Jeffrey City, Wyoming to Saratoga, Wyoming
I had a great time at the Cyclist Hostel in Jeffrey City. All in all a great stay, except that when I was leaving, I got sand all over my bike from the soft sand road. The weather looked clear and I started rolling at 7:00. Luckily it was warmer than the past couple of days as it started to rain almost immediately. There was a cool rock formation I could see for miles down the road. Getting closer, I discovered a marker, and read that it is called “Split Rock“. It’s gunsight-like notch, which gave it its name, guided 19th century pioneers West just as it guided me. Very cool!
At Muddy Gap, the only stop between Jeffrey City and Rawlins, the convenience store was closed, despite saying it was open – good thing I have extra water! To power up, I ate sunflower seeds and left a trail of shells from Jeffrey City halfway to Rawlins! The Garmin maps seemed to be glitching with the elevation today. It was demoralizing going up giant hills only to watch the elevation go down and then suddenly jump up 1000 feet. While riding along, someone pulled off the road right in front of me, jumped out and handed me a Dr. Pepper. Thanks Randy! Just before hitting Rawlins I pedaled up and over the Continental Divide and then ate an early lunch.
By 4:30 pm, I arrived in Saratoga and checked into, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, another church/cyclist hostel. Two bikers were already there, one was a 21 year old named Yusuf. Yusuf and I grabbed a huge dinner at The Malt Restaurant – a big burger, fries and a strawberry smoothie for me. We then made our way over to the Hobo Hot Springs. I planned my stop in Saratoga because I heard they had natural hot springs right along the North Platte River. The hot pools were free and open 24/7! The water temperatures ranged from 104-116 degrees. It was so relaxing to lounge in the springs after another long day of riding. After a nice, long soak, I walked back to the hostel, did my laundry and relaxed for the rest of the night. I did head back to The Malt for a late night snack (another burger). I have to keep loading the protein! View Photos –>
Distance: 108.07(1188.49 total miles)
Time: 7:15:18
Ascent: 2800
Descent: 2375
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I hope u get my notes. I am fascinated with all the things you have been doing along the way east. You have met wonderful people. Imagine handing over a high energy during drink. As some guy comes up to you. Did u have 2 nights with the cousins. Did you even see a bear??? Buffalo are huge. U were pretty close to them. Are all your muscles hardened up and no bad pain I hope. 4th of July will b very low key here. K has a friend coming for the day. Will you b at Sophie’s house or climbing Mt Harvard on the 4th. Please say “Hi”. To my friends who are with u Love to all. ESP you🚴🏼♂️. Meems
Thanks Meems! Love you! 3 nights with cousins – 2 full days and 1 half. No bears and no pain! Don’t know what the 4th has in store yet… definitely fireworks over BV!