Idaho Falls Idaho to Jackson Wyoming

About Jackson Wyoming

While historians credit John Colter as the first white man in the Jackson Hole in the winter of 1807, it is fellow fur trapper Davey Jackson for whom Jackson Hole is named.

In the spring of 1822, David E. Jackson responded to an ad in the St. Louis Enquirer which read:

Wanted
100 enterprising young men to ascend the Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains, there to be employed as hunters. As compensation to each man fit for such business, $200 per annum to be given for his services. READ MORE...

Above text courtesy of Jackson Hole Visitors Guide

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Above photo courtesy of www.jacksonholenet.com

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Above photo courtesy of http://mind.net/dlmark/NPtetons.htm

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Photos

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Contemplating the challenge...

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Joy in the accomplishment !

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Comments from Patricia

Hi Everyone,

This is Gabriel, Patricia was too pooped to send in her comments last night when we arrived at Jackson. As I send this on the morning of Day 16 (July 6th), Patricia is already on the road heading north toward Yellowstone National Park.

Well, after storm warnings the night before, everyone was ready today for the worst. Everyone was getting ready for rain, thunder, lighting, & hail. The storm even canceled the 4th of July fire works here in Jackson last night. It looked ominous and threatening as we set out from Idaho Falls, but then the wind pushed it all another direction. The weather ended up perfect. My prayers worked. The last thing Patricia needed on one of the most difficult days so far was foul weather.

Patricia did eighty eight miles today, with a enormous amount of hill climbing (5-10% grades and at the top the grades increased to 13-15%). All the other bikers are amazed at her determination. Patricia conquered the TETON PASS today! Many others in our group could not make the pass. They walked or sagged. Patricia also just entered her 3rd state, Wyoming.

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She did run into a mechanical problem early on in the ride today which brought tears to her eyes. She usually tries to get out there as early as possible so she will not be left too far back as she knows she is not fast, and when that happened there was nobody out there. Just rocks, weeds and fast cars & big trucks.

This set her back at least a half hour to forty five minutes. It's long and lonely out there. I was far behind her as I did not anticipate any early problems. Patricia is usually pretty good early in the morning about keeping up close with the others.

Normally, when I am through packing up I catch her about 20-30 miles down the road and keep her engine fueled & cooled with yogurt, soymilk & snacks. It is like giving her a rocket boost & she is off again. Now I think I know how "Lewis & Clark" felt together. She has so far peddled over 1,000 miles. She is so awesome!!

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The Tetons are so beautiful, just like in the pictures. I want to thank everyone again for their personal encouragement and their support of the scholarship fund.

This challenge is rigorous for anyone, but to do this at age 67, WOW!! Everyone thinks she is 40!

Over & out for now. I must clean up and get out of here as Patricia today will conquer Togwotte Pass. At 9,658 foot elevation, it will be a tough one.

Gabriel