Day 16
Destination: Idaho Falls
Today’s mileage: 87 miles. Total: 921

My ride through the desert was lonely, long and hot.
Yesterday’s difficulties reside in my rear-view mirror. Yeah, I’m sore. Yeah, I ache in all sorts of places. Yeah, I’m tired. But I persevered today. It was necessary.
I had to ride from Craters of the Moon national historic site to Idaho Falls. I got started early. I nourished myself. I got a little lucky with some mid-afternoon cloud cover. And I wore two pairs of bike shorts. Yup, that helped. I mean, it didn’t help completely, but it helped enough.
I crossed plains. I crossed high desert. I was constantly confused by wind patterns. First, the wind was from my left flank. Then a good tailwind. Then it was in my face. Then it was from my right. What’s that all about? I didn’t know. I do know that when it was in my face, it was tough, but it wasn’t crushing my soul like yesterday. And when it was at my back, I soared.
We’ve set up camp tonight in a campground in Idaho Falls with no electricity and a thin wireless signal. Our cell phones work, but we don’t want to use up all of our juice. So I’ll finish things here. Tomorrow, we’ll head to Swan Valley or someplace east of that — on our way to the Wyoming border. Soon, we’ll have completed two states. There’s a big climb ahead in two days, after Jackson, Wyoming, when I climb over the Tetons. But we’ll leave that for another day. Today, well, today was a resounding success — mostly because I completed the task I assigned myself. That’s enough. Tomorrow is another day.

I wasn’t sure how the day would go when we started at Craters of the Moon. But I survived. That was the key.
Keep checking in on our website, 55andalive.com, for Melody’s updates and extra photos and videos. A video representation of my awful yesterday will be among the new features.
Way to go!!!!!! I’ve been leaving a message on the blog site but not sure they post. I love hearing about your adventure. You are awesome! Sal
Sent from my iPhone
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By: conbfine@comcast.net on June 28, 2016
at 8:14 pm
I’ve been getting them, Sally. Thank you!!
By: Mark Wollemann: On the move on June 28, 2016
at 8:36 pm
So happy to finally be able to follow your journey. Of course I worry, esp. When I find you riding on the interstate. Safe riding.
By: Mom on June 28, 2016
at 8:44 pm
Oh, Mom. Don’t worry. Those trucks give me lots of room. Sometimes as much as 18 inches.
By: Mark Wollemann: On the move on June 28, 2016
at 8:46 pm
That wouldn’t work for me!
By: Gary on June 29, 2016
at 7:56 pm
Your friends at Cafe Latte are waiting for you!
By: Rick on June 29, 2016
at 1:30 pm
Bravo, Mark!
By: Kyle Renell on June 29, 2016
at 5:41 pm
Awesome trek, Wally! My bike excursions don’t get much more grueling than this Saturday’s taproom-to-taproom jaunt, from Fulton to Surly — only 6-7 miles, with beverages at each end. 🙂
By: Brian Wicker on July 6, 2016
at 4:50 pm