† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $50 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.
OVERVIEW
Scenic Byways of Eastern Idaho – Waterfalls, Yellowstone, Tetons and the Snake River. The eastern border region of Idaho includes both Mesa Falls Scenic Byway and the Teton Scenic Byway. In addition we will ride the western side of Yellowstone and view the Teton Mountain range. Going west from Yellowstone we will go by Hebgen Lake and Henry’s Lake, both known for their dramatic scenery as well as top notch fishing. The Snake River originates in Yellowstone and flows first south and then west. We will meet and follow parts of the Snake River and see numerous gorgeous waterfalls along the way.
We start and end our tour at Idaho Falls. We will spend 3 nights at West Yellowstone to allow one to enjoy a day within Yellowstone Park cycling to either Madison Junction or Old Faithful, and one day to do “the block” ride around the lakes or the ride around Henry Lake. We then head south on Hwy 20 through the western side of Targhee National Forest past Island Park to get to our turnoff at the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. Even though this day is a bit long, it is mostly downhill, which should give ample time to spend at Upper and Lower Mesa Falls.
From Ashton, we cycle among agricultural fields along the Teton Scenic Byway which will provide beautiful views of the Grand Tetons from the western side. We end that day at the beautiful Teton Springs Resort where we can enjoy the ambience of the resort and spa.
We have 2 nights at the resort to allow a day to choose an option of cycling up to Targhee Ski Resort or a shorter, flatter route in the lowlands, or just hanging out at the resort.
We continue on to Swan Valley where we will have a group of cabins to ourselves. We cross the Snake River and take a detour to see Fall Creek Falls before returning to our cabins.
Our last cycling day takes us down Swan Valley and into Idaho Falls, where we can relax by the edge of the Snake River while enjoying our farewell dinner.
RIDE RATING
This ride is rated as a 2B!. The exceptions are West Yellowstone to Ashton at 62 miles, but which is mostly downhill, and the following day which is 53 miles to Victor. At the hotels where we spend more than one night, and where longer rides are available, the rides on the days we are there are considered optional. The roads are quite good. However, rural roads can be windy with no shoulder but traffic should not be an issue. Hwy 20 coming out of West Yellowstone and Hwy 26 going into Idaho Falls can be a bit busy, but both have good shoulders along most of the road. Hwy 20 out of West Yellowstone also has a rumble strip in the middle of the shoulder. A very small section of the optional ride around Henry's Lake is not paved, but short and doable.
Day 1: Arrive at Idaho Falls. Evening get together to discuss ride and have introductions.
Day 2: Shuttle to West Yellowstone. Easy day checking out the gateway to Yellowstone. There is also an option to do the shorter Madison Junction ride into the park and then cycle Old Faithful.
Day 3: We ride into Yellowstone to either the Madison Junction (28.5 miles, 625’) or Old Faithful (62 miles, 1766’ - optional). All riders are required to have a National Park pass for this day.
Day 4: One optional ride is called “the block” (62.2 miles, 2484’ - optional). This is a ride on the north side of Hebgen Lake and Earthquake Lake. Check out the visitor’s center at Earthquake Lake to hear about how this lake was formed. Then continue on to the north side of Henry’s Lake and back to West Yellowstone. The second ride is the Henry’s Lake Loop Ride (48.8 miles, 1886’ – optional) which is one of Idaho’s great high mountain lakes and is a fisherman’s paradise.
Day 5: (62 miles, 1267’) We cycle along the Mesa Scenic Byway to Ashton, ID. Along the way we pass the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. Be sure to stop at both.
Day 6: (51.6 miles, 2211’) Today we ride along the Teton Scenic Byway from Ashton to Victor where we will have 2 nights at a spectacular lodge. The views this time of year of the harvesting fields at the base of the Tetons are gorgeous. There is a bike path from Driggs to Victor. There are some good places to get lunch while in Driggs.
Day 7: Cycle the Victor – Driggs Loop (30.4 miles, 600’ - optional) into the fields west of the towns or cycle up to Targhee Ski Resort (47 miles, 2359’ - optional) getting closer and closer views of the Grand Tetons.
Day 8: (32 miles, total 900’) Today we go up and over Pine Creek Pass to Swan Valley. You have the option to cycle on to Fall Creek Falls, a spectacular waterfall into the Snake River. The ride is only 21 miles if you decide to go only as far as the lodge.
Day 9: (45.3 m, 1359’) Our last cycling day as we make our way back to Idaho Falls in the Swan Valley along the Snake River.
Day 10: Our final breakfast before saying our goodbyes and heading home.
WEATHER
The elevation in West Yellowstone is 6,667’ so evenings will start to get cooler. The average temperatures this time of year in West Yellowstone are 68 degrees high and 31 degrees low. The average temperatures this time of year in Idaho Falls are 74 degrees high and 41 degrees low. Fall weather in the mountains can range from quite warm and sunny to rainy and cold. Be prepared to layer and bring raingear.
LODGING AND MEALS
We will be staying at the Hilton Garden Inn in Idaho Falls for our first and last nights. We will be staying at the Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone for 3 nights, and Teton Springs Resort in Victor for 2 nights. All are very nice hotels with lots of amenities. In the more rural areas, the motels or cabins are more modest. We will have a catered dinner in Swan Valley as there is a limited selection of restaurants. On many days, restaurants are not readily available for lunch so we will have food for you to make lunches at the breakfast areas before you take off on your ride. Be sure you can carry food, water and clothing on your bicycle.
LOGISTICS
The main airport to this area is in Idaho Falls and thus is the start and final location of our tour. We will store the bike boxes in Idaho Falls. Unfortunately, there is no bicycle rental in Idaho Falls.
For those riding to Old Faithful or Madison on Day 2 or 3, you will need a National Park day pass which you can purchase as you start the park ride. For those of you with Senior passes, don’t forget to bring them with you.
COSTS AND ADMINISTRATION
The tour includes 9 nights lodging, luggage van, 3 group dinners, all breakfasts, 9 BAC happy hours, cue sheets, route maps, GPS files, and lunches on days where restaurants are not available.
SINGLES AND SOLOS POLICY
We welcome single participants, whether you share a room with another single or you choose to pay a solo supplement. If you wish to share a room with another single, please notify the Ride Leader of your intended roommate. If you do not have a roommate in mind, the Ride Leader will assist you by providing names of other singles looking for roommates. If you wish to have a room to yourself, the solo supplement will be $1050. If you are unable to find a roommate by January 1, you will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the $50 non-refundable BAC fee) or pay the single supplement and stay on the ride.
CANCELLATON POLICY
The BAC ride registration fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY
Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.
As customary on BAC bike tours, you should be prepared to make any necessary bicycle repairs while underway.
SIGN-UP
To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description. When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List. At this time you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee online. Once those steps have been completed, the initial deposit of $950 will be due. Final payment of $1000 will be due no later than March 1, 2017. To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org