Day 47, the descent

I didn't mention this yesterday, but I went to bed with half a liter of water on my bike. I had to forgo my teeth brushing routine to ensure that I could hydrate for the morning ride to the next town.

Not that I was in any danger, but I am always thinking about where to get water and how much I have at any given time. Just a few days ago, I sent home two of my metal, insulated water bottles that only held 20 ounces each. They were heavy and attached to the back of my rear panniers. Originally, they acted as my primary bottles, but I replaced them in Flagstaff with 26 ounce plastic bottles (easier to drink out of while riding).

My total water capacity is 4.5 liters, which I think is adequate for a cycle tour in the United States.

I was surrounded by snow, I could just heat some up if necessary...

Regardless, while taking the picture of the Mount McKinnon elevation (just below), I ran into Frank, who generously gave me a bottle of water. Just to be safe.

Frank is an Utah DWR ornithologist, surveying anything that sings and flies. His words.

The ride into Woodruff was all downhill. Over the course of 20 miles, I descended 2500 feet.

And there wasn't a car on the road. So far, I have the perfect route through Utah.

After getting into town, I was in farm country. And road construction.

I sat there for about ten minutes, waiting for the pace car to lead us through the one lane stretch of loose gravel. As the line of cars sat there, I turned around and noticed two young folks running up to me.

Hey, want some food?

I responded definitely and they handed me a Clif bar and banana. Fellow cyclists, the two were heading to Missoula for a bike race. Once again, people are overwhelmingly generous and nice.

The Clif bar was a flavor I've never had before, Chocolate Hazelnut Butter filled. Ridiculously tasty.

Thank you.

Just after clearing the road construction, I stopped in a small town library to blog and check email. The library was combined with a senior center, and they offered me a bunch of brownies. Topped with marshmallows, they were incredibly delicious and I wolfed all of them down.

Blogging and route planning complete, my afternoon goal was to get to the south side of Bear Lake, recommended as a great spot for camping by one of my followers, Phil. Just a couple hour trek through more farmland.

Not just another barn on the side of the road, but a "be happy" barn.

The ride was easy, just like this morning. Little climbs followed by massive downhill sections.

No justice here, this is an 8% grade.

I setup camp very close to the beach. The mosquitoes were awful, but that is what long sleeves and bug repellent is for.

And I took a shower. Glorious, glorious hot water.

Joe