Steamboat Springs, CO - Weather Redemption!

Got up early this morning to make the 100 mile run to Rock Springs before the notorious Wyoming Westerly’s start for the day. Was loaded and rolling at 6:30 to a temperature of 40 degrees. I put on all layers, turned the grip heaters on high and hit the long, straight 100 mile road and almost made Rock Springs before the wind started. It wasn’t bad; I could still maintain 70+ MPH speeds all the way to town. I had to turn into the ever increasing west wind to head 6 miles west on I80, then turn south again for Flaming Gorge. I was soon out of the wind and kept sailing down a road I have driven several times and now got to run on the bike. It’s a different ride on the bike. I was amazed at how low I was seeing snow still in the surrounding hills as I motored down to the lake. It is June 27 and there is still snow at these low elevations!

I paid $3 for gas in Dutch John, UT, the highest price gas I have seen my entire trip.



The lake level is the highest I have ever seen it in the 15 years I have been around it. The bath tub ring is almost covered with water. If it holds, our Scout troop is in for a real treat next year when we return for camp.

The twisty ride into Vernal was very nice. Again no wind, a real blue bird day out there.

Made the turn onto US 40 in Vernal for the ride across the Colorado Roan plateau. This is 120 miles of mountain desert plains and I was worried what kind of heat and wind I would encounter out here. The temperature was absolutely perfect and I had a slight tail wind. Kept the speed up across there as well. My bike runs real smooth at 70 if wind is not a factor.

Entered the great state of Colorado today. It is always such a thrill to get into my home state, regardless of where my travels have taken me.




Stopped mid point across on that stretch for a nature break at a concrete latrine on the side of the road. There was a neat Colorado map display here, which, turns out, was a Boy Scout Eagle project. That kid did a lot of planning because the nearest town is 35 miles away.



Pulled into Craig, hungry as a horse. Found a local Mexican joint and packed my belly. I only had about 42 miles to go to get to Steamboat, so I figured I could stave off lunch coma long enough to get here.



The Yampa valley is beautiful and the riding was awesome.

About 150 or so miles to get home tomorrow. I get to ride over Rabbit Ears pass again then head into Rocky Mountain National park for a run over Trail Ridge Road, the highest, continuous, paved road in North America. I absolutely love that ride and it will be icing on the cake of a great adventure.