Yellowstone

[Kano]

I'm a little confused by the regional stuff -- not sure if this could have/should have been in Rocky Mountains, Northwest, or where -- that Little Red Ride didn't seem like it was located in the "Southwest" to me, but...

http://www.cycleyellowstone.com/falltour.html

Last fall, Shiraz mentioned this tour, and it's probably time to start thinking about it, to reserve the dates on my calenndar, and other training.

(like practice riding in yukky weather)

Oh, and accumulating yukky weather wear!

So...

More info from those of you who have ridden: do I need to up my hill practice? What kind of yukky weather clothing do I need to start accumulating? What else do I need to start doing/learning?

Tater? Shiraz? Flybye? Anyone else???

Karen in Boise

[sbctwin]

I have done this ride the last two years. In 2005, it was cold and snowy (mid 30's) for the ride from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful. I was able to get some hand and feet warmers in my shoes and gloves and the weather cleared up for a few hours. I made it back to West Yellowstone, somewhat dry. In 2006, it was a tad warmer, but it rained. And it rained. My twin sis 'sagged' for me because she wasn't into fishing in the cold and rain and I was able to change into dry clothes at Madison junction on the way to Old Faithful. Once at Old Faithful, I changed clothes again and debated whether to ride the return trip. I made it back to Madison before quitting. At that point, I had no more dry clothes and I couldn't feel my feet. I still 'enjoyed' the ride. I will be, more than likely, riding it again this year. This year, hopefully the weather will be dry. If you plan to ride, make sure you bring those chemical shoe and glove warmers. Also, rain gear. They have a shuttle such that you can shuttle to Old Faithful and ride back, or ride to Old Faithful and shuttle back. There is a good hill coming out of Madison Junction to Old Faithful, but all in all, the hills aren't that bad.

[Tater]

I also did this ride in '05 with a friend and enjoyed it, despite being rained on the last fifteen miles back to West Yellowstone. Firehole Hill, the one out of Morris Junction is a pretty good one. What the bummer is, is there are usually elk in the meadow on the left side of the road, a perfect place for pics! Stopping though, means one loses momentum to grind up the hill! Another thing to think about is that the ride starts at an elevation of 6200 feet. I don't think the elevation should be a problem though, at least it didn't bother us. I am signing up for this ride again, as the scenery is hard to beat and the park is pretty well empty by that time of year making cycling a joy.

[Kano]

Okay, Tater, the ride STARTS at 6200' -- but how big are the "speedbumps"???

SBC, from what you say, it sounds like I should start accumulating more tights, rain gear, etc. between now and then!

Karen in Boise

[Shiraz]

Hi Everyone,
Kano you would be fine!! There are a few climbs but you can do them. I rode Yellowstone my first year riding and I was a real beginner. You have a few years under your belt and it sounds like you are getting stronger everyday.

Last year I was not prepared for the continuous rain and I was cold and wet. All I could think about was getting back to the condo and getting into a hot bath. I had a great time with friends but I was soooo cold.

The one thing I think they should change is that you pay for your entry fee and then you pay again $12 or something like that to get into the park. I did not stay and eat the dinner, but I heard that they gave away cool stuff and the meal was good.

Come to Pocatello in Sept to ride the Tour De vin. It really is a pretty ride.

[Kano]

Hi Everyone,
Kano you would be fine!! There are a few climbs but you can do them. I rode Yellowstone my first year riding and I was a real beginner. You have a few years under your belt and it sounds like you are getting stronger everyday. .

This is my second season -- and it's the first year I can get up any hills at all. I'm working on that -- so far, it's gear down, head down, heels down, and just go. No looking any farther ahead than I have to for safety, just pedal!

It ain't pretty, but it's working so far!

Come to Pocatello in Sept to ride the Tour De vin. It really is a pretty ride.

I wanna! Just read the other thread, and I've got it on my calendar, marked high priority, and I can hardly wait for the details! (might have to splurge on that grape jersey from Primal Wear!)

Karen in Boise

[BikeDutchess]

I did this ride twice (the last time in '01 I think), one-way to Old Faithful and then shuttling back, and I really lucked out with the weather both times -- quite cold but sunny & dry. It is an absolutely beautiful ride under those circumstances!

So pray to the weather gods! Some sections can get a little scary with the traffic because the roads get quite narrow. Don't let the hill scare you, it's very doable. My parents (in their 60's) did it in '01 and they lived at sea level!