Riding, riding, riding!!
On Friday Jake and I packed up with a shared sadness about saying goodbye to our hosts. We had a 95 mile stretch (over two days) ahead of us off the trail as Jake’s Achilles were painful, and my sores equally so, so the idea of trail riding wasn’t appealing and would do nothing for our respective hopes of healing.
It wasn’t long before it was apparent that Jake’s tendons were significantly worse than thought. Even on tarmac he dropped behind almost from the get-go. He’d been such a support to me, so it was my turn to go slow, support and ensure he took breaks. By mile 15 it was clear this ride wasn’t gonna happen. So we stuck our thumbs out to get a lift as close as we could to Jackson, where we were heading in order to resume the trail. It only took 15 mins before we were picked up by a great guy called Patrick who took us 50 miles down the road towards our destination – happy days. And so it was we entered the Tetons in a car and not on bikes….but that’s all part of the journey I guess. We were dropped at a servo from which we could ride the 30 k to Jackson along a glorious bike path away from the heaving RV traffic. We had to take it super slow to avoid further injury. We hit town at around 3 and headed straight to McDonald’s to reload with carbs! Jake had connected with his friends with an RV in a town called Moose and they came and collected us and took us through a sightseeing trip through the Tetons – so glorious. They work in the Park so have free RV camping which we could use as guests, with showers and laundry. We’d done 30 or so miles of cycling and covered nearly 90 in total, putting us ahead of our planned schedule.
As my saddle sores were pretty bad I’d decided to take at least two days off whilst enjoying the free camping and wifi! Those two days were spent trying to figure out what to do. I have honestly come to the end of my physical abilities- I’m exhausted, and after a wonderful few weeks with Jake, Mike, Scott and Rob we are all going our separate ways which I’m struggling with – not only in terms of company but also a sense of anxiety about being alone on the trail. I know now just how brutal it is, and how utterly important it is to have companionship in such tough terrain. I have still got 1000 miles ahead on the trail route as it doesn’t go straight up to Banff but meanders through hundreds of miles of trails in all directions. Water is less of an issue here at least, but there are long stretches away from anyone or anything.
My objective was to get to Banff to spend time with Charlie. The Divide was one way of doing that. I’ve had 7 weeks of the trail and know that at times it’s beaten me. It’s been sublimely difficult but achingly beautiful too.
On my second rest day I decided to ride in to Jackson to buy a US SIM and resupply for the ride ahead starting tomorrow. Jake tried to ride but knew immediately it wasn’t gonna happen for him. The ride to Jackson was very pleasant along a designated bike path, but my sores were still aggravated which is worrying.
So tomorrow, from a gang of 5, it’s now back to solo riding. Michael is a day ahead of me and going strong. Scott and Rob are in Yellowstone and Jake, well Jake is somewhat stuck here for now until his Achilles heal, then he’s heading back down the Divide! What an adventure he’s going to have. We have become incredibly close so it’ll be strange without him cracking his jokes and being a great ride buddy. But our journeys are going different ways and that’s the nature of these experiences.
I’ll write when I’m back on the trail and I’ve sone idea where I’m going!
Best wishes to everyone and thank you all for your comments of support -they are always read and deeply appreciated (tho I don’t respond specifically to each as I’ve often only got a hotspot access)
We thought this was a statue….until it moved!!
Important lesson!
First sighting of the Tetons
On our way to Jackson
Grant Teton
Our campsite companion
My dear friend Corrine put this montage together…thought I’d share 😊
7 weeks of hard core cycling Tony. Congratulations to you and your cycling buddies. Whatever you choose to do now, do not underestimate your achievements to date. I’ve had a saddle sore just the once, and that was enough. Sheer agony. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. I have loved your blogs. You tell a great tale with so much detail. And stunning photos to boot. Whatever decision you make will be the right one. Love ya lots and as always, incredibly proud of you and privileged to be your friend. Stay strong. 💚💚💚💚
Hi Tony! I thought it was as impossible You riding the Divide after all that happened last year! What an achievement you’ve covered all these miles until now! Amazing too that Bob survived the tracks! Thank you for all these wonderful updates, we loved reading everyone of them. Looking forward from getting your next post, I hope meeting up with Charlie will work out somehow soon! Ingeborg
You certainly have had an adventure so far, riding with these guys and as you say, they have been great companions. Hope this solo leg goes well and stay strong out there 💪🏼👏🏼
Great to hear from you mate and thanks for following my trip. Hoping you’re both well and enjoying retirement 😊
Wow wow wow. You are just so strong and have achieved so much on this adventure. Whatever you decide is your journey your way, so there are no wrong choices if it’s right for you. Xxx
Hi Tony , so good to hear from you 😊 Do what you feel is right for you. Stay safe you’ll get to Charlie in the end I’m sure. Love from us all here in the UK x x
So incredible trip ! I did not know the Great Divide was so difficult. I would like to help you as you helped me in my little trip. I just can send you all my congratulations for your adventure – hoping they arrive to you, not as my little present… 🙁
Fais attention à toi (be safe) et profite bien (and enjoy), and thanks again for your posts, photos and videos.
What a 7 weeks! Whatever you decide to do next, your achievement as it stands is huge! Congratulations! Sad that the five you’ve been with are parting ways and hope you can meet up with others however you decide to travel stretches on your journey to Charlie in the Canadian Rockies.
Thanks for taking us along with you on your journey. Your descriptions and photos are great. Where you are now sounds heavenly – such a lovely place to rest and restore xx
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