42 miles, 3:36 ride time , 11.6 mph, 2152/2897 ft ascent/descent, 119 watts NP.
Lisa and I drove down to southern Utah to test out the bikepacking setup we plan to use on the GDMBR.
We selected a short section of the American Cycling Association’s Wester Express Route, between Hanksville and Blanding Utah.
As described on the ACA website, “This section of the Western Express Route is considered very difficult due not only to terrain (grades from 6% to 14%), but also due to lack of water, temperature extremes, and long mileages without services. In most cases, there are no homes or ranches between services. Carrying a water purifier is strongly advised for water access at Lake Powell and for miscellaneous reservoirs, creeks, and lakes at primitive campsites. Utah is extremely dry and most of the route has only rocks for shade. Note that the only bike shops on this section are in Cedar City and Dolores, with the exception of limited gear and repairs in Monticello.”
To stack the odds in our favor, we drove the route and staged water every 25 miles and parked the truck at the half way point. That way we could ride west one day, east two days and back west the fourth, while staying within 50 miles of the truck at all times. We are so smart!
We are retired and all so we do not set alarms, or rush getting moving in the morning and it turns out driving around dropping water off takes time so we did not start riding until 3 PM. Luckily, it was more down than up, we had a decent tailwind and it was only 43 miles, so we were able to average 11.6 mph getting us into camp before dark. After scarfing down some beans and rice it was off to bed.
I am grateful for tailwinds.