USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember

Day 14, 17 August: Mountain Home to Fairfield, ID

It was definitely not as hot today. Around 75 for the start and just hitting 90 as we finished. It felt tougher than expected after yesterday, however. We had two big climbs up front with only modest descents as a reward, then a long ride on US-20 with very little shoulder between the rumble strip and the weeds/gravel. It required a lot of concentration to try to maintain ±6 inches laterally for many miles in a row. Very tiring, but a serious safety precaution here. 

There were a number of viewpoints and historical markers on the route, which largely follows the Oregon Trail – if we were able to get off and take the time to look.

At one of my unscheduled stops, I found dozens of large black “Mormon crickets”, so named for having destroyed the crops of Mormon settlers in the 19th century and technically something called a shield-backed katydid. They’re native to the region but are multiplying in numbers that have caused them to be treated as an invasive species. They all scampered for the weeds before I could get a picture. More on the road, dead and alive. All the ones I saw were black, but they range to brown, purple, red, or green.

We held quarters early at 3:15 to allow us to get dinner at a highly recommended place for Alaskan fish & chips that opened at 4.

At quarters we reviewed the challenges of the day; more of the same but a much shorter and cooler day tomorrow at 45 miles starting around 60 degrees. We all agreed to stay on US-20 to save time – alternative routes would have added 15-20 miles, much of it unpaved.  Doug stressed the importance of staying on the shoulder as much as humanly possible.

We honored Matt and Danny at quarters; Dave rides tomorrow for Rod Shockley.

Ultimately, every restaurant in town was closed except the Wrangler Drive-In, which was more than adequate. Good food, Jarritos Mexican soda and soft-serve ice cream. On to Carey tomorrow.

Bill Montgomery