If Only Every Day Started Like Today

June 14, 2025

Today started the way riders always dream about. 24 miles of downhill. Some were gradual and some were steep. In the end I averaged over 20 mph for that segment. Of course like all routes, it was downhill until it wasn't. And of course everything couldn't go in my favor so there was a bit of east to west wind and I as you know am riding west to east. The openness of Wyoming is part of its beauty and at the same time a bit of a curse for cyclists. Today's stopping point was on the highway at the Big Horn County line. Fortunately Mrs G is still with me and could drive us the 15 miles it took to get to the closest place to stay for the night (and that includes campsites). More on that later.

From a scenery perspective, today was a tale of two views...West of Cody was lush and green with lots of rivers, lakes and a reservoir (surprise it was named Buffalo Bill). East of Cody was more brown, drier, and more remote, oh and more uphill too.

The highlight of today was the people I met...

First was Ryan one of the workers at the Pahaska Lodge. When we told him where we were staying tonight, he simply said, have you ever seen Otto? Then he pointed to the mountains across the street where there were no houses or structures of any type and said "that's how many houses there are in Otto."

Then there was Sara Dolan. I met Sarah on Stagecoach Trail (a 6 mile detour away from Route 20) and we had a great conversation. She and her husband, Terry, recently moved from Evergreen, CO. Anyone who wants to sign up for a snowmobile tour of Yellowstone, let me know as Terry is in charge of the program. Thanks for chasing me down and teasing Michele with me.

Next was Harold. He approached Michele and I at the entrance to the 3 tunnels at the Buffalo Bill Reservoir and offered to open up the secret gate to allow me to bypass the tunnels. Of course I agreed and thanked him. Two wonderful benefits of my gifted detour: first Michele later reported that the tunnels were a bit sketchy for cyclists, and second was that I got to see the river from a perspective that people in cars never get to see. Thanks Harold.

Finally, Michele and I met Kate Boreen. Kate runs a 764 acre cattle and hay ranch in Otto, WY pretty much on her own. She is the epitome of a savvy rancher. Her husband died 9 years ago and she just can't bring herself to leave as this has been her home and her occupation for over 20 years. We're staying in the ranch guest house...a real luxury for a touring cyclist and his sag boss.

Lot's of pictures to share of scenery, people, and the sign of the day. I hope you enjoy them.

Until the next post...

Ryan was our waiter for most of our meals at the Pahaska Tepee Lodge. For the record, Pahaska is Buffalo Bill's Sioux name meaning Long Hair.

Buffalo Bill strikes again. Pretty sure every building and street and river and...is named after BB

My new friend Sarah. Thinking maybe when you're back in Colorado we can ride together. Or maybe I'll get adventurous and come to WY to snowmobile

Here's Harold the protector of cyclists and the secret route around the tunnels

The cyclist view of the Shoshone North River...Thank you Harold

Pea Soup Green enjoyed the secret river view too

The final milestone of the day. Kinda anticlimactic, but it was a sight for sore legs

A picture of Shoshone National Forrest. Mrs G loves purple flowers

Coming up route 20 about 20 miles outside of Yellowstone

Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway in Shoshone National Forrest

That dot is me leaving Stagecoach Trail heading for...wait for it...Buffalo Bill Reservoir ;-0

Folks meet Kate. She laughed and smiled all the time, except for the picture :-(

Sign of the day. Multiple ways to interpret it, so I'll leave it to each of you do read it as you wish ;-)

Today's ride: 77 miles (124 km)
Total: 158 miles (254 km)

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Mike PillaLife Philosophy 101: it's all downhill 'till it isn't (I. Gordon, 6/14/25)...
May you have a smooth downhill sometime every day...
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17 hours ago

ADAM CRELLINGThanks for taking the time to share all of these wonderful details on your experience. Nice to see such positive messages and good memories of the ride. Mic is a good pacer. She can be waiting with a cold beverage at each landing point. What's that saying? It's not the destination but the journey that is important?? Safe riding my friend!
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14 hours ago