Our first RV park camping experience was quite inclusive. Free of charge we were provided live country music from a distant backyard, live demonstrations of a busy freight train line, very bright lights shining down on our tent and the constant hum and engine breaking of trucks on the nearby freeway. If we wanted to charge our phones however, that would have been $2 extra.
This all led to a sluggish start that was further compounded with free thorns from our camping field leading to Jonathan's first flat tire before we even got on the road. This flat tire used up our last spare tire tube, meaning that we'd have to stay south on the freeway to find a bike shop. This unfortunately meant we'd miss the lava fields of Craters of the Moon National Monument. We worried we'd be in for endless miles of boring interstate by traveling this way.
This all led to a sluggish start that was further compounded with free thorns from our camping field leading to Jonathan's first flat tire before we even got on the road. This flat tire used up our last spare tire tube, meaning that we'd have to stay south on the freeway to find a bike shop. This unfortunately meant we'd miss the lava fields of Craters of the Moon National Monument. We worried we'd be in for endless miles of boring interstate by traveling this way.
After our 4th visit to the Mini Mart we headed off on I-84 East. Right off the bat we got to undo the nice descent we had enjoyed the day before. After this hill, the ride became rather monotonous. We rode for many miles with nothing but brown landscape surrounding us, with some mountains visible off in the distance.
Suddenly we happened upon Malad Gorge. While we know nothing about this gorge, it was picturesque and gave us an excuse to take our first pictures of the day.
Interestingly, the solid appearing freeway bridge was actually quite flexible. This led to an interesting bouncing sensation every time a large truck would pass by. Happy to finally see something other than the brown sage brush country of southern Idaho, we continued on 84.
Interestingly, the solid appearing freeway bridge was actually quite flexible. This led to an interesting bouncing sensation every time a large truck would pass by. Happy to finally see something other than the brown sage brush country of southern Idaho, we continued on 84.
With the temperatures again reaching into the mid 90s, we were once again stuck sucking down hot water from our bottles. The town of Jerome provided us with lunch and ice for our hydration packs and bottles. Because Jonathan hasn't eaten Subway for lunch everyday for the last week, he was actually genuinely excited to see the Subway sign from the highway. Inside the restaurant we met a couple who asked us about our journey and were excited that we were headed to Twin Falls because that's where they were from and they claimed that the Snake River (which we've been following on and off for the last few days) ran through a very impressive gorge that base jumpers frequented. While talking to them was nice, I was a little unsure how impressive this Idaho attraction would really be.
Back on the freeway we went for the final 14 miles to Twin Falls. Finally exiting the freeway after a couple stops to cool off under overpasses, we cruised downhill to our destination. Right before city limits we stopped at the scenic view markers and finally got to see the Snake River again. The gorge was beautiful. Several hundred feet below us the river ran swiftly as kayakers and rafters enjoyed its likely cool water. To the west, two country clubs ran along both of banks of the river. Having enjoyed the scenery, we headed into the city of Twin Falls. We'd managed a discount on a motel, and since the only available campground was right next to the freeway, we thought it best to actually get some sleep tonight.
Dropping our gear at the motel we headed to the sporting goods store to buy out the rest of the 700c 28mm tire tubes to replenish our nonexistent stockpile. Across the street we ate dinner at Café Rio. I never thought I would say this, but Café Rio takes the concept of Chipotle and improves it. One such improvement: sweetened mint limeade, which was perfect after 60 miles of biking.
After dinner we headed the five miles to Shoshone Falls. These falls are nicknamed the "Niagara of the West". They were very impressive and were our third surprisingly picturesque Idaho attraction of the day. Definitely a good way to make up for not seeing the lava fields. The falls are near the location of Evil Knievel's motorcycle jump of the Snake River. The hydroelectric dam on the Falls generates electricity for 9,000 households annually. The park was located in the gorge and required quite a steep climb out on our bikes but it was well worth seeing the Shoshone Falls.
Photos by Jonathan Kobles
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