In Memory of Warmer Summers

Jeffrey City, WY to Lander, WY

Miles: 60

Miles so far: 3,196

These three took off only to be chased back - note the dark skies

Waking up this morning to the sound of thunder is an unusual experience.  Thunderstorms are rare in this part of the country so early in the morning without the sun to power them.  That’s not all that’s unusual in Jeffrey City, Wyoming.

This is a stop that worried me.  The only open business I knew of was the Split Rock Bar and Cafe, and for years, the touring blogs have ranked this about as low as you can get.  There are no showers, there is no place to stay (since the only hotel closed), and reportedly the owner of the bar and restaurant was openly hostile to cyclists.  However, we started getting word on the road from other cyclists that there was a change in ownership at the cafe, cyclists were welcome, and a potter set up a business across the street and was allowing cyclists to stay in a trailer and shed on his property.  Bonus!

Proof!

Jeffrey City is positioned roughly half-way between Lander and Rawlins, with no other stops available, so it is vital to cyclists on the Trans-Am.   The town is an extreme example of a boom/bust economy that is experiencing a current and sustained decline.  Jeffrey City used to be a uranium mining town, once thriving, but political and market forces have caused a long-term bust for this Fremont County township.

Upon our arrival, we met up with three cyclists from England and one American that preceded our arrival.  The six of us set up  “shop” in the cafe/bar where the large bathroom was used for “sink showers” and cleaning up, the internet was available through a Wi-Fi connection, and the food was plentiful and quite good.

Setting up our own section

Sallie: "I didn't know pancakes came that big."

The artistry of the potter - monkart.net; Monkingbird Pottery on Facebook

We had to shelter to wait out the morning storms,but once we started out the winds were fair and we got into Lander without any more trouble from the weather — in fact the winds were very much subdued all day, which is always a bonus in this part of the country.  However, areas near the Sweetwater River were so heavy with mosquitoes, if we didn’t have spray, we’d not have survived.  They would have packed us away, 75 pound bikes and all!

The Wind River mountain range is in the distance as we begin the descent of Beaver Rim

These startling colors are found in the cliffs entering the Lander Valley

Upon reaching Lander, we set up behind the Holiday Lodge, where they host a special for cyclists.  We camped on their property behind the hotel, right on the river.  This provides access to showers, laundry and a Jacuzzi.  $10 a person – that’s pretty reasonable by Trans-Am standards.  Aaaah…the bonuses of homeless vagabonds!

Home for the evening

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Tomorrow’s ride is dedicated to John Douglas Greenwalt

Doug Greenwalt

On May 13, 1999, John Douglas Greenwalt of Cheyenne, Wyoming was killed by a drunk driver in a two vehicle collision.  Doug was 20 years old.

Not a day goes by without some reminder of how Doug touched our lives.  He was a special, talented, and kind person.  The memories make you smile when you think you cannot.

Doug’s Family and Friends