The blackened igneous fields of hardened lava flows stretched to our left and right as we careened down the highway shoulder. So new is so much of what we see on the surface of the Earth, and yet it looks, and is in regard to us, so ancient. Craters of the Moon was an incredibly stark and beautiful reminder of the titanic forces operating under our feet at all times.
Ride Overview
Mileage: 87.5
Elevation: +2170’/-2405’
General Direction: Turn out of the stayover onto westbound U.S. 20-26-93, optionally make a left at mile 18.2 to explore Craters of the Moon via Loop Road, at mile 43.4 turn right onto U.S. 20 and follow for 43.7 miles, turn right onto Soldier Road in Fairfield to reach the stayover.
Points of Interest: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Rocky Mountains
Tales of the Trail
An eighteen mile gradual ascent took us out of Arco and to the entrance of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. While the first two ride groups opted to ride around the looping road within the site, the third continued for a total of almost 42 miles before the van caught up. Talk about endurance! The group consisting of Patrick, the Sams, and myself made up a queue of all moon-related songs to welcome the occasion, and twisting through this looping road to the sounds of “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Rocket Man”, the ‘Interstellar’ soundtrack, and many others just made our time there all the more special. Beautiful pumice rock formations, and plenty of thriving vegetation in the rich volcanic soil greeted us with absolute splendor. The first two groups took a pause to hike up the side of the Inferno Cone, the remains of one of many volcanic cones, or craters, the site has to offer before continuing through the rest of the loop and a fun bonus 10% descent.
Starting out from Arco.
Climbing Inferno Cone.
Eastern view from the top.
Men (and squirrel) on the moon.
After a quick rest stop at the Visitor Center, a long descent into the town of Carey at mile 43 brought with it the aforementioned miles of lava flats, a truly alien and surreal landscape. The remainder of the route focused on endurance, and was nearly all due west through a few climbs including a notable pass through Queen’s Crown outside of Carey. The heat and headwinds set in and pushed us back as we made the slow climb toward Fairfield, its outskirts seeming to drift away from us in those final few miles.
New van art by Hanna just dropped! Stay tuned for a few more additions. :)
Patrick, Sam M, and Sam R race through the lava flats.
Jon and Nina chilling in the van ft. Hanna’s bike.
But of course, patience won out and we did eventually make it into town! A few more centuries were completed and the team took part in some shopping, showering, laundering (not that kind), and some delicious “cold dinner”, which consists of bread or tortillas, spinach, chickpea mash, and spices made by Chefs Hanna and Kathryn. We also enjoyed some tubs of ice cream and snacks we got at the store and relaxed after this arduous day. We are staying at Camas County High School (go Mushers!) and looking forward to reaching Idaho’s capital of Boise tomorrow.
Ride recovery pt. 1 ft. Sam M.
Ride Recovery Pt. 2 ft. Jaylen.
Sunset over a sleepy Fairfield.
Cyclist’s Corner
Today’s Rider: Laurel Racette
How are you today? I’m feeling good, I bought a car two days ago and took it out for a joyride so that was fun. I enjoyed the book I’m reading, and am definitely still recovering from the ride.
In your opinion, what makes a good I4K teammate? I feel like someone that’s attentive and can read the language of what you’re not necessarily saying out loud. Being able to put yourself second and others first can be difficult, but checking in on how people are feeling in the moment goes a long way.
Where was the best ice cream you’ve had so far? It was Des Moines, Iowa at Snookie’s Malt Shop. They had my favorite ice cream topping, called Crunch Cone, that I used to get as a kid at the local ice cream place near my home, which had since been discontinued, so it was great to be able to find it there.
How have you improved in handling the bike during the ride? I think lot better than when I started, I got a lot better at riding with one hand, when I was training I was so nervous about clipping in, but now it comes naturally to me.
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? It was the 104 mile day when we biked into McCook, Nebraska. That morning, the scenery changed from cornfields to actually looking like we were heading west, and that day was just really fun and just starting to see that change in scenery made me very excited.
In ten words or less, how will you remember this ride when we complete it? Bike, PB&J, cheese and bread, fun, emotional, and rewarding.
Please visit the rider profiles page on the website to learn more about this year’s riders! :)
From the top of Inferno Cone’s climb.
