The first of our camping days on the ride is here, and we are incredibly excited! This team has a deep love for the outdoors, and we couldn’t be luckier to be camping in some of the most scenic regions that this country has to offer. To allow this to happen, we pack five A-frame tents, a couple of propane camp stoves, and a readiness to set up efficiently and leave no trace (but definitely relax too). This day and night ended up being a favorite among many riders.
Ride Overview
Mileage: 48.1
Elevation: +4791’/-4208’
General Direction: Head east, then turn left onto N 1500 W as it curves against the ridge, at mile 4.4 turn left onto northbound U.S. 191 and continue for 40.4 miles, turn right onto Little Hole Road and continue for three miles until reaching the campsite on the right.
Points of Interest: Steinaker Reservoir, Green River, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Flaming Gorge Dam, Dutch John Mountain, Ashley National Forest, Uinta Mountains, various archaeological sites from all prehistoric periods
Tales of the Trail
To travel north from Vernal, the primary obstacle one must face is Utah’s own Uinta Mountain Range, a spectacular sea of red, gray, and the light green of grasses coating a diverse array of mountains, ridges, canyons, hogbacks, and rock pillars. This imposing but beautiful range also hides some of the oldest as well as most varied fossil remains of prehistoric creatures in the world, made helpful by occasional roadside signs denoting them as such to drivers and cyclists that pass them by. A very tough but rewarding ten mile ascent along switchbacks and a mining facility took us into the heart of the mountains, and after some time spent within a few pine and aspen forests flanked by the peaks, a thrilling descent took us to the wide Green River. This river is the central jewel of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, characterized by its beautiful layered gorges and mountains stretching out from the river, and was it ever incredible to see firsthand. We finished our ride by cresting the Flaming Gorge Dam which rises over 400 feet above the downstream water level, and grabbing some lunch in Dutch John.
Dripping Springs Campground truly appeared out of nowhere as we biked on a subsidiary road to reach it. It was surrounded by rocky ridges, some wild grasses, and a sea of torched or otherwise dead trees about 5-10 feet high. We unpacked, set up our tents, and began to prep our dinner of hot dogs, beans, and Chef Boyardee Ravioli (thank you Nina!). Teammates talked, ate, and relaxed as the daylight waned, and a few even went to explore the surrounding ridges. The night opened up to a (actual) galaxy's worth of stars and everyone settled in for their first night in the tents under them. Tomorrow, we end our short time in Utah and breach southwestern Wyoming.
Adam, Jaylen, and JB (NP) on the ridge overlooking the campground.
Edward poses with the one and only bungee-stake.
Dogs on and ravioli in the fire.
Cyclist’s Corner
Today’s Rider: Edward Guo
How are you today? I am vibing. I feel very well rested after our rest day, and even though we had a long day on the bike, the scenery was very cool. It was special being able to be outdoors for all of today given that it’s our first camping day.
In your opinion, what makes a good I4K teammate? I believe it’s somebody who goes above and beyond what they are told to do by the ride leaders in terms of helping other people with their tasks off the bike, as well as being encouraging on the bike toward other riders who may be struggling during the day.
Where was the best ice cream you’ve had so far? Salted caramel Oreo from Yuma, Colorado at the Farmhouse Market. That was one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had, period. To describe it, you get the sweetness from the caramel and Oreo mixing with the salt and they compliment each other very well. This made it into a very interesting yet satisfying combination of both flavor and texture that was unparalleled.
How have you improved in handling the bike during the ride? I feel that I have gotten stronger on the climbs we’ve had recently. I’ve noticed that I’ve been able to bike in a harder gear up certain grades that I previously would have had to in an easier gear.
If you could snapshot one favorite or at least special sight, place, or moment in your mind that you’ve experienced on the bike, what would it be, where was it, and on what ride day? Honestly, it was waking up on the day we were leaving Madison. For the first three weeks of this ride, my mind wasn’t really present. I had a dream that night going into that morning, and in that dream I was less behind on my tasks and vibing at the stayover. Halfway through my dream, I remembered that I had the ride for that day coming up, and that just sent me into a lot of stress. I was telling the stayover host that I had to continue this ride, and after I stressed out about it for quite a bit of time, it was wake-up for the next morning at 4:40, before we had to leave. I was so happy to be awake, to not be left behind, and to be present and on this ride. Ever since that night, I have been more present within this ride and enjoyed my time a lot more.
In ten words or less, how will you remember this ride when we complete it? Freedom.
Please visit the rider profiles page on the website to learn more about this year’s riders! :)
Sam R in front of the Cart Creek Bridge at the base of the descent.
Absolutely love this.
The van and the stars (photo by Hanna).