We're in Hailey, Idaho surrounded by the Sawtooth mountains. Everywhere you look it's hard not to be in awe of the geological wonderfullness. We rolled in on Saturday, passing over the Galena summit, our biggest yet at 8,900 ft. We heard that this area has great single track, and was a cycling hub. This soon became apparent as we started seeing large groups of road cyclists and signs on the road warning motorists about the "Sawtooth Century." As we pushed our bikes and gear up the mountain we were being passed by roadies who were on their way back Ketchum to complete their 100 miles. After making our way down the 6% descent we cruised into town at our best paceline yet, for an hour or so pushing 20-30 mph with little effort. Once in town we received the celebrity treatment. In a bike crazy town, with bike paths everywhere, and a pump track, our loaded bikes were a sight and seemed to be a magnet for attention. Everyone wanted to know where we were riding from and tell us which way to leave from here. People were super nice and friendly, but I was left with mixed feelings. Ketchum/Sun Valley is like Disneyland for grown ups. And it is disgustingly wealthy and white. Talking to folks you get the impression that this is just a bubble, insulated from the rest of the world. A place where the rich and famous (the Governator to name one) have summer homes. That being said, everyone we met was great. Especially Brian from Backwoods Mountain Sports, an avid mountain biker whose domesticity has been dependent on single track. Brian is what our buddy JB calls a "trail angel." He hooked us up with some mountain bikes and sent us off with a map, a loop and a place to shower after, as well as a cool dirt route to get to Craters of the Moon, our next destination.
Some other notes:
We are getting good at using space. Yesterday we dried out laundry in the park. Today we woke up on the side of a dirt road after sleeping under the stars and (almost) full moon and cooked a fat boy breakfast for $10 in the park. Libraries, supermarkets, gas stations, random places with shelter become your home, where you feel comfortable. And quickly, the odd looks people give you become just another reason to laugh. This hobo life is growing more and more attractive. Everyday is a new day, a new place with new people and a lot of unknowns. How lucky I am!
catching up.....
Day 22 - Boise to Ten Mile Campground, Idaho City (55 miles)
Day 23 - Idaho City to Bonneville Hotsprings/Campground (46 miles)
Day 24 - Bonneville to Alturas Lake (66 miles)
Day 25 - Alturas to Ketchum (52 miles)
Day 26 - Bummin' around Ketchum, riding single track
Day 26 - Hailey rest day
Amerikuh!
Ted cooking a bacon breakfast at Alturas Lake
one of a few passes leaving Boise
huge frisbee in Stanley, ID
first glimpse of the Sawtooths
drinking a schooner of tasty IPA at Lefty's in Ketchum
riding to our campground
Sun Valley single track
doin' laundry in the park
riding our touring rigs in the pump track
4 comments:
Ah dbo, you should just tell people you're a group of young Canadian anarchists. Hobos with Chris King bottom brackets! ;) (I appreciate your sensitivity to race and class, amigo.)
ha yeah, we're pretty well off hobos. I mean we've been following Le Tour! By the way, you're not missing out on the Mexican food so far, except for in Vale, that was some good eats.
ahhhh boys, i miss you! thank those cats for the post cards, they are awesome. love that bacon picture and the laundry is classic!
PS. did you karate-chop that Mores Pass sign?!
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