Unless you are Scooter Libby it’s a bit tough to
celebrate the 4th of July with Dubya as President. But
we digress. . .
We have over 1200 miles of riding behind us. There is
hope than this trip is doable.
Yesterday was a tough day crossing the Continental
Divide. Although the climbs were a bit less steep than
the previous day the road conditions were a problem.
There is a seven year project rebuilding the road we
were traveling and parts of it were closed to
bicyclists. We had to be shuttled about 5 miles over
the construction area. Because of safety issues and/or
road closures it doesn’t count against our EFI (Every
Fabulous Inch) of bicycle travel. It made for a long
day due to standing around and waiting to be shuttled.
On the way into Dubois there was a stiff headwind
which we didn’t need at the end of a long day.
Dubois WY is a very isolated town. It would have been
nice to spend a little more time there. It really has
the feel of an authentic Western town. Although we
were running late for dinner they had to hustle us out
of the restaurant’s dining hall because they had to
set up for a square dance. Dubois has a more authentic
feel than the tourist traps we’re all so used to.
(Jackson Hole is now a big traffic jam with all the
chain stores you’ve seen a thousand times.)
Today we had an easy 79 miles into Riverton, WY. It
was mostly a gradual downhill. Although there was a
slight headwind the weather and scenery was so
beautiful that we couldn’t complain.
This evening some severe thunderstorms rolled through
Riverton. We’re hoping that all is clear by the
morning as we have a 120 mile ride across a lot of
nothing to get to Casper, WY. In Casper we get a rest
day which we need.
This photo was taken from our hotel room window. I guess, in the end, nature
provides the most impressive fireworks.