Sept. 12th: Driggs - Jackson 54km 735m

10% grade - Teton Pass

World record downhill with luggage

The fine weather continued (and is forecast to do so until Fri) and it was so pleasant and warm we stopped in Victor, after only 13km and sat in the sun outside a café drinking coffee. We would have stayed longer but there was Teton pass to climb. We set off climbing steadily and before long a sign warned (trucks) of a 10% gradient for the next few miles and that is exactly what we got. We were in a narrow valley forested on both sides but at the summit, 2568m, there was a clear view for miles across the Snake River valley with Jackson in the distance. When we rode in the rain last Thursday 10 inches of snow fell on this pass but fortunately there was very little left today and the road was clear and dry. Moreover, the road dropped 650m with a 10% gradient so a downhill speed record was on the cards and sure enough I clocked 90.5kph, a personal record. Now that was fun and I’d love to have another go without the luggage on the bike but we have other plans.