We packed up early from “The Place” bar and headed on the paved road downhill to Pinedale. Nothing to report here other than a speedy 30 miles that landed us in Pinedale by 9:45.
Philipe had a puncture a few days back and like me early in the trip he was struggling to keep air so a bike shop was first on the list. Andrew at the shop was awesome. He showed us the graveyard of parts he has taken off of bikes doing the GDMBR this year. It was enormous. He keeps a pin on the board for each Divide bike he works on. He was up to 175 this year. After yesterday I know exactly why. I figure the chiropractor and masseuse in town would have even more pins!
Lunch at the brewery. I learned the Frenchmen have names. Philipe, Gilbert, and Gille (not sure on spelling, but pronounced like Jill with a heavy Parisian accent). We chatted and they had considered to go some more miles but with bike work decided to stay the night. This was my plan all along. Even with the extra miles I knew I woul not make Atlantic City in a day so staying in a bigger town made sense. We checked into a motel and set off on our separate ways for chores.
Pinedale is the starting point for adventures in the Wind River mountains. So lots of tourists and touristy things to do. I was interested in laundry and food. They had both.
I met up with my new friends for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Try explaining Mole’ sauce to a French person much less the electoral college and the need for displaying the American flag everywhere. I later counted no less than 5 French flags displayed in their bikes! But they are genuine guys and their questions have made me examine “America” and this trip through a very different lens and for that I am very appreciative.
So like I said in the title Pinedale is “ok” and the French are great company.