Ride Director: Kathryn Engle
Ride Driver: Cathy Cloutier
Report by: Wil Gorrie
20 BAC riders made the trek to Idaho Falls 08 September to check into our Driftwood Best Western hotel for the night. That night, they enjoyed a fun Social Hour meeting new friends and reacquainting with BAC riders from the past, enjoying hors de oeuvres, and eating some great pizza brought in by our leader, Kathryn and Co-leader Cathy. A memorable 9 days of riding to see beautiful countryside, gorgeous waterfalls, geysers and wildlife was about to begin.
Saturday morning, riders awoke early, put on their bike gear, loaded bikes on the van, made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and boarded a bus for the 73-mile ride to West Yellowstone. Arriving by 1100, we stored our luggage and started on our first day of riding the beautiful 50-mile bike ride around Henry Lake (outside Yellowstone). That evening we enjoyed our social hour in the Holiday Inn conference room, given the many ride options for Yellowstone National Park, and were treated to dinner at the Holiday Inn Restaurant.
Sunday and Monday riders chose to take the 62-mile ride to Old Faithful, or the north Yellowstone 58-mile ride. Most riders chose Old Faithful the first day and were rewarded with a ride along a gorgeous river with fisherman fly fishing in the river, Elk, numerous bison (yes I was chased by a bison while on my bike), deer, falcons, etc. On the ride to Old Faithful we stopped to see geysers, Red Rock Pass with views of giant cliffs, a large rushing river with tremendous waterfalls, and even a place to swim if you like cold water. We then continued on another half hour to Old Faithful Geyser, and Lodge. Roads were congested, as we got closer to Old Faithful, with many cars pulling over to see wildlife and landscape. Riders were offered a choice to come in the main entrance or take Daisy Trail in the back way, which allowed us to avoid heavy traffic. Since bikes weren’t allowed on the boardwalk, due to the hundreds of people staking seats to watch Old Faithful Blow, we parked our bikes and only had to wait 25 minutes to see the tremendous show put on by Old Faithful. We then reversed the route we came in on and headed back to the Holiday Inn. That night we were on our own. Note: Many riders enjoyed eating breakfast at Running Bear Restaurant (two blocks from the hotel), with many choices on the menu. The buckwheat pancakes, omelet’s, trout, and eggs were popular.
The North Yellowstone 58 mile ride was also very popular. We headed north through rolling hills, large colorful meadows with lots of wild life and numerous stops. We first stopped at Beryl Springs to take numerous pictures due to the springs blue-green colors, and then continued north up the road to view Gibson Falls. The river was majestic, falls beautiful and it had a ½ mile path to walk along and view the river. Next stop, we took time to walk and view “ Inspiration in a PaintPot”, which was spread out for acres with so many colors. You’ll be climbing some hills if you take the trek, but well worth it. Finally, the last stop was Geyser Basin. On the ride north we had an ambulance ride by us with siren waling. When we arrived, we were told that someone had wandered of the marked path and he was severely in burned/injured. Note: there are signs all over Yellowstone warning visitors to stay on the marked path. Monday night we were updated on our next day’s ride, which was from West Yellowstone to the small town of Ashton, Idaho.
Tuesday morning we were all up early to eat breakfast at our place of choice and ready to head out on our 60-mile plus bike ride. Due to heavy traffic on Idaho 20, and new road rumbles, causing small riding width, our ride leader, Kathryn, made the decision to take riders past Highway 20 to the first turn 19 miles away to ensure safety. Despite the change, we still rode 35 miles on a good road with trees lining the sides (plus another 12 miles optional) that day and visited Targhee National Forest, which features the must see Mesa Falls. Part of the greater Yellowstone Eco System, the area is rich in wild life and has been called the Serengetti of America. The Big Falls and Little Falls of Mesa Falls were spectacular. Big Mesa Falls had viewing platforms in strategic locations for viewing and good picture taking. Our photos all had a beautiful colored rainbow. I also recommend taking a video of the Big Mesa Falls. It sports a hotel built in 1915, which is now a Museum and National Park office. It’s the only place to refill your water bottle for $1.00 on your way to Ashton. That night we stayed in the Eagle Peak Lodge and had our happy hour in the hotel’s lobby. We had 3 restaurants available in town to eat at. Riders enjoyed the Mexican Restaurant, and truck stop next to the hotel.
Wednesday morning we hopped our on bikes and headed to Victor via the town of Driggs. The ride was only 44 miles, but with 13 MPH headwinds the entire way, it made for a tough ride. Our ride that day was through rolling hills and wheat fields with bails of hay. Riders either ate in Driggs or stopped on the Main Street in Victor to have lunch, before heading for a 2-night stay at the beautiful Teton Springs Lodge and Spa. We had our Social Hour outside under a big tent with a beautiful view of the golf course and mountainside. Riders either ate at Teton Springs Lodge Restaurant or in downtown Victor. We were given the choice of rides the next day, with the choice of a flat 30-mile rectangular course, or head up the mountain for a beautiful 48-mile ride.
Thursday at the Lodge: Those that opted for the flat route were fine with only slight headwinds. Those rugged riders that took the 48-mile hill ride were hit by a hailstorm and were picked up by van by our Asst. Rider Leader. One couple waited it out in the Lodge at the top and later road back down the mountain to the Teton Springs Lodge. Many of us, including myself, decided to take the day off and get a massage, swim in the pool, relax in the Jacuzzi, workout or read a book and get caught up on sleep. Note: The Teton Springs Lodge and Spa was a welcome surprise. The Spa offered outstanding massages to take care of those sore muscles. Breakfast at the hotel coffee shop was excellent, with a buffet, and the hotel restaurant was reasonably priced and offered an excellent choice of food items.
Friday morning we all took the short 24- mile ride to Sleepy J in Swan Valley. We arrived early afternoon to cute cabins waiting for us with our own separate bedroom. We were then treated to a ride, by our ride leader Kathryn and Cathy to cross over the Snake River and take in beautiful Fall Creek Falls. This was quite spectacular with a river running through the brush and flowing over the cliff. The Snake River also meandered, down steam at a slow pace with many fishermen in boats trolling for fish. We returned to our cabins, and a while later had our final social hour, and were treated to a delicious catered dinner provided by an Italian Chef. Our final ride would be the next morning back to Idaho Falls for a night’s stay at Drift Wood Best Western.
Saturday Morning we all headed out over the mountain and down the hill for a 25-mile bike ride to Idaho Falls. We were all dressed in 3-4 layers of clothing and rain gear, due to temperatures being in the high 30’s degree, and chance of rain and light snow. It was a cold ride (with slight rain and snow), but we all survived and arrived back safe and well early afternoon. There was a Street Fair running along the Snake River across from Best Western and we had some delicious tamale’s.
Don’t forget get to see the Idaho Falls, which was across the street from the hotel. That night the farewell dinner was excellent, and we all returned to our rooms for early departure the next morning. Our 20 riders braved traffic, heavy head winds and cold weather. It was a very interesting, and friendly group of riders. Couldn’t have asked for a better ride. Thanks to Kathryn and Cathy! We couldn’t have asked for more.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org