"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try." ~ Beverly Sills

Thursday, June 28, 2012  (Day 22)
Parkway Plaza Hotel, Casper, WY
Miles:  59  MPH:  11.5  Max:  23  Total:  1269

UGH!!  Ugh! Ugh!!  Not a spectacular day!

Giant Rock Formations!

We knew it would be a tough day.  There is nothing between Riverton and Casper, Wyoming and they are 120 miles apart.  Nothing to do but pray for a tail wind and that we both felt up to the challenge.  But no wind and record high temperatures and no (I mean no) shade began to do us in!  Jack still wasn't feeling well and didn't want to eat because his stomach felt uneasy.  Even though we were trying to drink plenty, the air was so dry, desert like, that we could hardly swallow.  We had passed a gas station about 10 miles into the ride and at 59 miles another one in the town of Hiland (population 10! yep 10!).  Stopping for a cold drink and to get out of the sun, we were discouraged.   Several workers from the area were inside for lunch.  We talked and asked if they thought we could camp somewhere before reaching Casper.  The options were dim!  Then we learned the gas station had a room they would rent (use your imagination) for the night!!  Yikes!  Our options were looking bleak!

While there, a family came in looking for gas.  The gas station was out of gas and wasn't due a delivery until tomorrow!!  There wasn't another gas station for almost 50 miles.  It's a crazy world here!

Our Rescuers!

Jack, feeling queasy,  wanted to find a ride!!  Are you kidding?  Ugh!  I did not want a ride!  But a bit worried I stuck out my thumb and at 53 years old, I hitch-hiked!!  Two very nice men stopped and we loaded our trailer, 2 bikes, bags, and us in the back of their pick-up truck!  Now don't think it was easy!  The sun  relentlessly beat down on us, the wind blew at 70 mph - fierce, and the ride was bumpy and extremely dirty!!  It was a long ride and I don't think I would have made it by biking.  But now that the sun is a bit lower and I'm cooled down, I'm going to ride around the town for 60 miles to make up for it!!

We are in the town of Casper tonight, Wyoming's 2nd largest town.  It's smaller than Lancaster!  

Now that's a saddle!

Tomorrow is a short mileage day.  We are at a hotel tonight and hoping that Jack will feel better in the morning.  Looking forward to what the new day brings our way!
Missing home!
xoxo