The Texas group "Asleep At theWheel" does western swing music just about better than anyone. RayBensen is a killer guitarist. But I digress this is about adifferent type of swing - my swing into the mountains of Wyoming.After two days of riding, I was only 10 miles short of my plannedDay 2 campsite at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. I leftearly Sunday morning with the goal of being in Livingston, Montanaby noon Wednesday for a scheduled business appointment. Ten days ofriding had been planned and in preparation I did extensive routebuilding with mapping software and uploaded 9 separate routes intomy GPS. I knew the way home from Nashville so I didn't need anyhelp for that leg. This was one of the most valuable things I didand was indispensable!
Wind Cave National Park:
Tuesday's route wound from SouthDakota to Devils Tower and then into the Big Horn Mountains ofWyoming. Once again stuck in a motel room I had watched a SouthDakota infomercial for Custer State Park and decided to add it tomy list for the day. I briefly visited my original destination ofWind Cave and then headed to Custer SP a few miles up the road.This is one of the nicest parks I have ever been in. The roadthrough it was a twisty hoot and the only traffic I encountered wasBuffalo. Tatanka as the Indians in the area called them aredangerous. I could have stopped and stroked the nose of a few ofthese beasts and probably gotten some pictures worthy of NationalGeographic but I wussed out, crept past the ones in the middle ofthe road and took pictures from a safe distance. This park isworthy of an extended stay. Check it out at HERE. After anhour or so of tooling around the Park I was only about half waythrough it and headed west on hwy16A towards the town of Custer.The Black Hills smell great! After Custer, Route 16 heads towardsWyoming past Jewel Cave National Monument and the road is memorablewith nice sweeping twisties.
Wyoming State line:
This part of Wyoming is oil and cattle country. The topography isrolling and semi-arid. I had just about 100 miles to trek from thestate line up to Devils Tower National Monument. Just outside ofthe town of Sundance I saw a sign that read, "Wyoming MotorcycleLaws - Under 18 must wear helmets, motorcycles burn headlights, nohandlebars above shoulder height." They don't want ape hangers inthis state! I should have taken a picture but figured I would snapa shot of the next one - which I never came across. State road 14and 24n up to Devils Tower are fun, sweeping, well pavedroads.
Devils Tower:
I've been to this geologic wondertwo times before but would never miss an opportunity to return andstare. June is a sacred month here and the tower had NativeAmerican prayer bundles laid around the base of what is called"Bear Lodge". Technical climbing is allowed on the monument but notduring this month. There is a sense of time and space at DevilsTower that is unique. I spent an hour walking around the base andthen headed for points west. I planned on camping in a primitiveBLM site on Bald Mountain west of Sheridan a few hundred miles awayand it was already noon.
Fast forward to the approach to Sheridan onI-90:
Wyoming route 14climbing up into the Big Horns is a must ride. A combination oftight and sweeping constant radius curves that goes on formiles.
Approaching the Big Horn Mountains:
Big Horn National Forest entrance:
A small peak:
At the ranger station I was informedthat my intended camp site at 9000+ feet was closed because ofsnow. The temp at the station 1000 feet lower had been 32 degreesthat morning and my best bet was a BLM site called Five SpringsFalls on the western side of the mountain range. I was disappointedbut so far it had been a fantastic day and I didn't mind ridingfurther. In fact these roads were so much fun I didn't want tostop! I then turned onto 14a and headed towards BaldMountain.
The road ahead:
Road to the Medicine Wheel:
Planned camp area:
Day three ended at a remote BLMcampground that had 18 tent sites. I was the only one there. Thebulletin board warned that mountain lions and black bears had beenseen prowling the area. 417 more miles under my belt, wonderfulroads, weather and sights. Just 200 more miles to go to Livingstonand my Wednesday afternoon appointment then it would be on toYellowstone and Grand Teton parks. Life is good! This day more thanmade up for all the bad weather I had endured.
Five Springs Falls BLM Campground:
Looking West Towards Lovell, WY and Tomorrow'sRoads:
