September 26, 2024
Sep 26 - The Grand Tetons
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“Truly spectacular” was the only way I could describe today’s ride when texting my daughters. I know I visited the Tetons as a kid, and I know we spent part of our honeymoon here 42 years ago, and I know my family came through here on a trip before, but I have never experienced the Tetons in the fashion I (we) did today.
We rode the Grand Loop today which takes you clockwise from Jackson up to Jenny Lake and then back to Jackson. The “western” side of the loop takes you through Wilson, up through Teton Village (Jackson Hole Ski Area) along a bikeway and then through one part of Grand Teton National Park. At that park entrance, the ranger made sure to warn us that the road was narrow, there would be traffic, and we could easily turn around. Needless to say, the road was perfect and fairly new, the cars had to drive slow due to the many curves, ups and downs, and the fact the road was only 1 1/2 lanes wide, and it was simply a joy.
At that point, you cross over to a dedicated bike path at Moose which then takes you north to Jenny Lake. This is the section where the Tetons shine to their full potential and one picture leads to another which leads to another after that.
The Jenny Lake area is a full-on tourist zone with lots and lots of people. Unfortunately the bikeway was “under construction” so we could’nt go further north. That is all well and good because the Tetons are now behind you and the views become more open sagebrush.
At that point we turned south to retrace our steps to Moose but then proceed down the “eastern” side of the loop along another dedicated bikeway as you head back towards Jackson. The main attraction is the National Elk Refuge which at this time of the year is just large, open areas.
Jackson is a mess with swarms of people but one can thread that needle without too much difficulty on the way back to Wilson along dedicated bikeways. We did get to watch a coyote our hunting in one of the fields as the cars whizzed by oblivious to what was going on right next to them.
I’ve saved what I feel is my best image for last … this was a loop that I’ve pondered and dreamed about for years and “Truly Spectacular” isn’t quite enough to describe today’s views and experience.
Today's ride: 50 miles (80 km)
Total: 8,097 miles (13,031 km)
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