Riding into Bliss
Today, I rode from Twin Falls to Bliss, Idaho. Compared to yesterday, today’s ride had less wind, but more hills. It all evens out in that way.
One of my rules from yesterday’s post was about considering the Interstate as a possible route. Well, I did and decided against it today because I’m feeling stronger now after the two exhausting rides on day two and three (the stretch from Brigham City, Utah to Burley, Idaho). The Interstate would have been the most direct route (about 37 miles), but there was a state highway running roughly parallel to the interstate. It looked interesting and it was designated a scenic route, so I took that instead. It was busy with local and farming traffic, but it had a wide shoulder. It would have been about 45 miles to Bliss except I took a couple of voluntary “detours” onto rural roads west of Twin Falls. They were so nice to ride on! Very quiet and I would ride ten or fifteen minutes without passing a car. Here are some photos from one of my detours west of Filer, Idaho.
These country roads were so enjoyable, but I still stand by my rule about considering the Interstate as a possible route. Maybe it should be amended to say the Interstate should be considered as a route of last resort.
There are some downsides to taking these rural roads though. First, it definitely makes for a longer ride and more hills. I think today’s detours added about four miles. Second, it can sometimes backfire. For example, today I was on highway 30 after just having crossed the Malad River north of Hagerman. Ahead on highway 30, I saw a very long and fairly steep (about 5% grade) climb on a shoulderless and recently chipsealed road. The alternative was something called the River Road which, according to my GPS, eventually returned me to highway 30. So, I took the River Road. It was fabulous! Tree-lined and little-used. Then my GPS instructed me to take a right turn onto a Barlogi Lane which would connect to highway 30 about three tenths of a mile later. The first sign of trouble was when Barlogi Lane turned out to be gravel. I passed a couple of houses and the road took a definite turn upward. By the time I gave up pedaling and dismounted to walk, Barlogi Lane was more like a memory or a suggestion of a road. I could hear and see the traffic on highway 30 in the distance, so I continued. When Barlogi Lane leveled out, I was about 40 feet and exactly one fence from highway 30. As I contemplated whether my spindly bicyclist arms could lift my bike and panniers over the fence, I realized the gate portion of the fence actually opened so I was able to walk through. A close call for my spindly bicyclist arms!
The chipseal on highway 30 turned out to be tolerable, but it was still very hot. After I reached the top, it was all downhill again into Bliss where I’m staying tonight.
Just wondering what tires you are using for your adventure. My 2006 Cannondale came with Schwable 700×35 “marathon plus” (or some similar designation) and I have never even thought for a minute about changing to skinnier tires. I found that the nominal 85psi pressure resulted in a tire that rolled just fine and still provided the extra floatation for loose gravel and provided a bit of dampening of bumps potholes. I too traveled with 45 or so pounds of stuff and would not tour with narrower tires. If you get a chance check out the Schwable tire website where they delve into the tire width/rolling subject very well. I had 2 flats on my ‘06 cross country sojourn.
Are you going to be taking the ferry to Alaska from Bellingham or striking out by road?
I have forwarded your blog to a friend whom has developed diabetes at 60+ and needs some encouragement. Tomorrow I will participate in a local 15.5 mile race held as part of the Brockway, PA 4th of July celebration. My weight is about 204, When we crossed paths in Bentonville in ‘06 I was at about 235 (ouch).
Stay well.
Joe
Hi Joe,
I was planning to ride on something like a 700×32, but at the recommendation of my local bike shop, I went with a Continental Touring Plus 700×37. It’s rated for 70psi, but I started out with them at 80psi. I haven’t topped them off since leaving Salt Lake CIty so I’m sure they’re more like 70 now. Since I started riding on these tires and this bike back in March, I have yet to have a flat, so I’m very happy with them so far. They weigh in at about 800g each so it’s no surprise they’re resistant to punctures.
As far as my route goes, I’m headed first to Portland to visit some friends, then I’m going up the coast to Bellingham. I’ll catch the ferry there to go to Juneau. I’m making a trip to Sitka to visit a friend and then I’ll be on my way back home.