Biking

This is a paradise for cyclists. The bike trail comes within 1000 feet of our motor home. Last Sunday afternoon we biked south to Hailey. The trip is approximately 10 miles, one-way. On the way down, I thought I felt a cross-wind coming from the southwest, almost a head-wind. Since there is an elevation decrease of 600 feet or so, I thought, Wow! I am going to get help going back home. I was sure the gusts were blowing right in my face, and was really looking forward to riding back, pretty much with the wind at my back. Wrong! When we turned around, the wind was even stronger, and definitely in my face. I made it back without a single stop, but felt justified in having a big, fat dessert Sunday night!

The ride takes you through rolling farmland, past many beautiful horse ranches, with a backdrop of soft hills and rugged peaks. Everything looks so golden this time of year. 

The trail south to Hailey

Yesterday, we headed north to Ketchum/Sun Valley. Dick challenged me to do the Elkhorn loop. This is the first year I would even attempt it because it is long and hard. The trail goes up a hill (mountain) that is more than a mile long at a 5-6% grade. Thankfully, the wind wasn't blowing! Dick was right behind me, coaching me on what gears to use. I don't know how I got to the top, but I did! Flying down the other side was fun. The trail goes past Dollar Mountain ski slope and lodge and loops around to the road where we viewed the parade, then into downtown Ketchum. I really dislike riding in traffic, but drivers in Ketchum seem to grant cyclists the right of way. We stopped at our favorite sandwich shop, Perry's, for the usual egg salad (Dick) and veggie (JoAnne) sandwiches. We love to go there, sit outside, eat our sandwiches, and watch the world go by!

After lunch, we finished the loop, going along and under the highway in two different tunnels, winding over and back from the Wood River on old railroad bridges. What a ride!