al solve all his problems. Would someone please tell him about this because although he says he cares about the environment and I do not expect him to read a blog about biking.

The roads are very long and straight. A lot of the really small towns have the same name. 'Congestion Ahead' is all that label these small group of buildings. We did find a country store and café that allowed me to buy some Arizona Tea for Matt and Gary to put a change in their diet. At this place I found Bikers sitting on the porch drinking beers and talking about their ride. One of them looked at the front tire of the car and asked if I was aware that it was bald. Looks like we need to find a dealer soon, Gary will be happy.

We continue to see the Snake River.