Ride Preview: Just a Little Explorin'

On last week's pretty epic ride I passed several places where the path branched off into a series of subdivisions and wilderness areas. I knew their names, but had been into only one of them - Rafter J - because it's closest to town so I can get there in that after-work biking window.

Since I am, as previously noted, a Lewis-and-Clark-yapper-dog type explorer (ie: excitable,  excessively curious and kind of amusing to watch) I ended up telling myself rather sternly to just keep biking because I could come back later.

This was especially true when I saw that one of the turns took you down alongside Flat Creek - and just because I took this picture is no reason for you to just assume I went there. 

Of course, I did, but that's beside the point since this is just a preview.

In order to properly understand this little tour through the paths not taken, you do need to understand the way the part of South Highway 89 works just outside the actual town of Jackson. Since there is limited residential real estate in the town, a good chunk of the better-off local families live in one of several subdivisions outside town. North of town are the national parks and the National Elk Refuge, so much of this living is done south of town.

When you first move to Jackson Hole, the names of these subdivisions are mentioned as though everyone knows where they are, and you should too. Of course, they also have these super-aggressive homeowners' associations that refer to unauthorized visiting or amenity use as something with consequences you will not like. The one exception is the bike paths. Against all precedent, the bike paths that branch into these subdivisions are open to public users, possibly because Jackson Hole cyclists are second only to Jackson Hole dog owners in terms of force of numbers. Seriously, you want to get shit done here, link it to dog or bike access and you will have yourself an army.

Myself, I just wanted to see what the fuss was about. Also, from the main pathway, the subdivisions end up looking like these little havens of trees, creeks and ponds. All good reasons to be a rebel, if you ask me. 

My route: Russ Garaman Trail to Highway 89 Pathway through Rafter J, Melody Ranch and South Park Winter Range

Surface: Mostly pavement, although Melody Ranch's pathways turn to dirt and gravel in places and the South Park section is all dirt and gravel

Incline: All over the place,since all of the subdivisions, etc. are downhill from the main pathway - and therefore the return is uphill. Only the South Park return gets beyond the ordinary.

Distance: Probably around 8-10 miles. This is a total guess that may be wrong.

What you'll see: Nice-ass houses you can't afford, Flat Creek, Tetons, pretty little woodsy pockets