Category: Range roaming: A nerd unleashed

Nerd day at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center: Cody to Cody

Thursday June 6, 2013

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center, now the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, contains five main galleries: Buffalo Bill; Western Art; Plains Indians; Natural History of Greater Yellowstone; and, Firearms. Admission cost is $18 for adults; a dollar off for AAA members. The admission cost is good for two days. In addition to the galleries, each day has a whole program of presentations going on that are free to attend. Read more →

Gobsmacked by beauty: Cody to Painter Outpost

Friday June 7, 2013, 58 miles (94 km) – Total so far: 1,952 miles (3,142 km)

The “Roadside Geology of Yellowstone Country” states:

“Wyoming 296 is called the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway, and it is widely considered to pass through one of the most scenic areas in Wyoming…. The view from the top of Dead Indian Hill is widely considered by geoscientists to be one of the great geologic panaramas in the West. In the vernacular of ornithologists, the geology of the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway is an important entry into any geological ‘life list’.”

Upon reading that two years ago, my route into Yellowstone was confirmed. I absolutely had to ride this road. Who knew if I’d be physically capable of it – I had to do it. Of all the miles plotted on this tour, these 46 are the ones I’ve most anticipated for the past two years. I’ve spent many evenings envisioning the landscape, the climbs, the views, the geology and the cultural history. Read more →

Just a bit more amazing beauty: Painter Outpost to Cooke City, MT

Saturday June 8, 2013, 20 miles (32 km) – Total so far: 1,972 miles (3,174 km)

The clouds that were around last night when I went to bed have shoved off. But the wind has not. My campsite along the Clarks Fork, with Heart Mountain Detachment blocks on full display across the valley, looks very inviting to me this morning. How lucky I am to be here! Read more →

Where the people and the buffalo roam: Cooke City, MT to Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone NP

Sunday June 9, 2013, 52 miles (84 km) – Total so far: 2,024 miles (3,258 km)

There is more activity at 6am in Cooke City than you might expect. But, if I learn nothing else in Yellowstone, I learn that the wildlife watchers are keen and many of them are on the road before dawn each day. They are in such a hurry though that there is no line at the bakery. I get an egg and cheese croissant to go and a pecan sticky bun for later. Excellent food and excellent prices here! Read more →

Slowin’ it down: Mammoth to Mammoth

Monday June 10, 2013

The sun is just peeking over the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff of Mt Everts, across the valley from the campground, as I climb out of the tent this morning. It is cool now but should make it into the middle to upper 80s today. Let’s go have a look at the hot springs before the hordes of tourists finish breakfast and get out on the road. Read more →

Safety first: off the road by 10.30am: Mammoth to Madison Junction Campground

Tuesday June 11, 2013, 37 miles (59 km) – Total so far: 2,061 miles (3,317 km)

As I pack up the tent in the pre-dawn chill, I keep stealing glances up at the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff that tops Mt Everts, the flat-topped mountain across the valley from the campground. That same rock is also exposed about 5 miles away at a similar elevation. I keep looking up, thinking, I’ve got to go that high in five miles. Sheesh.

I’m not the only one moving at 4.45 am. Two cars creep through the campground, headlights illuminating the trees. I tell you, the wildlife watchers are keen. Read more →

Going to see my Mom!!!: Madison Jct campground to Grant Village, Yellowstone

Thursday June 13, 2013, 37 miles (59 km) – Total so far: 2,098 miles (3,376 km)

So I’ve ridden more than 2100 miles, haven’t done laundry in 10 days, haven’t showered in 3 days, and just spent the morning sweating my way up 1500+ feet of climbing to the Continental Divide (twice) while riding through rain and thunderstorms….

But my mom shows up right at noon and still gives her stinky daughter a huge hug and lets me get in the car with all of my wet, smelly gear! What a mom! Read more →

Holiday with Mom in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks: Off the bike June 14-21

Friday June 14, 2013

I travel with my Mom for a week – taking in Yellowstone and the Tetons with her by car, spending the nights in motels and cabins. We do a heap of hiking. I don’t get to see her as often as I’d like since I live overseas, so I highly value our time together. As my parents get older, I also really value our time out hiking, since I know our time together in the future won’t always be this active. Read more →

Back on the bike: Jackson to Afton

Saturday June 22, 2013, 75 miles (120 km) – Total so far: 2,173 miles (3,496 km)

I call them ‘the standard six’. The same six questions you get asked over and over by each new person you meet. Some days you might answer these same six questions at least six times:

1) Where you from?
2) Where you going?
3) How far do you ride in a day?
4) Where do you sleep at night?
5) Are you travelling ALONE?
6) Aren’t you scared/are you carrying a gun/doesn’t your family worry?

So any day I do not have to answer any of those questions, not even once, is a good day. Today, the day also begins with 35 miles of downhill, so I call it an excellent day! Read more →