Rained out in Pinedale, WY

After yesterday's long ride, my goal today was Rock Springs, WY. We woke early this morning, ready to ride. Looked out the window to total overcast skies. Grabbed the continental freebie, did the final nature breaks, suited up and it started drizzling. It turned into a steady light rain as we departed W Yellowstone, MT. We were capped out at about 45 - 50 MPH because of the road surface. Departure temperature was 53. We would ride to Ashton, ID (60 miles away) where I would part company with my ride partner of the past few days. Road conditions improved a little and we were able to get the speed closer to 60.

We pulled into a gas station in Ashton to fill the tanks and drain the willies. Had our hugs and said our good-byes and off we went. I headed east and south toward Jackson, WY. I was about 10 miles out of Ashton when the rain returned. The further I drove, the more intense it became. Rolling over Teton Pass got real interesting with heavy fog, fairly hard and steady rain, and declining temps from the elevation gain. The decent off the pass is 10% grade for about 9 miles and the pavement was shiny - not a good sign. God's grace grabbed a hold on my bike and got me down the mountain safely.

The road surface improved somewhat in Jackson and the rain slowed, but the north winds kicked up. I was able to get my speed back up and headed for Pinedale for gas. I kept looking at the clouds ahead hoping to see them getting lighter, but the opposite was occurring. It was very dark ahead and looked like a wall of water was awaiting my arrival. The temp was declining and I was needing a stop to add the last layer I had to my upper body. My grip heaters were on high and doing their job, but I was having serious doubts about how much longer my feet were going to hold up to the cold: why, oh why, did I not buy those electric socks last Winter???

About 15 miles north of Pinedale, the sky really opened to heavy rain and a lot of wind. Visibility was becoming a real challenge and the temp continued to drop. I finally rolled into Pinedale looking for gas. I rolled the length of town to check it out and water was flowing several inches deep across the main drag. One of the local Wyoming red necks thought it would be cute to see how fast he could drive his friggin truck right along side of me spraying water over me, head to toe, for about half a mile (but I stayed dry!). But those two punks are creations of the same God I worship all day long, so I kept just let them pass without offering them the salute they deserved. Funny as I rolled through town at 1:30 in the afternoon, every hotel parking lot is loaded with motorcycles! I found a nice room, was given an incredible "rain out rate" and have things warming and drying now. My gear held up perfectly! After getting settled, I checked the weather radar and agree with my decision to stop for the day! 5 hours in cold, windy rain are now on my list of "been there, done that."

Since I have some time this afternoon, I will try to work on my photos in Glacier and get some uploads later today. I will post a link here, if I have success. The 'net connection here is a little questionable. Weather forecast for the next couple of days along my route looks good. Let's hope it stays that way!