Coals to Newcastle

From Kathy:

This picture shows cars on a coal train going through Newcastle, WY. Open pit mining of coal and production of methane gas are huge in the Powder River Valley, and we've seen evidence of this energy production for miles and miles.

Yesterday, the ride was one of the hardest on the trip - 112 miles from Sheridan to Gillette. I've been to Gillette on business before and so recognized a bit of it. We left Sheridan very early; I think it was no later than 6 a.m. There was a significant stretch of construction on the highway we were scheduled to ride and no realistic detours. The construction crew was very good in sagging (carrying) a couple of bicycles and riders (and in the case of Trish and Greg Dimmit - one bicycle and two riders for their tandem.) The vast majority of the riders rode through the construction, which was long and uphill and gravelly. I don't think this would have been possible on the first day of the trip, but the riders really have toughened up. From the perspective of the driver of a car, it was unusual to be paced through the construction by about 30 bicycles. Everyone made it through, with a terrific view of the Big Horn Mountains at the top of the ridge to make it worthwhile. Unfortunately, there were 90 miles of climbs and rollers left to go. I was providing water at mile 20 (all smiles) and again at mile 72. The riders found things to smile about, particularly the location of the stop - the Spotted Horse Cafe in Spotted Horse. Spotted Horse has a population of 2, and we were charmed by both of them - Jerome and Colleen. Best (and only) food for miles around. This location is one that has been by-passed by I-90 and few tourists go into the bar. Quite a place. There was a shady area outside where I spent five hours - the first rider came through at 11:15 and the last at 4:15. The shady area also had a discarded toilet, and it was pretty popular as a seat!!

We spent last night in a community park in Gillette. The grounds were lovely, and there was a pool and community center. We had a terrific dinner at the Prime Rib and Wine Bar with Allison, Lisa, and Kari (Bill's harem). The food was wonderful, the conversation lively. Bill got back rather on the late side to participate in the cook crew for the next day's lunch but made up for it this morning by keeping the coffee going and going and going. The park was wonderful for tenting until we were awakened at 2:30 by shouts of "Fire, fire, everybody get out!" I checked outside, saw no fire so went back to sleep. We heard this morning that some young kids had, in fact, started a small fire in a more remote area of the park.

Today's ride from Gillette to Newcastle was much easier - tailwind, shorter, not as many hills. Much more fun and not as much work.

Next post introduces five more riders.