We wake up early, pack up our site, and dress ready to ride. One stop at the bike shop to pamper our babies and we are off for a 40 mile ride to Crowheart, WY. We find the bike shop and barrel in, barely even hopping off our bikes as we loudly announce our arrival and knock over hanging merchandise and Cliff Bars in our wake. We reach the back of the shop where we meet Ed and Jeff and all but hug and embrace them as if long lost friends. There is a quick moment where we pause to realize that we have come in a little too strong, but Jeff and Ed welcome us with open arms and we set off in pairs to mount the bikes and begin the diagnosises. Jeff replaces Emily's 27 inch tube with a correct fitting 26 inch tube (she had been riding with a too large tube given to her by another biker(hi Anika!) back in Muddy Banks when she realized that the spare that she was carrying had the wrong size valve stem), adjusts her brakes, and calculates her bike computer. Ed and I consult about the kink in my chain and possible front tire leak, which there is, and he then goes on to find that the breaks need tightening, the front wheel is loose. one gear has been pushed over and the handlebars are mounted off center. The loose front wheel is haunting, but we all made an unspoken promise not to talk about it. Our "quick visit" turns into a 3 hour session and we are soon talking about our bike trip and taking a look at the rest of our route on a map. Ed gives us great advice on a different route to end our trip that will still allow us time in the Tetons but will cut out some less than ideal riding in Yellowstone which includes a steep inclined road with no shoulder and a ton of traffic. By this time the morning is obviously long gone and the anxious fear of headwinds starts to set in. The guys suggest that instead of doing 40 miles today to Crowheart and 43 miles the next day to our goal of Dubois, we stay the night in Lander and wake up early the next day to do the whole 83 miles in one shot. We are sceptic as our longest ride so far has been about 65 miles, but a few hours later we are back in the bike shop sharing thank you beers with the guys for their generous help with our bikes. Ed and Jeff tell us more about Lander and even show us two beautiful spots right outside of town- a protected trout pond that lies below expansive cliffs and a cascading river that has dug itself into a pool and natural cave.
We have been met with nothing but kindness from strangers along the route, but Ed and Jeff definitely deserve a special thank you for taking care of, not only our two wheeled babies, but for taking care of us and showing us the beauty of Lander Wyoming.
We have been met with nothing but kindness from strangers along the route, but Ed and Jeff definitely deserve a special thank you for taking care of, not only our two wheeled babies, but for taking care of us and showing us the beauty of Lander Wyoming.