Over and Back

So Tuesday AM I head for Jackson, WY over Teton Pass which is a steep climb both ways. Two years ago while driving down the Jackson side the brake pad wear light came on. It became an intermittent problem from there on. Sometimes it would come on but when I shut the engine down and turned back on the light wouldn;t be on. Again descending the pass the light turned on again. Shit!!!!, downshift to 3rd to let the engine add it’s slowing down. Drove out of Wilson to bottom of Phillips ridge trail which I learned was a great trail either way. I googled repair shops in the area. Found one that in order to contact them it required an internet appointment form but no phone number. SHit, I needed a call back instead of setting up the laptop. Part was up the climb my phone rang and I answered the repair shop. Sure bring it by. I completed my ride then drove to the shop in Jackson. Tech pulled the right rear wheel and discovered the sensor wire was bad Yesterday after another ride I returned to the shop where they pulled the rear wheels and discovered that the pads were almost toast. The sensor replacement did not make the light go out. They ordered new pads which come with sensors, to be delivered this morning and they would install right away. I asked for permission to sleep in their lot which I did. This AM the parts arrived and were installed. The light stayed off since including the west side of Teton Pass. I now have performing brakes which lessens my fear of steep long downhills.

So I am no back in less populated Driggs. Did my wash and washed my body. Good to go for another week.

So, Jackson. The Phillips Ridge ride could be done different ways. I chose to ride up the ridge then descend the canyon. The pedal up was doable but the increasing elevation was effecting my breathing. Topped out at 8402′. The descent down the canyon was rowdy and lost elevation very quickly which makes for a less time riding and more time hanging on. 14.7 miles climbing 2,267′ breathing hard for 2 hrs 39 mins.

Common practice on the Pass is hitch hiking. Years ago I scored a ride up to Phillips ridge which I rode down.

I needed to learn about camping spots around Jackson before leaving. Guy told me about Curtis XG which is east and above the national elk range. Road left the valley floor then climbed a dirt bumpy road, like 15 mph for me. Scored a spot in the XG. A promontory offered spectacular views.

Place was popular launch spot for parapants(?). Grizzly territory.

Yesterday I challenged my body again with a big climb pedaling up the old highway to descend Black Canyon. I rode this ride several years ago. Highway pedal was 1 hr 3 mins to climb just under 4 miles climbing 1913 per Trailforks. I stopped once to stretch out my right hip. As I swung my right leg over the top tube my sagging pants hooked on the nose of the saddle which didn’t allow my right leg to swing under me. I fell on the pavement. I have no butt anymore to hang onto my britches. Traverse over to the top of the canyon was a hand full of elevation gain and exposure. Topped out at 9,176′.

The descent was beat up, steep, and loose in many places. Beat up from shuttle traffic. Ride was only 10.3 miles climbing 2662′ pedaling for 2 hrs.

Spent the evening in Jackson drinking a beer at 2 different establishments. Last one was a tasting room. I arrived about 45 mins before closing time. Beer pourer said he wanted to leave early. Started talking, another employee showed up and joined the conversation. I finished my beer before closing then went to restroom. I came out and guy handed me a free beer which I refused as I had drunk enough. I offered to stay and tell stories without a beer. Which I did.

Earlier I drove to Fitzgeralds bike shop nearby. I wanted to see what a city shop was about. An I9 van was in the parking lot. Charley was the I9 guy. I told about my grenaded bearing. He pulled the hub apart to check both bearings which were all fine. I did but their bearing because it meets their testing and it will be the replacement should the replacement bearing blow up.

Today was a rest day here in Driggs. Laundry, a shower, and a visit to the local museum as I wanted to take pictures of an early tractor and the rules for school teachers.

So, now my plan is a ride on the way to Pocatello then to the area for several days of riding then Tues make Sun Valley. A beer maybe dinner at Royal Wolf.