Casper to Lusk Wyoming

Distance: 107 miles.
Temps started at 62 ended in hell. Averge for day 89.5
Climbing: 3,224’
Average moving speed: 17.6 (Peppy!)
Maximum Speed: 36.6 (zippy!)

Had the Duck along for the ride today. Matt led out our team of four today. John, Greg, and I shared the lead up through the surprisingly close first SAG at mile 25. After a quick stop, we headed out again, with Pam, one of the tour leaders joining us. We entered Interstate 25 and rode the wide and clean shoulder for 14 miles before exiting.

The cool morning soon gave way to increasing temperatures under bright blue skies. On the gently rolling horizon we would often see Antelope grazing. The sparsely populated land was beginning to bake under the summer sun when we rolled into the town of Douglas. For some reason Douglas celebrates the Jackalope – its image is all over town with a giant sculpture near the center. The Duck posed for a picture there.

The sun was high in the sky when we pulled into the second SAG at mile 65. It was located at a Sinclair gas station so we could use the facilities and pick up a cool drink. Luckily there were shaded picnic tables that provide a break while we popped Tylenol, electrolyte tablets, and ate a quick snack. Just before heading back on the road, I re-slathered sun screen on my legs and face and filled my water bottles and Camelback with ice and water.

Like the previous 10 miles of road, the next 10 miles of road were cracked with a tar like caulk in the gap. Due to the strong sun, the caulk softened and if you ran in the filled rut, you could get “grabbed” by these tar snakes. Going forward required a bit of concentration and frequent course corrections. It didn’t look like this ride was going to anything more than hard, hot work.

Well, one of the fluffy clouds rolled above our path and pretty much followed us to the third SAG at mile 86. It was welcome relief and allowed us to keep a pretty strong and steady pace. Turning out to be a decent riding day after all. The shaded picnic table at this SAG let us cool down a bit more as we chowed down on oranges, apples, Frito’s, and Fig Newton’s.

Finish line in Lusk is just a mere 20 miles ahead. A little climbing but with luck, and shade from the clouds it should be doable. We got to the hotel around 2:15. Another awesome ride: Hot and hard, yet awesome.

We happen to be in town for Rawhide days. The Parade at 5:00 had a mix of horse drawn covered wagons, Ford Mustangs, Mac Trucks and trailers with candy thrown to the kids on the sidewalks. Suddenly, a whooping and hollering came from down the street. About a dozen bare-chested men on horseback with red toned skin came galloping up the street. It was a preview of the “Lusk Massacre” to be re-enacted at the fairground later tonight. Past my bedtime.

Tomorrow’s ride to Hot Springs will be another long (92 miles) hot day with more climbing. After that we ride to Rapid City which will be my last riding day on the tour. Again, having mixed emotions. Glad to be heading home soon but feeling like I’m leaving many new friends too soon.

Lost Springs, Wyoming. Population: 4

Duck at second SAG Saturday

Background: Peter, Cumberland, ME, "CD" from Scarborough, ME, and Nick from Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, Great Britain

Lot of Long Horns here in Cowboy country

 Leaving last SAG. Headed to Lusk, Wyoming

 Lemonade waiting for us at hotel.

Duck got a charge out of the 5 Tesla parking & charging stations at the hotel.

Start of Lusk "Rawhide Days" parade.

We sat on curbside in front of hotel.

It was a hoot to see kids chase ofter Tootsie Rolls thrown from floats

Quite a few vintage wagons and coaches went by...and it was hot - close to 100 at 5:00 PM.

The best part was when a band of "Indians" charged up the street. I guess it's a re-enactment of the Lusk Massacre. That's when an Indian Princess was killed by Lusk settlers and the Indians took revenge by attacking and skinning the settlers...