I am getting ready to take the ferry to Michigan tomorrow. I was originally going to go along the UP and then down, but decided that was more Michigan than I wanted to bike on this trip and I could also see my brother and sister in law and nieces if I took the ferry. I am staying with friends in Milwaukee tonight, which helps the expense account and allows me to catch up with them.
Today I had a wonderful tailwind and bike paths most of the day. I started out with a bike path from Sun Prairie and then a nice shoulder/bike path all the way to Waterloo: Trek Bicycle Headquarters. I rode to the facility and then changed shirts. I was wearing my only clean jersey, but it was a specialized and I felt wierd going to Trek in a Specialized jersey. I changed to one of my others and then went to take a pic of the sign and building. As I was taking the picture a lady came out and asked if I wanted her to take a pic of me in front of the sign. She then offered to get me set up on a tour of the facility. This was more than I was planning on.
I was waiting in the lobby when two men approached me and asked if "I was the guy?" I said I must be and then we introduced ourselves. One's name was Eric, and I can't remember the other one (you'll have to help if you read this...I'm horrible with names). We talked a bit about my trip and they took some pics and then Eric took me on a tour of the facility. They had a lot of nice bikes on display and then he took me to the development area of the facility. I saw the behind the scenes of development and advertising and then went on a factory tour. It was quite amazing to see. Trek has an on site gym for the employees to work out at during the winter when riding is bad. They also have an on site kitchen to which I was taken to and a chef cooked me up an omelette. We talked some more about the trip as I ate and then went back to the bike and I showed them my map of the country. We then departed. They mentioned one way for me to head to Milwaukee and GPS said another.
I looked at my maps and went with yet a different way for scenery and ease. As I was riding along the highway a car pulled off and talked to me. He was very friendly and informed me I would have less of a hassle with traffic if I took a turn ahead and got onto a bike path I was parralleling. He directed me to my turn and I was off on bike trails for the next 30+ miles. This was a welcome change, though sometimes I enjoy the highway for the people you meet. The path was good and had a small fee for wheeled access. At Wales and was halloed from a couple of bikers on the road who turned to meet me. It was a couple out on a ride on a day off. He works at Trek and mentioned he saw me there earlier and then informed me that I was already on Trek's website. The link is in the articles box on the side.
The day was beautiful out and the tailwind was much appreciated. I was able to keep a nearly 20mph pace today.
My first full day's ride in Wisconsin was a bit more unpleasant. I was riding along the great river road along the MS river and I thought it would be relatively flat or rolling. It was rather hilly with big hills in many places. The shoulder was at least fairly wide. It occassionally looked like it was going to storm; which was in the forecast I had seen. That morning, however, the CG owner said they were predicting hail and tornadoes that afternoon. I figured I'd be far enough away it wouldn't matter; plus I thought he may have gotten exaggerated info. I rode on and decided to keep riding past the first state park, Merrick SP, and continue to Perrot. It would make it easier to cross the state in a shorter time. I got there and the weather was beautiful and I got a site and set up. I was a little nervous because there was no high ground in my site. I ate my meal and finished setting up and then took a brief walk around the CG. I heard the ranger talking to a family about getting to the bath houses for more protection than their tent. This got me wondering what was up. I then got back and heard a weather radio playing at the host site. It was rattling off a rather unfriendly report about tornadoes and golf ball size hail just upriver from where we were. It was also saying severe thunderstorms in our area. The host said I should grab my stuff and wait out the storm in the nature center.
I again thought this was probably a bit of an overreaction since the tornadoes and hail were north. I got back to my tent and was going to look at the radar when the first thunder and lightning started. I grabbed my stuff and headed to the center and met the host there. She was a bit more shaken up than need be and was exaggerating the reports that the weather radio was playing (it was in the room playing and I could hear what they said). The lighting was close for a while and the rain came down hard. Eventually the heart of the storm passed us. I kept an eye on the radar on my phone and could tell when the red and yellow were past. I headed back to my site and my fears were partially realized. As soon as I turned into my site my feet were in a puddle of water that encompassed my whole campsite. I waded back to my tent and thankfully found it dry inside, though with numerous pockets of water underneath from the puddle flowing through. My gear and I were able to stay dry, however. In the morning all was dry, though flood advisories were posted the night before and throughout the following day.
Oh, and I was also informed I made the front page of the Kulm, ND Messenger. It is too small to be online, but I will try and get a copy uploaded sometime.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Mighty Mississippi
I have made Wisconsin. I'm camped on the Mississippi right across from red wing shoe factory. I suprisingly have energy, though I have ridden nearly 180 miles in just the last two days. I outran a big storm yesterday and it was a beautiful day to ride today. I rode a great trail along the cannon river to red wing that had views of the river and dense woods.
I'm having a hard time balancing the freedom I've had over the last few months and a slight schedule for hospitality and a finish date. The biggest challenge now is the heat, as well as the floods. The flooding is putting me inside much like the cold did before. Right now the heat is ok because I can find places to escape the heat usually and I can carry two gallons of water.
The roads in Minnesota have been friendly, for the most part, but often quite rough. I did have a cycling map that showed traffic volume on the highways, but it's shoulder size notes were not always right.
The place I camped at last night said there was water available but when I got there it was very foul. Thankfully I had some left as well as some powerade. That lasted me until I could get back to town for some more water. Tonight they have a filter in the office that I can use to take care of it.
As I write this I just saw a tree float down the river.
I'm having a hard time balancing the freedom I've had over the last few months and a slight schedule for hospitality and a finish date. The biggest challenge now is the heat, as well as the floods. The flooding is putting me inside much like the cold did before. Right now the heat is ok because I can find places to escape the heat usually and I can carry two gallons of water.
The roads in Minnesota have been friendly, for the most part, but often quite rough. I did have a cycling map that showed traffic volume on the highways, but it's shoulder size notes were not always right.
The place I camped at last night said there was water available but when I got there it was very foul. Thankfully I had some left as well as some powerade. That lasted me until I could get back to town for some more water. Tonight they have a filter in the office that I can use to take care of it.
As I write this I just saw a tree float down the river.
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Calm Before The Storm
It is amazing that I barely see a car an hour right now and soon I will be hard pressed to not see a car a minute.
The rain has been bad through the Dakotas and Minnesota lately. The ground is saturated and the farmers have had a rough go of getting much planted. I had to help shawna's dad get unstuck quite a few times. The fun part was I got to play with farm equipment.
God has been quite good to me over the course of this trip and has consistently kept me safe and provided shelter when needed. During BRAN I had shelter for a tornado watch. I had shelter again in Murdo, SD during a storm and it cost just a bit more than camping. Then he gave me shawna's family and a warning in north Dakota that kept me from floods, tornadoes and hail. How many people know someone in north dakota? And then he has my course go right by their place while a storm brews. I had also decided to change my Minnesota course before, which was good, because originally I was planning on going through and staying in Wadena, the worst hit place during this storm system.
He has continued to watch over me during storms of all types and I can't wait to see what happens as population becomes the battle instead of nature. Hopefully there is little to do, but I know he can do it. I'm doing what I can though with getting a better mirror and possibly some pepper spray. The bike continues to hold up, even with 12,000 miles on it. He has kept anything major from breaking.
Here's to the final two months.
The rain has been bad through the Dakotas and Minnesota lately. The ground is saturated and the farmers have had a rough go of getting much planted. I had to help shawna's dad get unstuck quite a few times. The fun part was I got to play with farm equipment.
God has been quite good to me over the course of this trip and has consistently kept me safe and provided shelter when needed. During BRAN I had shelter for a tornado watch. I had shelter again in Murdo, SD during a storm and it cost just a bit more than camping. Then he gave me shawna's family and a warning in north Dakota that kept me from floods, tornadoes and hail. How many people know someone in north dakota? And then he has my course go right by their place while a storm brews. I had also decided to change my Minnesota course before, which was good, because originally I was planning on going through and staying in Wadena, the worst hit place during this storm system.
He has continued to watch over me during storms of all types and I can't wait to see what happens as population becomes the battle instead of nature. Hopefully there is little to do, but I know he can do it. I'm doing what I can though with getting a better mirror and possibly some pepper spray. The bike continues to hold up, even with 12,000 miles on it. He has kept anything major from breaking.
Here's to the final two months.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
I'm Still Alive
Sorry it has taken so long to post. I've had very little reception and energy lately. I made it across South Dakota in relatively nice weather. I then went to see my friend Shawna in Kulm, nd on Wednesday and she informed me a storm was moving in the next day. As we were waiting for the news reporter so I could get in the paper I checked the weather. It said severe winds, hail, thunderstorms and potential tornadoes. Shawna and her mom invited me to the farm to stay for a couple days and I decided that was a good idea.
I then hung out and helped on the farm for a couple days. I didn't realize how bad the storms were until yesterday. I also learned there were funnel clouds on the neighboring farm.
The people in this part of the country are a lot more social. As I was riding yesterday a couple asked me over and gave me refreshments, then dinner. They also told me how to get to the campground in town. I ended up hanging out with them for six hours. The town was packed as it was their all-school reunion.
I crossed over the 10,000 mile mark today. Tomorrow I'll be in Minnesota. My body is pretty tired, but I'm anxious to continue.
I then hung out and helped on the farm for a couple days. I didn't realize how bad the storms were until yesterday. I also learned there were funnel clouds on the neighboring farm.
The people in this part of the country are a lot more social. As I was riding yesterday a couple asked me over and gave me refreshments, then dinner. They also told me how to get to the campground in town. I ended up hanging out with them for six hours. The town was packed as it was their all-school reunion.
I crossed over the 10,000 mile mark today. Tomorrow I'll be in Minnesota. My body is pretty tired, but I'm anxious to continue.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Twister
I am getting ready to head north from Pierre, today and decided to write before I go. I spent a couple of days here hanging out with Rambo and Sharebare, Dennis' sister and brother in law. His mom was also here and her birthday was yesterday and they threw a suprise party for her, and she was suprised. That lasted all afternoon and well into the night.
Since being on BRAN and riding to Pierre I have had three nights with tornado warnings/watches, but thankfully have had no close calls with any. I have had some good amounts of rain and hail, but have been able to be inside when it has been hailing. Now, having had a colder than normal winter everywhere, we are having a wetter than normal spring everywhere. I now have to worry about flooding and lightning. Hopefully that all passes soon.
The rides of late have had good shoulders and, until yesterday, favorable winds. Yesterday wasn't all that bad until about 15 miles south of Pierre, then a head wind kicked in. It also drizzled a little, but no major storm.
Not much else to say right now. Just anxious to move on.
PS - I have also updated my GoogleMap and have organized locales through Louisianna. I have a few more to organize and a few I still need to remember so I can add them.
Since being on BRAN and riding to Pierre I have had three nights with tornado warnings/watches, but thankfully have had no close calls with any. I have had some good amounts of rain and hail, but have been able to be inside when it has been hailing. Now, having had a colder than normal winter everywhere, we are having a wetter than normal spring everywhere. I now have to worry about flooding and lightning. Hopefully that all passes soon.
The rides of late have had good shoulders and, until yesterday, favorable winds. Yesterday wasn't all that bad until about 15 miles south of Pierre, then a head wind kicked in. It also drizzled a little, but no major storm.
Not much else to say right now. Just anxious to move on.
PS - I have also updated my GoogleMap and have organized locales through Louisianna. I have a few more to organize and a few I still need to remember so I can add them.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
BRAN
I ended up pushing on from shawnee and heading to Lusk, Wy after leaving Douglas. My old boss was at a Cowboy Mounted Shooting event and I decided to hang out in the morning and watch the first couple rounds of the shoot. What CMSA is is a cowboy rides a horse through an obstacle of ten baloons with two six shooters loaded with five blanks each. They must go through the course a certain way and shoot as many balloons as fast as possible in a select order. The fastest time wins and there are men's and women's and six levels.
I then headed to Harrison, Ne, where the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska started this year. I got there before my mom and friends, so I set up and got a brake problem checked out on my bike. It was recommended I try replacing the pads, so I took my bike back and was working on that when they arrived. While working on my bike I talked with quite a few people who had questions about my ride. There was only one option for dinner that night (and BRAN brings in about 1,000 people) so we decided to drive to Lusk and get something before the orientation.
Some riders in BRAN believe each day is a race to get in first, as well as the hour gained from the time change, so people were up and going around 4am. I started moving a couple hrs later and went and had breakfast at my grandpa's pop-up camper, then packed up and headed out. It is a different experience riding with 600+ riders. I get a lot of questions and a lot of comments. I rode this ride last year the whole way with part of my gear. I was able to talk with a few of the people I had met last year and update them on my trip.
We have now ridden three days, though I didn't yesterday because I was feeling sick and didn't want to push it. Last night we had to hang out in the high school at Hyannis until a tornado storm system moved past. Eventually we were able to go back outside and sleep. Many people just stayed inside for the night. One pop-up trailer got spun 90 degrees and cracked the windshield of their car, among other things.
The winds were strong from the front the last two days, but today it was a strong tail wind. I rode back with my mom and our friends the first day, but today I went and rode at my own pace to meet other people and just enjoy the riding. I rode 65 miles in 3 1/2 hrs.
My mom's old college roommate lives in the town we are at tonight, so we are hanging at her place for a bit to recharge electronics, wash clothes, and shower. Now it's time to go take a shower.
I then headed to Harrison, Ne, where the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska started this year. I got there before my mom and friends, so I set up and got a brake problem checked out on my bike. It was recommended I try replacing the pads, so I took my bike back and was working on that when they arrived. While working on my bike I talked with quite a few people who had questions about my ride. There was only one option for dinner that night (and BRAN brings in about 1,000 people) so we decided to drive to Lusk and get something before the orientation.
Some riders in BRAN believe each day is a race to get in first, as well as the hour gained from the time change, so people were up and going around 4am. I started moving a couple hrs later and went and had breakfast at my grandpa's pop-up camper, then packed up and headed out. It is a different experience riding with 600+ riders. I get a lot of questions and a lot of comments. I rode this ride last year the whole way with part of my gear. I was able to talk with a few of the people I had met last year and update them on my trip.
We have now ridden three days, though I didn't yesterday because I was feeling sick and didn't want to push it. Last night we had to hang out in the high school at Hyannis until a tornado storm system moved past. Eventually we were able to go back outside and sleep. Many people just stayed inside for the night. One pop-up trailer got spun 90 degrees and cracked the windshield of their car, among other things.
The winds were strong from the front the last two days, but today it was a strong tail wind. I rode back with my mom and our friends the first day, but today I went and rode at my own pace to meet other people and just enjoy the riding. I rode 65 miles in 3 1/2 hrs.
My mom's old college roommate lives in the town we are at tonight, so we are hanging at her place for a bit to recharge electronics, wash clothes, and shower. Now it's time to go take a shower.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Jackalope Days
As has become the case the last few times I stopped, all my big plans went to the wayside due to getting sick. Because I was sick my muscles weren't getting used as much, so they got stiff. As has been the case, however, my body made a recovery the day I needed to go. I was at least able to hang out with my friends and get a tuneup done on the bike. and for those of you not aware, Douglas is the home of the jackalope.
I left town today after eating lunch with some friends from Lonetree. I then proceeded to head to my friends, Brad and Heather, house. I was making extremely good time due to the wind and so I took quite a few breaks along the way. They weren't home when I got there and their dog only let me hang out so long before he decided he didn't want me in his sight. I therefore decided to hang out on the semi for a while.
I left town today after eating lunch with some friends from Lonetree. I then proceeded to head to my friends, Brad and Heather, house. I was making extremely good time due to the wind and so I took quite a few breaks along the way. They weren't home when I got there and their dog only let me hang out so long before he decided he didn't want me in his sight. I therefore decided to hang out on the semi for a while.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A Word Of Thanks
Upon reading other journals and a change in mentality throughout this ride, I wanted to start thanking and mentioning those people who have assisted me through my trip. Here is a list of people so far...
McCook, Ne = Mason = met on side of road
Idalia, Co = Football Coach = met at school
Last Chance, Co = John = pastor of methodist church
Aurora, Co = Hannah, Jim, Rachel = friend and host's of friend
Colrado Springs, Co = Larry and Sue = family friends
Dodge City, Ks = Scott and family = 2nd cousin
Wichita, Ks = Brian = friend
Tulsa, Ok = Nathan and Valerie = friends
Siloam Springs, Ar = Jon, Reid, Michel = friends
New Johnsonville, Tn = Joe = pastor of church of Christ
Dandridge, Tn = Robert = pastor of first baptist church
St Augustine, Fl = Pirate Haus Inn = hostel with great people
Ft Lauderdale, Fl = Dennis = warmshowers host
Gainesville, Fl = Jimi = friend
Tallahassee, Fl = Gene and family = warmshowers hosts
Pensacola, Fl = Richard = friend's brother
Mobile, Al = Gerry and family = friend and his family
Amite, La = Gerry = friend
Outside Natchez, Ms = Chester = met on roadside
Dallas, Tx = Pablo =friend
Fort Worth, Tx = Zack and Sarah = friends
Austin, Tx = Jason and Kim = Sister-in-laws family
Austin, Tx = Ryan = friend
Kerrville, Tx = Camp Eagle, Anthony, Craig, etc = friends and former workplace
Midland, Tx = Mike and Jody = friends
Arizona City, Az = Neil = friend
Wickenburg, Az = Wes, Emily = friends
Newport Beach, Ca = Tyler and Allison = friends
Escondido, Ca = Alexis = friend
West Hollywood, Ca = Aaron = friend
Valencia, Ca = Dave and Sheri = cousins
Hanford, Ca = Lila, Ron = great aunt and her son
Lodi, Ca = Clint, Dan and families = 2nd cousin's and family
Bend, Or = Carl and Sue = friends of 2nd cousin
Walla Walla, Wa = Dan, Allison, and family = warmshowers hosts
Missoula, Mt = Josh and KP = friends of family
Casper, Wy = Pat and Nancy = friends parents
Douglas, Wy = Mick, Cindy, Hannah = friends
and the countless others whose names I don't know or can't remember. All but a couple gave me a place to stay, along with other things, and a couple provided me meals and social time. If I have not mentioned you, feel free to let me know and I will correct it ASAP.
Thanks Again
McCook, Ne = Mason = met on side of road
Idalia, Co = Football Coach = met at school
Last Chance, Co = John = pastor of methodist church
Aurora, Co = Hannah, Jim, Rachel = friend and host's of friend
Colrado Springs, Co = Larry and Sue = family friends
Dodge City, Ks = Scott and family = 2nd cousin
Wichita, Ks = Brian = friend
Tulsa, Ok = Nathan and Valerie = friends
Siloam Springs, Ar = Jon, Reid, Michel = friends
New Johnsonville, Tn = Joe = pastor of church of Christ
Dandridge, Tn = Robert = pastor of first baptist church
St Augustine, Fl = Pirate Haus Inn = hostel with great people
Ft Lauderdale, Fl = Dennis = warmshowers host
Gainesville, Fl = Jimi = friend
Tallahassee, Fl = Gene and family = warmshowers hosts
Pensacola, Fl = Richard = friend's brother
Mobile, Al = Gerry and family = friend and his family
Amite, La = Gerry = friend
Outside Natchez, Ms = Chester = met on roadside
Dallas, Tx = Pablo =friend
Fort Worth, Tx = Zack and Sarah = friends
Austin, Tx = Jason and Kim = Sister-in-laws family
Austin, Tx = Ryan = friend
Kerrville, Tx = Camp Eagle, Anthony, Craig, etc = friends and former workplace
Midland, Tx = Mike and Jody = friends
Arizona City, Az = Neil = friend
Wickenburg, Az = Wes, Emily = friends
Newport Beach, Ca = Tyler and Allison = friends
Escondido, Ca = Alexis = friend
West Hollywood, Ca = Aaron = friend
Valencia, Ca = Dave and Sheri = cousins
Hanford, Ca = Lila, Ron = great aunt and her son
Lodi, Ca = Clint, Dan and families = 2nd cousin's and family
Bend, Or = Carl and Sue = friends of 2nd cousin
Walla Walla, Wa = Dan, Allison, and family = warmshowers hosts
Missoula, Mt = Josh and KP = friends of family
Casper, Wy = Pat and Nancy = friends parents
Douglas, Wy = Mick, Cindy, Hannah = friends
and the countless others whose names I don't know or can't remember. All but a couple gave me a place to stay, along with other things, and a couple provided me meals and social time. If I have not mentioned you, feel free to let me know and I will correct it ASAP.
Thanks Again
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Home Again
When I left Casper I had a wonderful 20 mph tail wind and the weather was almost 40 degrees warmer and you wouldn't have known how bad yesterday was if you looked at the day. I got a couple of supplies and then booked it to Douglas at about 18mph. A normal 5-6 hr ride turned in to 3 hours. Before starting this trip I lived outside of Douglas for about 1 1/2 yrs. I still have friends in the area and have been spending time with them the last few days. I ended up getting sick yet again. This has become a trend every time I stop for any length of time. I am still recovering after a week of sickness and hope it goes away soon.
It turned out that a couple of my friends who had also moved away were coming back this weekend as well. The week has been spent seeing old friends, recovering from sickness, and working on the bike. The tires had 3500+ miles on them and pretty much no tread left. It also needed a good cleaning.
A couple days ago the weather was nice and a friend and I went out on the north platte river and kayaked for a few miles. The river is up very high and moved quite rapidly. We had a few sets of mild rapids that added to the excitement.
And that should bring everyone up to date. Sorry about the delay in writing. Reception was poor most places I stopped in Montana and Wyoming and then I got sick and didn't feel good sitting for long periods. I am in Douglas a few more days and then I head to Nebraska for a half week this weekend.
It turned out that a couple of my friends who had also moved away were coming back this weekend as well. The week has been spent seeing old friends, recovering from sickness, and working on the bike. The tires had 3500+ miles on them and pretty much no tread left. It also needed a good cleaning.
A couple days ago the weather was nice and a friend and I went out on the north platte river and kayaked for a few miles. The river is up very high and moved quite rapidly. We had a few sets of mild rapids that added to the excitement.
And that should bring everyone up to date. Sorry about the delay in writing. Reception was poor most places I stopped in Montana and Wyoming and then I got sick and didn't feel good sitting for long periods. I am in Douglas a few more days and then I head to Nebraska for a half week this weekend.
Hypothermia...Again
I got up and headed on through slight rain. The forecast I found last night from the local radio station as well as the previous ones from the internet said warmer morning followed by occasional rain in the afternoon. I decided to head on. The sky slowly became foggy and was starting to concern me about visibility. I rode on to the rest area and took shelter inside to warm up and let the fog clear. I had many comments about how it wasn't a great day to ride a bike.
Eventually the fog cleared and I continued on. Soon after starting, however, cold rain and cool temperatures moved in. I began getting extremely cold and concerned about how to handle that and the traffic. I eventually made it to Powder River. Many of the towns on this 100 mile stretch of road west of Casper are not there anymore and others are just holding on. Powder River is holding on. They had a post office that I went into to get warm. The lady clerk was very friendly and cranked the heat up to help me dry out. We talked for a bit and shared some stories and she opened up a room to let me put on a dry pair of pants. It took a long time to put these on and after an hour in the heat I was still shaking pretty good. I decided to call a friend and see if they could pick me up somewhere outside of town. After some discussing we decided I would ride towards town and after he finished up some things he would head my way.
While in the post office it had hailed and snowed and the wind shifted to a tail wind. This helped me ride almost 20 miles before he picked me up. The temperature had also dropped about 5 degrees, to 31. After piling in we drove back to town through more snow and rain. I warmed up at there house and also fell asleep for a bit, drained from the cold and exercise.
Eventually the fog cleared and I continued on. Soon after starting, however, cold rain and cool temperatures moved in. I began getting extremely cold and concerned about how to handle that and the traffic. I eventually made it to Powder River. Many of the towns on this 100 mile stretch of road west of Casper are not there anymore and others are just holding on. Powder River is holding on. They had a post office that I went into to get warm. The lady clerk was very friendly and cranked the heat up to help me dry out. We talked for a bit and shared some stories and she opened up a room to let me put on a dry pair of pants. It took a long time to put these on and after an hour in the heat I was still shaking pretty good. I decided to call a friend and see if they could pick me up somewhere outside of town. After some discussing we decided I would ride towards town and after he finished up some things he would head my way.
While in the post office it had hailed and snowed and the wind shifted to a tail wind. This helped me ride almost 20 miles before he picked me up. The temperature had also dropped about 5 degrees, to 31. After piling in we drove back to town through more snow and rain. I warmed up at there house and also fell asleep for a bit, drained from the cold and exercise.
Moving Thru
I woke up fairly early for an unknown reason and decided to use it to my advantage today to get to Worland before the headwinds started. It was a relaxing ride of 40 miles and relatively easy. I beat the winds to town and ended up getting a room to have a bit of a break. I ran some errands and then just took it easy.
The next day I wanted to get about halfway to Casper, about 85 miles. I headed out halfway early and made it to Thermopolis quite easily. Thermopolis is the home to the world's largest natural mineral springs, and you can smell when you are getting close. I continued through here, as I have been here before and wanted to cover ground today. There is a beautiful canyon just south of town and it was a gorgeous day to ride through it. The highway wound along the river and overlooked the train tracks on the other side. As one goes along this road you slowly descend through time as the various ages of rock are exposed. Towards the bottom one is surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides and has a small view of the sky. It played with my senses as I felt I was descending, yet the river flowed as if I was ascending. The climb out of the canyon was also not as challenging as it should have been.
I stopped in Shoshoni at a park next to the school for lunch. Graduation was going on and I had a couple of conversations with locals about my ride and the lack of anything between here and Casper. I decided to cook food here because I would most likely be roadside camping and didn't want to have a stove to deal with out there. I headed on and the wind greatly increased. A storm was moving from the east and pushing the air out in front of it. Eventually the rain hit, but the wind stopped. It was quite a mild ride with the rain, yet not too draining. I started watching for places to stay but this is high desert prairie. There isn't much there.
I eventually made it through the storm, but was becoming more exhausted and needed to camp. After miles of searching I was wore out and just headed to a fence about 50 feet from the highway and set up. Soon after another rainstorm hit. I fell asleep only to be awakened less than an hour later.
Bright flashes and loud crashes brought me out of my sleep. A great rainstorm had moved in and was directly overhead. I started to count time between flashes and thunder and made one-thou... before the crash came. It was this close for about 15 minutes and I was one of the tallest things out there. I got into lightning position for about 20 minutes until the lightning moved far enough away. I eventually fell asleep and had quite a restful night.
The next day I wanted to get about halfway to Casper, about 85 miles. I headed out halfway early and made it to Thermopolis quite easily. Thermopolis is the home to the world's largest natural mineral springs, and you can smell when you are getting close. I continued through here, as I have been here before and wanted to cover ground today. There is a beautiful canyon just south of town and it was a gorgeous day to ride through it. The highway wound along the river and overlooked the train tracks on the other side. As one goes along this road you slowly descend through time as the various ages of rock are exposed. Towards the bottom one is surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides and has a small view of the sky. It played with my senses as I felt I was descending, yet the river flowed as if I was ascending. The climb out of the canyon was also not as challenging as it should have been.
I stopped in Shoshoni at a park next to the school for lunch. Graduation was going on and I had a couple of conversations with locals about my ride and the lack of anything between here and Casper. I decided to cook food here because I would most likely be roadside camping and didn't want to have a stove to deal with out there. I headed on and the wind greatly increased. A storm was moving from the east and pushing the air out in front of it. Eventually the rain hit, but the wind stopped. It was quite a mild ride with the rain, yet not too draining. I started watching for places to stay but this is high desert prairie. There isn't much there.
I eventually made it through the storm, but was becoming more exhausted and needed to camp. After miles of searching I was wore out and just headed to a fence about 50 feet from the highway and set up. Soon after another rainstorm hit. I fell asleep only to be awakened less than an hour later.
Bright flashes and loud crashes brought me out of my sleep. A great rainstorm had moved in and was directly overhead. I started to count time between flashes and thunder and made one-thou... before the crash came. It was this close for about 15 minutes and I was one of the tallest things out there. I got into lightning position for about 20 minutes until the lightning moved far enough away. I eventually fell asleep and had quite a restful night.
Wyoming: Halfway There
I made it into Wyoming in relative struggle. I had a heavy headwind the whole day, which got worse over the last 25 miles. I climbed my way out of Montana for a bit under 50 miles and had a good headwind that kept me out of my saddle much of the time. I eventually started downhill, which was the trend most of the rest of the day. I took a pic by the welcome sign and then headed on. Much of Montana and Wyoming's back roads had sections just recently refinished, giving me a lot of great blacktop to ride on. This was relatively true in Wyoming. I learned that in Wyoming the roads are hired out to different contractors for small sections. The state apparently doesn't regulate how they need to be done, so there are multiple types of surfaces and rumble strips occasionally thrown into the mix.
Once at Lovell I decided to see how the weather was going to be and if I wanted to call it a night there and push on tomorrow. The report said 5mph headwinds today and 15mph headwinds tomorrow. Also, Greybull is lower in elevation by a bit. It was another 30 miles and I decided to go ahead to Greybull today and do a short ride the next day to Worland and get a motel. I pushed on and it started out uphill out of Lovell. Also, the winds were much greater than 5mph and were closer to 20mph. They also switched from headwinds to crosswinds. The best part was the 15 mile climb out of Lovell. Over the last 30 miles, 20 were uphill! The downhills were not a break since the wind blew so hard I had to pedal and with all my strength I barely stayed above 5mph. It was an exhausting day.
As I crested the hills, I got more and more frustrated. I started to yell at the tops like the world's strongest man competitors do when moving heavy things. It worked well. At the last hill I hollered out, "this has got to be the last one." And I was excited that it was. The last few miles into town, however, were gravel due to construction and I struggled a bit more to make it there.
I wheeled into the campground and got a site and then decided to set up camp, shower, and then eat. I was looking forward to A&W, but at just after 8, when I was done with my shower, it was closed (on a friday!). I headed to a different restaurant that was a little nicer and got some food and then headed back and fell asleep. Of course I forgot to cover my bike seat with a sack and it decided to dump rain that night, so I had a wet seat the next day.
The scenery today made the ride much more bearable. I was surrounded by the Absarokas and Bighorns and a few other ranges throughout the day.
Once at Lovell I decided to see how the weather was going to be and if I wanted to call it a night there and push on tomorrow. The report said 5mph headwinds today and 15mph headwinds tomorrow. Also, Greybull is lower in elevation by a bit. It was another 30 miles and I decided to go ahead to Greybull today and do a short ride the next day to Worland and get a motel. I pushed on and it started out uphill out of Lovell. Also, the winds were much greater than 5mph and were closer to 20mph. They also switched from headwinds to crosswinds. The best part was the 15 mile climb out of Lovell. Over the last 30 miles, 20 were uphill! The downhills were not a break since the wind blew so hard I had to pedal and with all my strength I barely stayed above 5mph. It was an exhausting day.
As I crested the hills, I got more and more frustrated. I started to yell at the tops like the world's strongest man competitors do when moving heavy things. It worked well. At the last hill I hollered out, "this has got to be the last one." And I was excited that it was. The last few miles into town, however, were gravel due to construction and I struggled a bit more to make it there.
I wheeled into the campground and got a site and then decided to set up camp, shower, and then eat. I was looking forward to A&W, but at just after 8, when I was done with my shower, it was closed (on a friday!). I headed to a different restaurant that was a little nicer and got some food and then headed back and fell asleep. Of course I forgot to cover my bike seat with a sack and it decided to dump rain that night, so I had a wet seat the next day.
The scenery today made the ride much more bearable. I was surrounded by the Absarokas and Bighorns and a few other ranges throughout the day.
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