Snowville, UT to Brigham City, UT

Today was 65 miles, with about 16 miles of down slope on I-84. It was cool in the morning and that made it enjoyable. There was some resurfacing work going on for I-84 and we could ride on the right lane that was finished, but still barricaded off for trucks and cars. We finally reached the asphalt crew and had to cut to the shoulder on what looked like pavement. It was really sand and a biker ahead of my did a complete over the bars flip. Fortunately, he was ok and his bike was ok.

It the middle of the desert today, we came across a rocket manufacturing and test facility run by Thiokol for the feds. They had a display of different rocket components outside of the secure area and we could tour that. Some of the young kids on the tour had their photo taken sitting on a polaris missle. The size of the rocket components is huge. Across the valley from there and just across the next hill range was the spot where the golden railroad spike was driven. That joined the east and west rail lines.

Further along, we entered a salt flat area that stretches beyond eyesight. I imagine it is part of the some region connected to the Great Salt Lake. It was completely dead and smelled where there were water holes. After that, we entered the Brigham City area and proceeded through town to a State Park called Willard State Park. It appears to be a huge man made lake with a levy all around it to hold in the fresh water. On the other side of the levy is the salt flat area. It was about 99 degrees when I made camp today and the heat really drains you.

I had a little tumble today that should not have happened if I would have been more careful. I was in Brigham City and had about 6 miles to go and was feeling pretty hot and tired. I decided to pull onto the sidewalk and rest under a shade tree in front of a house. In that town, there is a 2 inch curb that runs all along the end of all driveways. I knew it was there, but I thought by swinging out and hitting it more square, that I would be ok. I slowed way down, but the bike front tire did not bite and I kept going and the bike did not. I feel hard on my right hip. I was not going fast enough to get road rash, but it is very sore.

Tomorrow has everyone on edge. It is very long ride and the climbing is supposed to be very difficult. I've prayed that my hip will not tighten up on tomorrow's long day.

Love to all, P & J.