Tuesday, June 24, 1997

There was no particular rush to get out of Panguitch since this day's ride was only to be about 8 miles along US 89 and then 15 miles on Utah SH 12 to Ruby's Inn just outside Bryce Canyon National Park. Most of our group enjoyed a somewhat leisurely breakfast at one of the two or three restaurants in town even though the motel offered a free "continental breakfast''. A sweet roll and coffee just isn't adequate fuel for most touring cyclists, even on a "short day".

The route from Panguitch to Bryce Canyon was mostly uphill, but the climb was gradual and no one complained. After yesterday, this was duck soup.

The route took us right through Red Canyon, a spectacular display of red spires, domes, hoodoos and rock formations that defy description. We hardly noticed we were climbing while surrounded by so much beauty.

We reached Ruby's Inn at around 11:00 AM. I had already decided I was going to ride my bike through the park because I had sagged part of the first two days and I wanted to get my mileage back up. One of the non-cycling folks had volunteered to drive the truck on this day so that Jim could get in a few miles on his bike. We had ridden together pretty much all morning and now set off together to Bryce Canyon. The terrain in the park was more strenuous than we had been led to believe. It is generally uphill from the park entrance to the far end with plenty of hills to climb along the way. After a few miles and several stops at overlook points, we met up with some of our group in a car. They offered us a ride, and Jim accepted, so I continued on alone. There were others of our group riding the Park, but we had all set off at different times and rode at different paces, so we were not riding together.

As I was struggling to get to the end of the park road in time to make it back to the hotel before it got too late, I spotted Bonnie's big green Lincoln in my mirror. Fred, Bonnie's husband, was driving. He offered to take me out to the end of the park road. I accepted immediately. One of the passengers in Fred's car had a little water with which he graciously filled my nearly dry water bottle. I was very appreciative of this as there is no water past the Bryce Canyon Lodge near the park's entrance.

I won't even attempt to describe Bryce Canyon. This place is so enormous and so spectacular, one must see it to even begin to appreciate its beauty. To tell you that it is more red and white limestone formations would be a great injustice.

The ride back from the end of the park road was much easier. I hadn't really noticed, but besides going generally uphill, I had also been bucking a light headwind. The breeze had picked up by the time I headed back, so it helped push me along on my return trip. I had been stopping at all of the canyon overlook points on my way out, so on the return trip, once I reached the point where Fred had picked me up, I pedaled on in, stopping only once for a brief rest and to get more water at the park lodge.

Day's Mileage: 57.2

PICTURES (click on thumbnails for larger view)

created by John Wente, jwente49@cox.net
last modified: July 6, 1998