Today we rode from an informal campground at the base of the climb to Union Pass, Wyoming, US to Pinedale, Wyoming, US. Sunny weather with clouds, thunderstorms/rain in the afternoon. Road conditions were hard steep climbing on rough gravel roads. Highlights of the day were the distant views after climbing the top before Union Pass.
Riding statistics: on Saturday August 20, 2022, the 20th day on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route route, it took 11:17h (09:05h moving time), between 07:17 and 18:34, to cover 137 km (85 miles), including 1273 m (4177 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 15 km/h (9 mph). During today's ride the average temperature was 21 °C (72 °F) with a minimum of 4 °C (38 °F) and a maximum of 33 °C (96 °F).
Totals: So far, it took 5 days, 20 hours, 7 minutes and 39 seconds of cycling time to cover 2033 km (1263 miles), including 24108 m (79098 ft) elevation gain, with an average speed of 14.8 km/h (9.2 mph).
Leaving our campground
As we have done more often, alarms set at 6am, so we can leave around 7am. It was a cold morning. There was even frost on the tent. We quickly packed all our gear, made the bikes ready, eat a bit and left. We wanted to get warm. First, fortunately the sun came over the mountain before we left. Second, there was a very steep climb not very far from where we started, Both helped in getting warm quickly. Another surprise, about 500m from where we stayed, was a real informal campground. The directions that we had were either not accurate, or the other campground has been recently created. It has a pit toilet and bear boxes. So, all-in-all not too much of a difference.
Union Pass
We had the idea that our campground was at the base of the climb to Union Pass. In a way it was, bit not exactly. First we had two short but very steep climbs. Only after about 5km the real climb of the day began. It had a length of 6+km and we needed to climb about 500m. It was hard, the roads where rough and we had to watch out. We were glad we already did a climb before we setup camp yesterday. We took our time so that we would not burn up the legs. We still had a very long day ahead. The climb was rewarded with one of the most beautiful views so far. A 270 degree view to all valleys, hills, and far mountains. Spectacular! After a 4km downhill (easy because of difficult roads) we were at Union Pass. From there we hoped to gradually go down and eventually get on pavement for an additional 50km ride to Pinedale. Unfortunately, it was not that easy. There was no downhill, and all day we had up & down on very tricky roads. This meant we were slow compared to earlier days. On top of the difficult roads, we also had to cope with ATVs (All Terrein Vehicycles). There were many today, seemed like an event or something. After a long ride on difficult gravel roads, the sun was not visible anymore. Lots of clouds came in, and formed thunderstorms left and right of us. And one of them got closer and closer. It took about two hours when it caught us. It was also the moment that our gravel road changed into a paved road. Fortunately, otherwise it would be even harder. When we got to the paved road, there was also a parking lot with many pickups. Most of them had closed or open trailers. It was for the ATVs. Boys and their toys. Well, often it were complete families. It showed again how popular it is. Wee seen drivers of all ages.
Pinedale
When we arrived at the paved road, we still had 40+km close to Pinedale. There we had to take another gravel road of about 10km. Just before Pinedale we finally saw a moose. Unfortunately it walked away and my camera was still in a bag because of the rain we had earlier. Finally we arrived in Pinedale. First we went to the hotel that Anna had booked. She would meet up with her significant other and their dog. I checked in at the Quality & Suites down the road. Put all my stuff on the floor so that the tent could dry from the frost this morning. I also let my sleeping pad and sleeping bag air out. Got myself a wrap at the next door Subway. Time for bed. Tomorrow we must buy food for several days. We’ll try to make it to Atlantic City, last settlement before the Great Basin.
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