Pactour Days 10-11 "Wyoming"

View back from the 20 mile 4000 foot climb over the Big Horn Mountains.

Near the top, time to cool off in a little waterfall.

Top of Big Horn Mountain Pass.  Glad to see shooting stuff up isn't reserved only for Texas.

Day 10 was Pactour photo day, so natch wore the Pactour Jersey.  Notice Bisty in the background - check out the Pactour website for her background.

The City Limit sign sprint competition continues, Gillette didn't have an official sign, so the boys chose this as their finish line.   Double points (4) for finishing city signs.

A few days back you saw Jim's SRM data.  Here is JW's Garmin GPS data.  Pretty cool to see your speed and elevation - and your route displayed!!

Unable to post photos today - Internet access can be interesting in a state of 500,000 people.  I'll try to add tomorrow.

The past 2 days have been very cool.  Wyoming is a bit less "desert-like" than Montana, with alot of rolling hills.  

Yesterday we did a 20 mile climb, first 10 miles about 3% grade into 20mph headwind, then last 10 miles switchbacks with grades of 8-14%.  Definitely the toughest climb we've ever done on a bike.  Turk did it on her own in 3 hours, Jim and Will did 2:30 (and stopped for the waterfall.)  JW had to bail at 10 miles, his 100 pound frame worked harder into the headwind than it would have on the steep grades.  Bummer, but we all enjoyed the 16 mile descent towards Sheridan.

Last night we walked down the street to find laundry.  Across the street we found Korean BBQ which was nice.  Food variety is key to keeping Pactour fresh, as Lon says it is a bit like "Groundhog day."

Today "Woodyisms" were born. Woody Graham is nearly 70 years old and a veteran of many Pactours.  He is not the fastest rider, but gets the job done every day.  He rides by himself, with a pannier and we often see him as we are generally the last riders of the day.  One day we were walking to dinner (Subway next door) and several other riders were already eating (we had probably finished around 4:30 and it was now 6:30.)  Here comes Woody, finishing his day (after starting at 6:30 am.)  A typical Woodyism is "my toys use Energizer batteries, the Energizer Bunny uses Woody batteries."  He has become a bit of a hero to the boys and really sets an example of perseverance, tenacity, and endurance.

Today we rode to Gillette, WY.  Lots of rollers, better winds so enjoyed a tail wind today.  Will was hurting a bit today from his effort on the Big Horn climb yesterday.  Turk finally found her legs today, so she may start enjoying the riding a bit more from here.  JW absolutely flew today.  His challenge into the headwinds yesterday was reversed by the advantage he has climbing with a tailwind - it literally blows him up the climbs.

Tomorrow we ride 150 miles to Rapid City, Mt. Rushmore is just outside of town, so we will get to see this USA icon for the first time.

Til then.