Day 18 (Riverton-Casper) and Day 19 (Rest Day)

Miles:  119.77            Terrain: Wide open spaces
Depart:   6:12 AM      Arrive:  3:35 PM
Riding time: 7:20:01
Average Riding Speed: 16.3

 

            July 7 GarminDownload and Map (for cycling data junkies!) 

Today's Ride

Yesterday was the longest day of the ride, 119 miles from Riverton to Casper, Wyoming.  I got off to a not so great start—a flat tire less than five miles into the ride when I hit a rock that I didn’t see in a shadow over the road.  Two days earlier when one of my tires had worn through after less than 1,300 miles I decided to purchase a pair of Gatorskin tires, which are much stronger (although at a cost of a bit more rolling resistance). These strong tires until they have been ridden for awhile are pretty tight to get off and on, so the tire change, instead of taking the usual 15 minutes, took twice as long.

 It was basically a long slow uphill for 65 miles.  I decided that since it was a long day, I was going to take it somewhat easy on the uphill section.  I ended up being one of the last people at the second sag stop, having averaged about 14 mph.  That stop was only about two miles from the top.  From there it was a long gradual downhill for the next 55 miles, and I was able to average over 18 miles per hour for the rest of the trip.  The overall average of 16.3 mph was the second fastest day of the trip for me.

 There was virtually nothing in between Riverton and Casper except for a couple of very small towns (see the pictures of the town signs with population), some cattle ranches, a few oil wells and a large pit which is known as Hell’s Half Acre where Indians drove buffalo over the cliff so they could then become food for the tribe.  We arrived in Casper along a bike path that follows the North Platte River.

Today was a rest day in Casper.  A few people visited local bike shops for parts or items they need (myself included), but for most it was simply a day to rest, do laundry, clean off bikes, and get ready for tomorrow’s 106 mile ride to Lusk, Wyoming where there happens to be a big Rawhide Festival and Parade scheduled for tomorrow evening.  After almost three weeks of very modest temperatures, tomorrow promises to be in the mid-90’s.  I’m glad I have my camelback with me which allows me to continually sip as I go along.  Right now, there is a thunderstorm passing through Casper, but none are forecast for tomorrow.

Today it is one month until Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  1,360 miles have been completed.  There are 2,290 to go.  Next week the journey will reach halfway.