Rode from home in IF to Taylor Mountain Rd, then climbed Henry Creek Rd to the two-track. Had a couple fun, but short-lived descents there. Quite steep grades, but pedalled all of it. I connected over to Sunnyside, a paved road. Another descent into the ever-prevailing headwind, pedalling downhill and focused on controlling my bike from not getting blown into the lane as I was turning into the wind. Hardly surpassed 20mph there. The next 14 miles of ripping headwind with 30+ mph gusts tore me down. The light at the end of the tunnel was that hopefully the wind would subside and be blocked once I turned onto Sellers Creek Rd. It did. I made my way to the ascent of the next challenge – climbing to the Double W Divide. 3.5 miles and a couple hundred feet of elevation headed up, I ran into patchy snow and ice. It was manageable, but could definitely tell it was slick and had to put my foot down a few times. I kept wondering what the other side of the divide would be like. At the top, 7140 feet, I briefly rested, ate some gummy bears and assessed that the descent wouldn't be the rewarding one I had looked forward to all day. Instead, it would be slow, dangerous and monotonous. I made it down safely, but did fall once, which I think bent my derailleur hanger slightly. I completely fell away from my bike and slid off to the side of the road. Luckily I wasn't going fast, but that was a warning: "Control your speed, but don't brake too much, and pick your lines methodically. No second guessing. Commit to your line and see it through." As soon as the canyon road dried out and I could ease into a semi-relaxed descent, my turn onto the steep southern approach onto Taylor Mountain road came up. I settled in for the grind up the 15-20% grades. Hardened ruts showed that it had been muddy not long ago. I knew the north-facing slope on the other side was heavily shaded and could be nasty. I didn't stick around at the top to enjoy the sunset. Time was ticking and I wanted to I get out of this area with as much of the little daylight I had left. Sure enough, there was mud. A lot of mud. It flew all over me and my bike, coating my water bottles, shoes and drivetrain. Luckily, downward momentum was on my side, but I still had to pedal and keep my bike upright through the muddy ruts and patches of ice and slush. Another slow, unrewarding descent. There was never a moment to relax on this ride, from the headwinds on Bone Road to the ice and mud in Wolverine Canyon and Taylor Mountain. But what was I supposed to do? Stop? I kept moving. Thankfully as I dropped in elevation, the mud subsided, but the hardened ruts kept me on alert. The wind had died down to a mild 10mph... which was now a tailwind... "I'm doing this all wrong" I thought. But I was finally able to settle into a strong pedal out Taylor Mountain Rd, carrying 18-20mph speeds through the rough and loose "gravel"... more like loose cobblestones. It was now dark. When I got to the pavement, I turned on all my lights — a front and rear on my helmet and my bike. That ought to make me visible. I do notice a difference when I have two bright rear lights flashing — cars slow down and give me space, which is exactly what I needed in my delirious state at that time. I forced my tires, cramping legs to keep pedalling, trying to maintain a speed above 15 mph. I'm still learning my way around Idaho Falls, but on this ride, I connected my way back home through the vehicles and traffic lights quite nicely... Frankly, that was the last and final challenge. It ain't over 'til it's over... but this ride finally was. Looking back, would I do it again? Yeah... my stubborn self would. But would I do it again soon? No. I'm not ready for winter, snow and ice. I'm just now settling into my new home, but I suppose that is what it is. I'll make the best of it. Learning new places for me is yet another adventure in itself.