More of the Same

Post date: Jun 17, 2016 3:56:20 AM

Today started out with more of the same - the slab heading west on I-94. As I left Bismarck, ND, I began a steady climb to higher elevation. As such, the scenery began to change accordingly. I first encountered flat land. Then, rolling hills. Then, buttes and timber, and finally, the Big Horn Mountains. The Big Horns are my next major destination, and there's no better way to get there than via the interstate. Plus, this route takes me right by Theodore Roosevelt National Park, e.g. The Bad Lands.

I got to use my Annual National Parks pass for the first time to enter the park since purchasing it in Acadia. The ranger manning the gate was surprised that I had one. I guess I didn't fit the bill of the typical annual pass holder.

I rode the 36 mile loop of what is known as the South Unit of the Bad Lands. It's a small road that cuts right through the Painted Canyon. There is superb scenery with wild horses galloping around open pastures, prairie dogs standing right in the middle of the road as you pass them by without a flinch, and the occasional bison, of which I didn't see. I GoPro'd the experience; however, the clips are massive. Combining the clips and uploading the collated video will have to wait until another time.

I think all of the running & gunning is starting to catch up with me. When I hit Montana this afternoon, I was so tired that I pulled off into a rest stop and took a nap for an hour. The monotonous scenery didn't help much either. In fact, it probably enhanced my lethargic state. After my nap though, I was back on the road burning up some asphalt. I've crossed two time zones in two days, currently in Mountain Time (UTC-07:00), and my hours are adjusting to the new surroundings.

Did you know that the speed limit in Montana is 80 mph on the interstate and 70 mph on rural roads? You can really cover some ground. I like it, but bugs tend to splatter a bit more at this speed. The entire front end of my bike was covered in what once was the living.

When I arrived in Sheridan, WY for the night, I found a local AutoZone and procured that wash mitt I mentioned a few days ago. Then, it was on to the nearest Buggy Bath to remedy the situation. This time, the bike is clean.

This is also the second car wash outside of Indiana that I have visited that uses hot water - the first was in Buffalo, NY. To boot, they had an air dryer, called the Air Shammee, that kicked out some seriously hot, high pressure air. I dried my entire bike in less than five minutes! Wicked idea!

Looks like it was another 400 mile day with more of the same tomorrow. The only difference is that tomorrow I'm traversing the scenic route across the Big Horn Mountains. I'll also be riding some of Beartooth Highway.