Goin' Long

This post is for yesterday (Tuesday, September 19). Sorry for the delay; the internet at our AirBnB in Hankville was defunct and apparently Hanksville is not colored in on Verizon's map.

Today was a super long day, the longest of the trip. We did 130 miles, from Blanding to Hanksville. There is basically nothing in between except for a convenience store at Hite, and miles and miles of incredibly dramatic scenery.

Rolling west shortly after 7AM. This is one of the reasons we chose to go east to west.

The first phase of the route involved a series of short climbs and descents through the canyons south of Blanding. The weather was cool and clear, the road was empty, and the scenery was amazing. This would continue throughout the day.

A cool little slot

Looking back, you can see the slot we came through

Then it was on to the climb up to Salvation Knoll Summit, about 30 miles in and 2000 feet up, with a few 10% sections. Ouch. After that we had about 50 miles of gentle descent through White Canyon, aided by a nice tailwind. It was super easy and super spectacular. At times it felt like being in a car, just coasting along at 20+ mph.

The appropriately named Cheese Box Butte

Jacob's Chair

At mile 78 we reached the point where the Colorado River becomes Lake Powell, at Hite, in the Glen Canyon recreation area. There is a small convenience store and marina there where we had lunch and refilled our water. Unfortunately it involved a 3 mile detour: 1.5 miles down and then 1.5 miles back up on the way out. But we were happy it was there since it was our only opportunity to get water between Blanding and Hanksville. The desolation in this area is incredible.

Descending toward the bridge. 10% is scary steep

Down we go. The bridge is visible below.

Lake Powell, from the bridge

After crossing the bridge over the Colorado we had a bit of a southward stretch. At one point we rode through a little slot where the wind was blowing so hard that we could barely keep the bikes moving.

Soon we were climbing again out of the canyon. After an initial mile of 10% grade, it became more gentle and we were able to make good time. At mile 105, after climbing about for about 25 miles, we reached the top. It’s a good thing because by then we were both pretty tired.

At one point a car pulled alongside me, slowed, and started taking pictures. I started talking to them as I rolled along. It was some German tourists. They asked where we were going. "Hanksville," I said. "That's a long way," they said. Little did they know we had alreaady gone 110 miles.

After that it was about 20 miles of downhill to Hanksville. Hanksville is a tiny little place, but we have an AirBnB and our wives met up with us laden with groceries and beer. They had spent the day touring Moab and Natural Bridges. They cooked us a delicious meal, complete with ice cream for dessert. What a great way to recover!

Hanksville. This is about half the town.

The totals for today: 130 miles (including the Hite detour) and 6900 feet of climbing. The distance is a PR for me. We got a big assist from the wind today; I’m not sure I could have done it otherwise.