Circumstantial changes play into every ride we embark on - wind changes, pace adjustments, elevation, humidity, and severe weather are constantly analyzed by each rider and what this means for their comfort and performance on the bike - and not necessarily through apps, though this can be very helpful. These reactions and adjustments really help us to hone critical thinking, team-building, communication, and injury prevention skills and habits. They help us to learn about ourselves as people in many ways, and what we are physically or mentally capable of in that moment and across the day, which is really powerful. I, for one of seventeen, am incredibly proud of this progress we have made and how it has made us quicker in our rides and more in tune with ourselves as human beings.

Ride Overview

Mileage: 91.5

Elevation: +1769’/-1367’

General Direction: Proceed west through Sugar City and southwest into Rexburg, turn right onto ID 33 through downtown Rexburg at mile 4.1, follow for 46.4 miles and use Lincoln Blvd. for 4.2 miles to transfer back onto ID 33, continue to cut around the southern edges of the mountain ranges, and turn right onto U.S. 20-26 at mile 83.8, use 3100 N at mile 90.1 to reach the RV park.

Points of Interest: Little Lost River, Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Rocky Mountains (Tyler Peak, Saddle Mountain, Jumpoff Peak, Number Hill), Arco

Tales of the Trail

It was going to be a hot one from the start. Open, nameless plains and desert mountains made up over 95% of what we saw that day, creating the perfect conditions for the dry heat to come. Within ten miles, gone was another ‘fertile crescent’ of farm fields following the Snake River that we had seen so much of the day before. Mile 25 brought us across the intersection with I-15, the last north-south interstate before I-5, which borders the west coast. As we pushed due west, the imposing mountain range containing Saddle Mountain crept closer. Our rest stop at mile 50 brought us just outside the Idaho National Laboratory’s facility, and we used Idaho 33 to scoot under the southern border of the adjacent mini-ranges. At this point, the sun was high in the sky as was the temperature, inching toward 100 degrees! Six of the final seven miles were on the busier U.S. 20-26, and after one final climb, Arco appeared directly in front of us.

Another century was achieved for some, but everyone got out of the sun as soon as possible to check out Pickle’s Place, the birthplace of fried pickles as well as home to the atomic burger, and boy did it satisfy. Arco’s claim to fame as the first city to be lit by atomic power percolated throughout most of its attractions and was presented on many building signs. The final link to our destination of Mountain View RV Park gave us the chance to see this firsthand, and when we arrived we immediately got into our routines and were cautious to stay out of the heat whenever possible. In the final mile, Sam M’s rear tire exploded, demonstrating the impact of the heat on our bikes. Luckily, he and Patrick were able to drive to a neighboring town and get a replacement. Our hosts provided us with access to their (very nice) showers, as well as a wonderful spaghetti and garlic bread dinner. The restaurant/office we stayed in proved to be a great gathering space where we could talk with each other and our hosts and play some games.

As the sun set and it finally began to cool, we made our preparations to sleep outside - but not in tents! Everyone slept under the stars in near-perfect conditions: dry, 70 degrees, and with very few bugs. But of course, the greatest aspect of this was the wide canvas of stars stretching above us, so apparent that the Milky Way band was visible to the east when we turned in for the night. Interestingly, the constellation of Hercules was directly overhead at this time as well, a nice symbol for the Herculean tasks we seem to take on daily. We are sleeping both peacefully and out of necessity in preparation for another toasty day in the desert on our way to Fairfield, Idaho.

Cyclist’s Corner

Today’s Rider: Paul Leman

How are you today? I’m feeling good. A little exhausted after today; it was a long one. We made it a century, and those last eight extra miles were pretty tough but we got them done and got to experience the Pickle Place. I got some wonderful food there and some cold lemonade at the RV park front office, so no complaints there.

In your opinion, what makes a good I4K teammate? I think of two things. First, someone who will complete all their duties and responsibilities well and completely in such a way that their teammates don’t have to check up on them constantly. Second, someone who is fun to be around. I think this trip has the potential to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and your company really defines that experience. It’s definitely important for me to be around people who are fun to be with on a trip like this.

Where was the best ice cream you’ve had so far? River Forest, IL at Johnny’s. I got a chocolate milkshake, which was hands down the best milkshake I’ve ever had, and it was also incredibly affordable.

How have you improved in handling the bike during the ride? I think one thing is riding one-handed. I was always comfortable taking my right hand off, but I used to not be comfortable taking the left off. That’s an area I’ve definitely improved in just by doing callouts and turn signals.

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? I would say the first 30 miles from Meeker to Vernal. Heading down that valley that gradually turned into desert was really, really beautiful.

In ten words or less, how will you remember this ride when we complete it? A unique and wonderful experience that has stretched me.

Please visit the rider profiles page on the website to learn more about this year’s riders! :)