Casper, Wyoming: You know the scenery is desolate when you’re looking forward to a place called Hell’s Half Acre, as I was on today’s 122-mile ride to Casper. The ride was straight through a vast, pervasive, brownish-green nothingness that went on for miles and miles. For nearly 100 miles we did not have a stop sign or a traffic light to navigate. We did pass through a couple tiny towns, such as Hiland (population 10).
Hell’s Half Acre, a gorge from an otherwise flat plain, actually comprises 320 acres and features jagged rock spires. Some scenes from Starship Troopers were shot here. It was a good diversion from an otherwise insufferably long journey, which I cycled at the respectable pace of 14.5 mph against moderate headwinds. (The wind karma is back with us; we had it pretty easy en route to Casper compared to some previous rides). Today I set a new personal best record for distance cycling. As a wise man said, when you’re going through Hell….keep going.
Mile by mile, we’re making progress in crossing a continent. Tomorrow is a rest day in Casper. I’m looking forward to doing laundry.
Day 18 summary:
Day 18: Riverton to Casper, Wyoming.
Day 18 mileage: 122.54 miles
Cumulative mileage: 1,353.41 miles per my odometer
Climbing: 2,660 feet
Cumulative Climbing: 46,970 feet of climbing
Terrain: rolling nothingness
Hi Todd! you’re the only person I know who has been to a town with a population of 10!
Hiland, population 10, was one of the larger towns we passed through! It’s desolate out there!
Todd,
I was talking to Manyee today and she mentioned that you were doing this trip. I am SO excited that you finally got to do it! I will definitely be following along with you.
It was interesting to see your route and even the picture of the Holiday Inn sign. Eons ago, when I worked for Holiday Inn, I had to do a trip visiting all of their hotels in Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. So, i’ve actually been to that one!
I thought it was grueling to do that trip via car….. I can’t imagine how it must be via bike!
Good luck and I’ll be following along–
Sherri
Thanks so much Sherri for the encouragement! My best.
Love the pic of the Hiland Tavern, Todd. I guess the folks of Hiland (all 10 of them) are a little bit right of centre looking at the stickers on the counters e.g. “An oil well a day keeps OPEC away” and “Meat is not murder – it’s a tasty way to enjoy a dead animal” (I guess there’s not too many vegetarians in Hiland either).
I was definitely in foreign territory politically. There were anti-Oama stickers over the place. I thought about chanting Yes, We Can ….!
Todd, it sure seems like the vacation is over! The climb in the cold 2 days ago must have had you thinking, “what is the heck am I doing”! Great pictures of the tetons and the deer. My family went to Jackson Hole a few years ago. Cool spot. How long until you are out of the mountains? I think we will be seeing you 2 weeks from today in Wisconsin. Keep up the good work!!
Absolutely the vacation is over. I recalled what one of the ANDC volunteers (Robert?) told me in PP….when it gets tough, just think of the kids and of the dump. I did! I also received my ANDC jersey yesterday. I will wear it when I resume riding tomorrow. Will post pix on my blog. See you in WI!
Todd,
I heard that cycling the northern route cross-country is the harder one – and looking at the amount you’ve climbed, I believe it! Pretty amazing work-out. AND, it sounds like you are having the time of your life, which is fantastic.
All the ANDC kids cheer for you. They know at least three U.S. states by now. Any chance you could add a few states, just for their learning??
Annette, please let the kids know I think about them often. About the geography lesson, you can add Iowaa to the list. This weekend, I will meet my folks and son and we will drive into Iowa on my rest day. And I came within 10 miles of Nebraska. Does that help?
Todd, Miranda and I have been following your journey with much interest. Today we had the pleasure of one Mr. Huey Miller out to our farm for an afternoon of fishing while you were pedaling away. He is one cool little man and the most pleasing personality. He is really looking forward to hooking up with you in Dakota. Good luck to you as you continue your journey. Michael Hendrix
Many thanks Michael for your kind words and interest in this cycling journey. I completely agree that little Huey is one cool dude!