This morning I walked back over to Hoback Sports and rented a Specialized road bike. It was very slick and fast, but the seat was rock-hard and I didn't have any padded shorts. So I spent a lot of time standing on the pedals instead of sitting down. I pedaled up Teton Pass, which is a steep grind. There is an old road that is closed to motorized traffic, so I grunted my way up in peace. At the top of the pass the winds were ferocious, pelting me with grit and gravel. I hung out for awhile and took some pictures, then went down the main road. It was wickedly steep and the gusts of wind required that I keep a tight grip on the handlebars. The wind shot me back into Jackson, and I returned the bike to the shop mechanic who also loaned me his backpack for the day. Nice fellow.
Before the ride I got a haircut, and the barbershop talk was all about the fire. Although I have heard countless different rumors, the latest is that a guy was burning trash and it got out of control. The fire has been producing a huge plume of smoke that drifts over the town. Everyone walking down the street is looking up staring at it. The winds were very strong and I saw little of the aircraft support I saw yesterday. I can't imagine that firefighters would have much control over it. Tomorrow is supposed to be slightly calmer but still dry and windy.
On first glance, Jackson looks like a rough-and-tumble cowboy town. But upon closer examination, that's not quite true.. Everything is eye-wateringly expensive, and the people walking around are either tourists, big-hatted cattlemen (although they may have adopted the look), or jaded young ski-bum types. There are surely plenty of nice people here who don't hang around downtown Jackson, trading climbing stories and growing interesting facial hair. But I liked Missoula better.
Tomorrow is still going to be windy, but I am going to take off. Still undecided, but maybe 287 to Dubois, Lander, Rawlins looks good. There's a 90-mile stretch there w/o services, maybe I can dash across it.
View Larger Map
Before the ride I got a haircut, and the barbershop talk was all about the fire. Although I have heard countless different rumors, the latest is that a guy was burning trash and it got out of control. The fire has been producing a huge plume of smoke that drifts over the town. Everyone walking down the street is looking up staring at it. The winds were very strong and I saw little of the aircraft support I saw yesterday. I can't imagine that firefighters would have much control over it. Tomorrow is supposed to be slightly calmer but still dry and windy.
On first glance, Jackson looks like a rough-and-tumble cowboy town. But upon closer examination, that's not quite true.. Everything is eye-wateringly expensive, and the people walking around are either tourists, big-hatted cattlemen (although they may have adopted the look), or jaded young ski-bum types. There are surely plenty of nice people here who don't hang around downtown Jackson, trading climbing stories and growing interesting facial hair. But I liked Missoula better.
Tomorrow is still going to be windy, but I am going to take off. Still undecided, but maybe 287 to Dubois, Lander, Rawlins looks good. There's a 90-mile stretch there w/o services, maybe I can dash across it.
View Larger Map
Passing the time
View of the fire from Teton Pass
Gotta look cool
Shabby chic in Jackson. The Sotheby's sign is a bonus.
