The wideness of this state is truly remarkable. We have seen so much of its vastness and haven’t even reached the halfway point from a south-to-north perspective. Another day of our ride and mission is complete as we continue to push north toward Yellowstone.
Patrick, Nina, Nabeel, and Paul (NP) pass Fontenelle Reservoir.
Ride Overview
Mileage: 70.0
Elevation: +2202’/-2369’
General Direction: Navigate to northbound U.S. 189, remain on this road for the duration of the route until turning left onto Smith Ave. in Big Piney to reach the stayover.
Points of Interest: Fontenelle Reservoir, Green River, Rocky Mountains
Tales of the Trail
The day began with a very gradual climb out of Kemmerer that opened up to distant mountains on all sides at the top. We could see the Uinta range to the south and the snow-capped Rockies surrounding Grand Teton to the north, barely visible and in more of a blue haze at that point. From here, the route was very straightforward with occasional mesas and ridges with their stacked rusty red and white layers appearing in and out of view. Some of these surrounded the Fontenelle Reservoir, which made for a beautiful sight made truly complete with cows! A quick stop in La Barge followed by a speedy 20 miles and we arrived in Big Piney around 1:00 PM.
Early morning view of distant Rockies.
Happy cows!
Very enjoyable lunch stop for Paul.
We are staying at the Big Piney Recreation Center. While here, we are doing a team-wide pickle ball tournament as well as a portrait with Marcia, a cancer survivor who herself was coming to play pickle ball. We did the portrait and got to play with her and her friends which made for a fun evening. A dinner donation from La Cabaña, a local Mexican restaurant, put some filling quesadillas into our systems, and we prepared for bed and a 92-miler to follow.
Cyclist’s Corner
Today’s Rider: Sam Rosner
How are you today? Doing great! We had a smooth day with beautiful scenery and I’m really enjoying Wyoming.
In your opinion, what makes a good I4K teammate? Someone always willing to help, who is willing to challenge themselves, and is fun to be around.
Where was the best ice cream you’ve had so far? Ivanna Cone in Lincoln, Nebraska. I got a coffee and vanilla ice cream soda which was really good!
How have you improved in handling the bike during the ride? Getting to ride every day has really improved my fitness and I’ve definitely become better at cornering on the long descents out west.
If you could snapshot one favorite or at least special sight, place, or moment in your mind that you’ve experienced on the bike, what would it be, where was it, and on what ride day? There have been so many. On the rest day in Boulder, Paul and I went for a ride and that was when we had first seen the mountains so we got a taste for what the Rocky Mountains would be like to bike in.
In ten words or less, how will you remember this ride when we complete it? A collection of new experiences.
Please visit the rider profiles page on the website to learn more about this year’s riders! :)
Sam M, Jean, Hanna, Edward, and Adam (NP) pass the reservoir to the west.