So Rich and I were riding north from Grand Teton National Park toward Yellowstone. At the top of a several-mile-long grade we cam upon a construction zone with a long line of cars and RVs waiting to be escorted down the hill. Feeling somewhat smug, we made our way to the front of the line, passing about 50 lined-up vehicles.
When we got to the front, the man who was controlling the traffic told us that we would have to be driven through the one-way traffic area. He directed us to the pilot vehicle, which was just beginning to load up the two Dutch tourists we had seen the day before -- and there was only room for their two bikes! We were told we would have to wait for the next round, which would be "about 20 minutes ." About then the traffic was getting ready to move, and the pilot vehicle moved into position, followed by the first several vehicles in line. About the fifth vehicle was a full-sized open-bed pickup truck, with a man and woman in the cab. Rich stuck out out his thumb. Sure enough, the cowboy-hatted drive nodded, and we quickly loaded our bikes and ourselves into the bed of his truck and he drove us the several miles down the hill. When we were back to two-way traffic, the rancher stopped and we got out, with profuse thanks, to continue on our way.
The day had started with a wonderful ride through Grand Teton National Park. The morning light was bathing the peaks, glistening off the snow and highlighting every rocky crag. Various layers and streaks of low clouds moved across the face of the range, alternately framing and obscuring the stunning peaks and precipices. We made full use of the new bike trail, and we saw a few elk along the way, always across the fields, just at the tree line.
After the construction zone Rich and I stopped to eat our lunch at a picnic table at a gas station and store, where we were soon found by the Dutch couple, and then by another man who was riding from Oregon to Virginia. The conversations were fun. The Dutch couple were in the first few weeks of a five-month tour, on their first visit to the States.
Soon thereafter we entered Yellowstone and started a substantial climb. In the latter stages of of the climb we paralleled the Lewis River, with its raging cataracts, first deep in its canyon, then right next to the road. The sky was getting darker, then the thunder started to roll, and soon the rain was spattering lightly. While we stopped to put on our rain gear, the rain intensified, soon turning to hail. We hightailed it across the road to what shelter we could find at the face of a low cliff. The hail grew larger and was stinging, when Kathy, Cindy, and Janet showed up in the motor home, checking on our welfare.
About that time the hail let up, and we biked the last few miles to the Lewis Lake campground where the motor home was waiting, warm and dry. Chuck was several miles behind us, but also made it OK. We're in Yellowstone for the next two days! It's rained on us for at least four of the last five days, two days with hail! And most of the riding has been magnificent.
Whenever it's rainy and windy
I've no use for Susan and Mindy.
When we're cold and we're wet
It's a safe and sure bet
That along will come Kathy and Cindy!
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