The Catskill Chronicle

Monday, September 14, 2009

9:00 p.m. Eagle Creek National Forrest Campground – just outside Yellowstone National Park, which was full.

Road to the Sun. Eh. Too many people for my tastes. It was fun to be riding around with so many other bikers though. I was one of a few with a full face helmet and the only one wearing full protective riding gear. You had to wait all the time because there was tons of construction. But that was alright. I called them micro picnics! It was an awesome excuse to stop the bike and look around for 5-20 min. Don’t think everybody else was having as much fun.

A few times other bikers wanted to talk, but I didn’t want to take my earplugs out, so we resorted to yelling and hand gestures:)

The ride through Montana was stunning! As beautiful as anything I’ve seen so far! If you ever have the chance, take 89 south from Glacier to Yellowstone. Big long stretches of nothing. No cops – huge fun sweepers. It’s a dream riding out there.

Had a headwind all day; actually since leaving Seattle. The Buell blast is pretty underpowered for its class I’m coming to realize. The bike THUMPS under a headwind. For days and days now, if there is a head wind, it’s basically guaranteed I’m not riding faster than 60 mph.

When I get east, I wonder how I’m going to be able to get on the interstates. The map makes it look like taking county and state routes is going to be a pain – there are soooo many of them!

Also camping in the wind is a big drag. This evening the wind ramped up to about 40 mph. I had to use every tie down and stake to keep my poor little tent from flying away. Can’t imagine what it’s going to be like crossing Nebraska and Wyoming! Camping will be tricky:)