Resolutions & Big Wonderful Wyoming

It's the new year and that means making resolutions. Do you come up with one each year? Are they different each year or do you resort back to the same one (probably because you didn't keep it the year before)? I've never been one to make resolutions with myself. Call me lazy, say I'm not goal oriented, but it's just not my thing.

On a side note, I usually always make a promise to myself for Lent. Back in high school every year my goal would be to give up drinking pop for the whole time. Usually that worked just fine, but eventually it got too easy. Turned out I wasn't drinking pop normally any other time of the year. One year I made it a bit more difficult for myself and gave up chocolate. To my somewhat surprise, yet excitement, I kept that promise and went chocolate-free for the entire time. One other thing I tired was push-ups. Instead of giving something up, I wanted to do something good for myself. I think the number I set was 50 for each day, but I don't think I was able to keep that promise going for the whole Lent season.

This year might be a tad different. I wanted to make silent promises to myself and stick to it. My goals are to floss my teeth and clean the kitchen more thoroughly each night. The flossing part seems elf explanatory, everyone needs to keep their teeth healthy. The kitchen cleaning is something I've struggled with, but want to improve. All it takes most nights is a simple wash. At least I don't want to have a pile of dishes waiting for me in the morning. Well, now they are no longer silent promises since I've shared them with the web. That's ok though, now I can welcome encouragement from all of you!

You might be asking, well why don't you just try to work out more and make that your resolution? My theory is a resolution like that is just asking to be broken. I will say, though, that Joe and I have started a work out routine (or somewhat routine) together. We have the luxury of multiple workout options from running in our neighborhood, riding our bikes indoors and workout DVDs.

Even better, we now have a goal to work towards. Did I say earlier that I'm not goal oriented? No, you just accused me of that. Either way, Joe and I have a goal. Thanks to some family members (and other people who I don't even know) we've joined the great bike ride across Wyoming.

Rules

• Be ready for a high altitude adventure.  You will be riding across Wyoming and hopefully learning something about its history and other knowledge that isn’t quite as valuable.  Most elevations of your destinations are included on the ride so you see all the variations in the state as well as why we have to breathe just a little deeper in Wyoming.

• For every mile you ride on your bike or stationary bike, you count as a mile on the trip.  Every hour of exercise counts as 5 miles.  If you walk for one hour you can count that as 5 miles but if you walk or run more than 5 miles you will have to adjust for the additional time (For example, if you walk one and a half hours, you would record 7 ½ miles.).

• If you play on a sports team, every hour of practice or game play counts as 5 miles.  Sitting on the bench for a game will not count but if you are playing most of a game, you will have to use your math skills and convert them to miles.

• The race begins January 15 and ends July 4.  That means get started now because time is already ticking!

• If you would like a free map of Wyoming to follow your route, let Louise know and she will send you one.

• Have fun, set off, and see you at the finish line on the 4^th of July.

Now for the course and mileage. This will help you achieve small goals along the way. Strive for a town or landmark each week!

(Disclaimer: I did not create this course, nor have I ever been to Wyoming. Thank you to Louise who sent this trail to the family.)

• The ride begins in the far southeast corner at Pine Bluffs.  This is a small town of about 1,100 people and it is best known for having one of the nicest rest areas on I-80.  Not much happens here but it is the gateway to Wyoming.  (30 miles)

• Cheyenne - You have arrived in the capital city of Big Wonderful Wyoming.  This is the home of Cheyenne Frontier Days otherwise known as the Daddy of ‘Em All rodeo. (30 miles)

• Sherman Pass (Elev. 8640 ft) - You have reached the summit known as Sherman Pass and the highest point on transcontinental I-80.  You need to stop and rub the nose on Lincoln’s bust to remind you this was part of the old Lincoln highway. (20 miles)

• Laramie (Elev. 7220 ft) - This is the home of the University of Wyoming, the state’s only four-year university.  Lots of campus bars where you can stop and have a cold one.  Ask any student where the Library is and you will probably not be able to do much studying there. (20 miles)

• Bosler (Elev. 7074 ft) - A neat little ghost of the past dozing along the old “Lincoln Highway” (US 30/287) and named for Frank Bosler, one of the early ranchers of the area. (25 miles)

• Sybille Game Research and Conservation Education Unit - One of the country’s leading wildlife research facilities.  It is especially known for the Game and Fish department’s work with the black-footed ferret.  No place for a cold one here but open to the public from May 1 to September 15.  Well worth the stop. (25 miles)

• Wheatland (Elev. 4733 ft) - The horse Steamboat was stabled here.  The horse was the model of the bucking horse found on Wyoming license plates and the mascot for the University of Wyoming.  (20 miles)

• Glendo (Elev. 4718 ft) - This is the site of Glendo State Park and Reservoir that a favorite summer recreation site for Wyomingites and citizens of Colorado.  (25 miles)

• Douglas (Elev. 4815 ft) - Home of the state fair and a pretty jumping place in August. Don’t hit the jackalope standing in the middle of town or you might damage your bike.  (30 miles) 

• Glenrock (Elev. 5000 ft) - This town was also known as Deer Creek Station and was an important stage stop along the Oregon Trail. (25 miles)

• Casper (Elev. 5123 ft) - This is the second largest city in Wyoming and nicknamed the Oil City.  The city has a history of boom and bust and cowboy culture.  It lies at the foot of the Casper Mountains and on the banks of the North Platte River.  The town was named for Lt. Caspar Collins but due to a typo the name was registered as Casper.  (20 miles)

• Junction of 220 and 487 (Elev. 5200 ft) - As you leave Casper you begin riding through Wyoming’s desolate high plans.  You will stop at several locations that have names but no people.  You might see a small isolated gas station or a ranch.  More cows and sheep live here than people. (70 miles)

• Medicine Bow (Elev. 6563 ft) - After your long journey, you have reached the historic town of Medicine Bow.  Home of the Virginian Hotel.  The town and the hotel became the background for the novel and television show entitled The Virginian.  The hotel is still operating and you can stop for refreshments at the bar.  (20 miles)

• Hanna (Elev. 6777 ft) - One of many coal-mining towns in Wyoming that started as a coal supply town for the Union Pacific railroad.   (20 miles)

• Walcott Junction (Elev. 6450 ft) - The crossroads of US 30 and I-80.  Point of many road closings in Wyoming during the winter months.   (15 miles)

• Sinclair (Elev. 6592ft) - Home of the Sinclair oil refinery and a wonderful Mexican restaurant, Su Casa.  Stop in for some famous Mexican food as you pass through.  (5 miles)

• Rawlins (Elev. 6755 ft) - Don’t pick up any hitchhikers here, this is the home of the State Penitentiary.  (55 miles)

• Jeffrey City (Elev.  6390 ft) - Company boomtown is the way to describe this stop.  It was built here by Western Nuclear to mine uranium.  The town lost 95% of its population within three years and after a population of several thousand in the 1970s, today’s population is 58.  (20 miles)

• Sweetwater Station Junction - This junction was used by those pioneers who traveled the Mormon Trail.  It was named after a donkey carrying sugar tripped and dumped its cargo of sugar into the Sweetwater River.  Solar rest area here with spots for camping.  (30 miles)

• Riverton (Elev. 4956 ft) - Home of the Arapahoe and Shoshoni Indian tribes.   In recent times, gambling is allowed on the reservation so if you feel lucky this is the stop and you might end up a few dollars richer (or poorer).  (25 miles)

• Lander (Elev. 5257 ft) - Known as the town where the rails end and the trails begin, the Chicago and Northwestern abandoned their hopes for a westward line that ended here.  The first paid rodeo took place here and a rodeo is still held every Fourth of July weekend.  For a cold one stop at the Gannett Bar and for a good meal you can’t beat the Cowfish restaurant. (30 miles)

• South Pass City (Elev. 7605 ft) - Famous historic site and a well preserved example of Wyoming life during the gold rush days.  If you have some time spend some time visiting this tourist site.  (35 miles)

• Farson (Elev. 6580 ft) - Watch the antelope roam and the sage grouse strut when you get here.  Of course, no one leaves with a visit to the Farson Mercantile for a big cone.  Even the small will fill you up.  (40 miles)

• Rock Springs (Elev. 6277 ft) - Welcome to the home of 58 Nationalities.  This early coal mining town brought immigrants from all over to mine coal for the Union Pacific.  While passing through, you might catch a glimpse of the famous wild horse herd that live in the high desert outside of the city.  For refreshment while there, stop at the Outlaw Inn which is named for some of the early outlaw history of the town and a favorite meeting place for locals for about fifty years.  (15 miles)

• Green River (Elev. 6100 ft) - Green River boasts a wonderful walking and bike path.  The path begins at Expedition Island, which is also the spot where the John Wesley Powell began his expedition of the Colorado River.  Don’t miss his statue next to the museum downtown.  (25 miles)

• Seekskadee National Wildlife Refuge - Established in 1965 to protect wildlife habitat.  It is an important resting place for bird migration.  Once you are here, you can observe nature along the banks of the Green River or drop a line in the river and catch a Rocky Mountain trout. (20 miles)

• Junction of S-372 and US-189 - This is a fork in the road like so many others in the road.  Not much here but the vast Wyoming open spaces.  If you turn to your left, you will find yourself in Kemmerer  (Elev. 6987).  It is the home of the first J.C. Penney store in the nation and still operational.  To your right is LaBarge and that is where we are headed.  (25 miles)

• LaBarge (Elev. 6600 ft) - This small town of 551 was named for a French trapper and mountain man Joseph Marie LaBarge who lived in the area.  It is also the final resting place of the Moondance Diner of New York City fame.  It made a notorious moving trip across the country in 2007.  Unfortunately, it is open only sporadically.  (20 miles)

• Big Piney (Elev.  6824 ft) - Actually you are in the twin cities of Big Piney-Marbleton.  In 1987, Wyoming native, Glenn Close co-produced a produced a documentary here entitled,  “Do You Mean There Are Still Real Cowboys?”  It was narrated by Robert Redford.  Coming here reminds you of the cattle history of the state.  Don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a cattle drive coming down the highway.  It definitely stops traffic.  (25 miles)

• Pinedale (Elev. 7175 ft) – This popular tourist town is the gateway to the beautiful Wind River Mountains.  All season outdoor activities are popular here.  It is also a major gateway to the Jackson Hole area.  In recent year the enormous Jonah Field gas development has changed the town from a tourist town to a bustling energy community.  There are lots of places to explore, for a great meal, good drinks, and wonderful scenery make a stop at the Lakeside Lodge. (40 miles)

• Bondurant (Elev. 6658 ft) - You are passing through some of the most beautiful country in Wyoming.  You might see moose, elk or big horn sheep along the way.  The Episcopal church of St. Hubert the Hunter is not only an historical site but also a community center.  In the summer, everyone celebrates when they have their community barbeque.  If you look to your right you will seek Gannett Peak (Elev.  13,004 ft) the highest point in Wyoming. (35 miles)

• Jackson (Elev. 8208 ft) - This is probably the most famous town in Wyoming.  It was originally called Jackson Hole and was named for an early beaver trapper in the area named Edward Jackson.  Surely, he never envisioned the tourism, powder skiing and national parks for which the area is famous.  Stay here a day and explore all the town has to offer.  This is the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.  (35 miles)

• Moran Junction (Elev. 6742 ft) - You are now in Grand Teton National Park approaching the beautiful Jackson Lake and the Grand Teton Mountain Range (Elev.  12772 ft). For those of you who can speak French or can Google you might want to take a moment and translate the name of the mountains from the French to English.  Everyone in Wyoming  pretty much knows the answer. (25 miles)

• South Gate of Yellowstone Park - Welcome to Yellowstone Park.  This is the first national park established in the nation.  Its area is bigger than the states of  Rhode Island and Delaware combined.  In 2011, over 3,000,000 visitors from all over the world came to see its many natural wonders.  A visit to the park is the only thing that does it justice.  As you ride watch out for bear, moose, elk, bison and an assortment of other wildlife.  Also, don’t go near the crusty surface of the earth because you might find yourself in a geyser. (20 miles)

• West Thumb (Elev. 7732 ft) - Here is one of the many junctions in the park.  You are now of the shore of geothermal Lake Yellowstone.  In recent years the floor of the lake is beginning to rise indicating increased seismic activity.  After a stop at Lake Lodge, hop on your bike to your final stop. (15 miles)

• Old Faithful (Elev. 7349 ft) - You have arrived though don’t put you wheel into this geyser.  Sit down, relax, and watch Old Faithful erupt every 45 to 125 minutes.  This amazing cone geyser can erupt from 106 to 185 feet.  Congratulations, you made it and hopefully in better shape than when you started.  Now reward yourself with a dinner and a stay in the rustic and beautiful Old Faithful Inn.  It was built in 1903-04 to reflect the chaos of nature and well worth the visit.  Relax, it is the Fourth of July and your journey has ended.

 Now get moving!