We got into Buffalo around 2 PM this afternoon. Great thinking on Bonesy's part suggesting that we leave early, because we ended up beating the heat and having time to relax, grab a bite, and upload some photos. Also I bought a new tire to replace my rear one that is literally worn down to the threads. Unfortunately, the bike shop here didn't have anything wider than a 32c (I've been riding on 37's), so I just bit the bullet and picked up some tubes to fit the new tire. It's a Continental "Touring Plus," by the way, which is a bit of a step up from my Conti "Contact" as I understand it. There was never really anything wrong with the Contact, but it does seem to have worn awfully fast. I guess I'm going to change it out when I get back to the campsite, but the prospect of going through that whole process while being eaten alive by bugs is not a pleasant one.
Speaking of prospects, tomorrow we make what is supposedly the most strenuous climb of the whole tour: from Buffalo to Powder River Pass along the Cloud Peak Skyway (US-16 Scenic Byway) we will gain about 5,000 ft. elevation over 30 miles. People have warned us about this since Sioux Falls -- none more ominously than the guys at Sports Lure (the bike shop) in town here. But I guess there's always that local "our road (or weather or wildlife or bar or whatever) is more dangerous than yours" mentality. I'm wicked looking forward to it, although I will be honest and admit to sharing some of Bonesy's trepidation. My feeling is that the more excited I am, the better I will perform, the easier the climb will be, the more enjoyable it will be. Sort of "power of positive thinking," only with a tangible connection via biometrics. At any rate, you'll be hearing from us at some point about this ride (including, of course, the equally epic 30 mile descent through Ten Sleep Canyon).
We're going to some sort of Bluegrass Jam night at the old Occidental Hotel here, which should be cool. There's also a Big Horn Mountain Music Festival this weekend, but hopefully we'll be hearing disjointed snatches from a mile above town by the time they get that going tomorrow. Also I should note that there were some fellow tenters at our campground who cheered as we rode up. I guess they passed us on the 70 desolate miles between Gillette -- curse its name! -- and here, and felt like we were pretty "hard core." I'll leave that to the hive mind.
HARRY POTTER UPDATE. Today I am so excited for the upcoming release of HP7:tDHp2 that I can't even talk about it on the internet! Instead, wizarding readrs, I will ask you to post who is your favorite HP character and why!!! Mine is Hermione because she's the "brightest wizard of her age" and can solve any magical riddle! Only eight days left!
Ride on.
You guys look great in the photos. And the Badlands looks like an awesome place! Keep the Sun lotion flowing onto your bodies!!
ReplyDeleteNicholas, you've become quite the technician with the bike specifications --- good job. Proud of you as usual. Nice job of putting those 70 miles behind you.
BTW, any idea whee you will see HP7:tDHp2?
Before I reveal my HP fav, I want to acknowledge both of your refreshing and inspiring creativity. Thru your prose, MC, and your insightful photos of life on the open road and in the open, Jessa, you both have brought me to the realization that I HAVE NO BUCKET LIST. maybe because Im living it but now I get to dive down into that bucket and see whats there. You both are sososo delightfully delightful. Thank you, for being my son, dear Man Cub and to you Jessa, for being the intriguingly gorgeous TOE we are all growing to love. I have never seen such landscape. Or ribbons of road. One of the last photos you posted is my fav besides the ones of the juicy youthful and eager cyclist... the one where the two minnows are swimming across startling blue sky. will be checking out Occidental hotel, bluegrass jam and scenic hw. hug each other for me please.
ReplyDeleteAs per your request; my favorite HP character(s) absolutely are the house elves, Kreacher and Dobby. First of all its their size, child size really. And their utterly pathetic inability to move beyond third person enslavement. They are so cute, with the way their ears are overpowering and their slinky little side glances. Love their voices... a whiney sort of rebellious attitude. I dont understand the deeper levels of series but they seem to be in pivotal moments, like when Dobby who I think is by then emancipated, assists the Hermione, Ron and HP into leaving sinister house of hmmm, I dont remember but its the scene where the witch hurls the dagger into the magic void and ends of killing Dobby who then is laid to rest in the sand dunes over looking deep water which is a transition to clarity and new understanding. Right? Lastly, its their undying loyalty to family and major insult if freeing them is better. I adore them. oh and maybe its the childlike vulnerability that tugs at my HP heart. Kind of like penguins and short people (meaning toddlers) do.
ReplyDeleteOh forgot to mention that this is a fantastic way to entice us all to share HP moments. Im with papa; where are you guys going to see it? Bike route must be recalculated to include theatre. Hey, have a night of it! You guys made $65 more smackers today! Also want to introduce idea for you both to consider. I have August vacation and cant move into apt until 15Aug. Any chance we can meet for a few days second week August? Ill be the one w the Congrats Sign in Crescent City! Think about it and since you dont know when you will be where, its all good. Please stay safe.
ReplyDeleteText from Jessica, they made it through the Powder River Pass - Elev. 9666 - in the Big Horn mountains:
ReplyDelete"We biked up a mountain! there was even snow on the top, and i saw a moose! then we rode down the other side through a canyon. amazing!"