The Roving Lunatic

Yesterday we had a day off, but it rained all morning. We waited at the window like schoolkids: is it breaking? how hard is it raining? how far do you want to ride in the rain?

The rain broke at 2 and we darted for the door. Karen, Matt Helbig, and I headed towards Jackson Hole Ski Resort, in nearby Teton Village. By nearby I mean 12 miles. In a great twist we found Colin and Mary Beth just wrapping up trip support, so we raided them for extra food and water.

Next, we hit the switchbacking snowcat trail that heads up 4000 vertical feet in 7 miles. The climb relented for 20 yards of downhill. Every other inch climbed and most of it was lowest gear or walking.

The icing was that the resort prohibits riding down. The tram takes you down from the top, but the last tram leaves at 6:30. It was going to be very close. We did finally get to the top at 6:17, to see a tram leaving. K and Matt were sure that was it, the last tram, we were hosed. Of course, we could ride down.

But really, it was dangerous. We had passed a huge cliffband, it was all fast, loose very steep rock and gravel. Blood would be involved. We wanted that tram.

And up it came, right on cue. Which gave us about ten minutes on the highest viewpoint around. I shot a few pictures of Jackson down below, then preceeded to eat snacks like crazy. That much climbing is good for a few calories...

I have to say that that ride was one of the most intense rides I have ever done, for the speed we rode out and back, for the massive elevation gain, for the unrelenting nature of the trail. It's a great send off for Jackson, now it's on to Glacier!!