Alaska & Beyond, pt.xxix

Additional comments from the present (Nov. 22, 2019): So I didn’t know it yet, but the trip was almost over at this point. Yes, there were still things to do, and places to visit, but the time on the road was dwindling. I had good reason to wind the trip down, which I’ll share in a later installment, I promise.

Still, writing this brings up a lot of emotions about the entire thing. A huge part of me wishes I had stayed on the road longer. Kept going. Was still out there. Even though I know that wasn’t possible (for a few reasons), it still pulls at me in an almost physical way – the road that is.

I’m sure I won’t be able to wait much longer before I give in to the seduction of a motorcycle with little to no destination.

July 30, 2019

The traffic this morning was horrible. Cows in the road every quarter mile or so for miles. Go eat some grass, Bessy! One of them acted like she was going to charge me… sassy cow must have sour milk.

One of Many Jams – Was Closer Than Image Implies

You might be wondering why I was involved in this traffic jam in the first place. The answer is pretty straightforward, actually. I realized I was near part of the Continental Divide ride, so why wouldn’t I ride it?

It was a quite scenic leg, but it certainly wasn’t a challenging leg. Unless you count my refusal to read a map properly “challenging”. It was fun taking all the wrong roads, seeing the area. Expecting a challenge, I was delivered some pretty easy riding.

Also took the time to help some folks with a flat tire. Because I’m a friendly guy like that.

I really spent the ride to Cheyenne trying to avoid highways as much as I could without taking two days. So, I kept chasing squirrels.

One led to Atlantic City. Just not the Atlantic City with a boardwalk. Or casinos. Super old gold rush town that refuses to quit. I’d probably have checked it out more if it wasn’t insanely hot.

Above 85 (really above 90) all day. Gross. Seriously gross. Combine with the altitude, and I just can’t get enough water. Nuts.

Saw some amazing red colors in a canyon. A place called Muddy Gap. A Lincoln monument. An Ames monument. Plenty of random gravel roads.

Now I’m in Cheyenne for the night. Walking around downtown. It’s really neat here! Maybe I should have stayed more nights, but I’ve got a thing I wanna do.