Day 12 – “It hardly pays to put on your shorts …”

June 29, 2018

Day 12 – Twin Falls to Burley, ID – 38 miles 1,385 feet vertical

Yes, you read that right – 38 miles.  An unexpected gift.  Last night at Rap, ABB staffer Karen actually said that when she handed out the cue sheet for the short ride. “It hardly pays to put on your shorts.”  Dave from Michigan, who had a great day after his tire punctures yesterday, commented that at this rate it would take us six months to get across the country. 

Today was also the day for the official Across America North Scavenger Hunt, and we had formed teams of various sizes.  I was inducted with my hammer train colleagues on a team Tami dubbed the “Jäeger Taters”.  I was really flattered at how much they wanted me on the team.  

At the beginning of my journey, I decided I would collect hotel keys from every hotel along the way, including the extra days I spent in Portland and Astoria.  I thought this could be pretty cool and everybody likes to collect something notable.  Tami is taking a picture of the view from every one of her hotel rooms. Gina collects stamps from every National Park she visits.  And so on.  But somehow, people had been making fun of my choice.  “That’s really weird.” ”You’re a nerd.” “Won’t that get heavy?”

But at 9:00 this morning, when the scavenger hunt sheets were handed out, I suddenly had a lot of new best friends.  And there it was – Item 4.  Room key from the Marriott in Boise (four days ago).  “Hey, Jeff, good buddy, can I buy you a beer?”  “Here, let me help you with your bags.” “Say, Jeff, can I see that room key collection you were talking about? It sounds so cool.”  It seems I am blessed with many friends.  (Actually, that’s true even without the room key.)

With the same strong westerly wind from yesterday (“westerly” meaning “from the west”), we had a welcome push as we headed out.  Because it was such a short day, there was only one “load and go” at 9am, allowing for a very leisurely morning.  Two blocks from the start, we met Jon Dobbs, who had also just set out. He was all smiles as he called out, “Good morning, Mr. Blye. This is the earliest you’ve passed me yet!!”  (Jon’s been clocking the train going by him each day, usually at the 20-25 mile mark.  If nothing else, he has a grand sense of the absurd. )

The 38-mile day let us do some optional sight seeing to two sets of waterfalls: Shoshone Falls and Twin Falls.  (Oddly, Twin Falls is a single waterfall – don’t ask.) The two waterfalls were off the route, with each one adding about four miles to the day.  “Oh, what the hell,” we all agreed.  We descended a few hundred feet for each gorge, passing through stunning rock formations.  After a lot of oohs and aahs and a lot of pictures, we eventually got back on track.  

The paceline was fast today –  no sense in saving yourself –  so we steamed along at 25-26 mph, 30+ mph on the downhills, and with my Garmin flashing “error” much of the time.  We were smoking.

We staged a human pyramid for the team photo, with everyone on hands and knees. I was on the bottom.  Hmmm.  It actually felt really good and I won’t need a massage later.  Extra points are awarded for creativity.  Looking forward to a lot of fun and laughs at the Scavenger Hunt finals tonight.  Results may be posted later.  Or not.  (But do check out the photo from the Fab Five.)

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Tomorrow he giveth an 87-mile day.  Breakfast is at 5:30am.

Say goodnight, Gracie.

Check out the fun photos below and don’t forget to click on “Where’s Jeff” at jeffblye.com to see where we are.