The plan for the day was this…. Get up and have a big breakfast.  Then ride about 54 miles which included about 3,000 of climbing to cross Togwotee pass at 9,650’.  Then roll downhill to Dubois.  We were prepared for rain and some cold and perhaps snow.  

Here is what the day was really like….  Had breakfast, rode 3.8 miles and had flat #11.  My back tire is really causing problems.  Seems like everything punctures it.   So, we put on a spare replacement tire that Stefaan had.  It was a smaller tire but would get me going to the next bike shop in Lander WY.  The bike rode a little different but was doable.  The climb was going well, legs felt good.  At about 4 miles into the climb, it started to snow. We were still about 8 miles from the summit.  Then it started snowing harder to where it was actually accumulating on my panniers (bags on the bike).  We pulled off to take a break at Togwotee Lodge.  They were kind enough to let us get warm and have free coffee before heading out again.  

We started up the climb and the snow had accumulated such that the shoulder was completely covered.  And it was really coming down.  I was concerned about my small back tire and that it was 19 miles until the next lodge which was on the downhill side of the mountain.  I wanted to continue but had concerns.  Honestly the competitive / adventure part of me wanted to go.  But the “is this a wise idea” voice inside was thinking otherwise.   I then really felt the urge to return to the lodge.  It wasn’t fear as much as I knew I needed to go back.  I told Stefaan I was heading back (Piers was already far ahead) and hoped to catch up to them soon.  Spent time praying for them as I was really concerned for their safety too.  It wasn’t what you would call ideal for riding a bike. However, they were determined and have a lot of cycling experience.   

I went to the lodge and asked if anyone could give me a lift over the pass.  I was praying for direction here.  Do I stay at the lodge or will I get a ride or ???   The lodge stay was a really expensive option. Would have tanked the budget.   I was even willing to hang out at the local gas pumps and try to get a lift that way.  

Then the desk clerk said they had someone who would give me a ride.  That’s when I met Evan.  He is the maintenance and security guy who was on duty.  He warmed up the truck and we headed out.  During the drive we chatted and I learned he is also a disciple of Jesus.  We had a great conversation about faith, hardships, and what it takes to lead a family. We shared some of our own struggles and victories.  We passed Stef and Piers as they were starting their descent.  They declined a ride as they were doing ok.  Evan took me to the Lava Mountain lodge (where the snow had turned back to rain because of the lower elevation) and we sat and chatted for quite awhile.  It was a blessing to have this time with him and hear his faith story.  The time went too quickly.  We prayed together and exchanged contact info.  I unloaded the bike and he headed back to the lodge. I then waited for the guys to arrive where we all warmed up in front of a nice fire with coffee, and ordered lunch.  

The competitive part of me struggled with taking the “easy way” instead of beating the mountain pass in the snow and cold.  If you know me, this is Not the way I handle challenges.  However, within a couple minutes of meeting Evan, I knew THAT was where I was supposed to be.  I have climbed a lot of mountains and beaten a lot of challenges over the years and I have no fear of cold or snow.  I love skiing and running in the stuff and below zero temps are just another challenge.  These are things to be proud of, but in the end they are selfish to some degree.  They become a way of validating my skills, abilities, endurance, or all of the above.  But giving that up to spend time with Evan was worth much more.  Being obedient to the Spirit is the greatest challenge when it conflicts with my personal agenda… but has the best reward.  That was my lesson today and that was my blessing.  

After we warmed up, we still had 19 miles of cold, soaking rain until we arrived at the motel.  So instead of 54 miles and a mountain conquered, I did 31 miles and spent time with Evan and was encouraged!

Trust me – about a dozen times afterwards I was a little jealous I didn’t make the snow crossing like my friends did.  Those old desires of beating a challenge creep back in. But the Lord keeps reminding me that obedience and care for others is greater than a mountain crossing.  

So much for my plan for Day 24…. He had other plans for me. Let’s see about day 25. We are planning 70ish miles from Duobois to Lander WY.