Fulfilling a Dream (36 years later): Day 57: Lander, WY to Dubois, WY

Sunday, July 15, 2012, 76 miles - Total so far: 1430 miles*
* Miles ridden on the TransAm route
Odometer miles - Today - 76.2 Total to date - 1493.3 miles

A long, hard day of climbing

Catching up on my blog –

The theme for the day was climbing. Lander's elevation is 5480 ft. and Dubois is 7610 ft. Add to that a 75 mile day and lots of wind. This might have been the hardest day yet - though thankfully the temperatures were in the mid-70s.

This elk sculpture was in front of a motel around the corner from our campsite.

Interior of the Gannett Bar - The Hotel Lander sign in the distance can be seen on the old photo of the hotel in the foreground. Today it's the restaurant.

Interesting building on Main St. in Lander

The first stretch of the ride was Lander to Fort Washakie, 15 miles in nice temperatures and not too much wind. We took a short break there before pressing on through the next 16 mile stretch leading only to a highway rest area.

Fort Washakie, WY - sign on the hillside in the distance - on the Wind River Indian Reservation

Statue of Chief Washakie

Dubois - 60 miles (just outside Fort Washakie)

There was another very nice downhill beyond Fort Washakie. Not only easy coasting, but spectacular views.

Cyclists' favorite sign - again

Beautiful views from the downhill - between Fort Washakie and Crowheart

Another view of the downhill

The rest area offered only water, no other refreshments. As we were about to leave Paul and Judy arrived. Just before they got to the rest area Judy fell and bruised her elbow and knee and scraped up her hand. Paul and Wendy spent some time helping Judy and I waited so I wouldn't be riding along. Unfortunately, this only added to the length of a long riding day.

Crossing the Wind River - rivers in this part of Wyoming actually have water flowing.

Between the rest area and Crowheart we passed Crowheart Butte.

Sign describing Crowheart Butte (in the distance to the right)

Beyond Crowheart, our last services, we had 33 miles of more scenic riding. But we also rode into a very strong headwind and cross wind. I found it very frustrating, especially because it was my day to cook dinner with Ubald.

Dubois - 33 miles, Yellowstone 115 (getting closer)

Red rocks and winding road along the Wind River - leading to Dubois

More spectacular views of the red rocks

The Wind River - U. S. 287 follows the river all the way to Dubois

I didn't make it to camp until 4:00pm - dead tired. I set up my tent and showered and then went to work on dinner. Fortunately, Ubald is a very hard worker who got things going and did a lot more of the work than I did. Thank You Ubald!