Back to the report. I missed this pic last night. We scrounged up some firewood and used it to get rid of any mosquitoes. Yeah, it’s a rager, the dried pine around here makes sense why wildfires are so awful.
I fought AFIB most of the night. I had 3 rounds of it. Usually I take my meds and it goes away. But I went back in multiple times. It’s very frustrating and at 6:30 I figured my trip was over. My heart rate was still in the 160s just sitting around. I told the guys what was up and said my goodbyes and wished them luck as they pushed on. They all were really supportive and cool about it. Just good people.
The plan was unclear, Scott was supposed to meet us and we would ride together. But I was not sure I could ride. I also could not get ahold of him due to no cell service. I rode down to the end of the campground to wait. While doing that, I kicked out of AFIB. So I triple checked with my watch and optimistically but cautiously rode back to camp. I checked again and my HR was in the 40s now. That’s a result of the meds. It slows my heart down so much that it forces it back into rhythm. It works, but then it takes a while for my body to process the meds out. Makes you really tired, especially at elevation. It just takes time.
We had some easy gravel to start out with. It was just what my body needed.
This was the section today. Remember we camped in the green on the bottom left. So the short run to Shoshoni was even shorter. This is section 5.
Just a few miles out of camp we see a moose with a baby tagging along.
The views were still good. I took too much stuff with me, but you never know what you will encounter weather wise. I could have easily not brought my heated jacket in lieu of my better/warmer/bigger sleeping bag as the nights were chilly. I will cover my complete kit at the end for those that wonder how I pack for these kinds of trips.
Since Scott was hoteling it, he was traveling light and fast. I asked him at some point how good of an athlete he was back in the day. At 68 (I think) he is a fantastic rider. He must have athletic skills to rely on. He said he was not an athlete at all and just rode motorcycles quite a bit. I know he rides a lot, but his skills seem uncanny. I completely hope I am riding close to his level in 17 years.
We saw KC at an overlook
Looking back to the south, we would be leaving the snow as we dropped into the flatlands.
I shot some video of KC ripping down the switchbacks. You could hear the GS power out of the curves. I wish we could have heard the KTMs
We descended to the SINK. Apparently there is a river that disappears under a mountain and then reappears 1/4 mile down the valley. We stopped at the visitors center to check it out.
The next part of the ride after Lander, is into the lowlands and desert of central Wyoming. It’s mostly really fast gravel and not the most enjoyable from my perspective. The riding was easy and after the AFIB it was prob needed.
The empty spaces is home to a bunch of gas mining plants and the trail goes right through one of them.
The sign is obvious.
The guys caught us as I swapped out a long sleeve for something cooler.
If it looks like it’s wide open here, it’s because it is.
Scott and I put the hammer down and ran around 60 mph on the gravel to make time. I guess this was the only time I wish had a little more bike. The lightness of the 450 was not ideal for ripping across the gravel at those speeds. A slightly bigger bike would have been a little more stable. Don’t get me wrong, I am not going out and buying a 1290 or GS, my light ADV bike is perfect for me and what I do.
Scott powering through some sandy section!
We all met up in Shoshoni and the plan was to run another section since it was fast and hot. Eric, one of the Canadians is looking st the camera. Jean, his fellow Canuck is in the orange on the other side. In proper fashion, we toasted to making another section but I was late on the picture and just had my Gatorade raised.
Scott was going back to get his truck and would meet us in Ten Sleep the next day. So we headed out into the foothills of the southern Big Horns.
Here is section 6.
At a stop, Curtis noticed a small nail in his tire.
The consensus was to. It pull it until at camp. It was benign anyway. For the guys, it was beer 30.
Out in the trail, one has to hydrate.
Not a bad place for a little break. The cloud cover was appreciated.
The rocks are popping out of the terrain now as we get closer to the Big Horns.
Matt found a nice cool and breezy spot for his break.
The red colors are more prominent with the cloud cover.
My machine has done everything I have asked it to do. The 450 is a great ADV bike.
Some horses in the field were looking to get fed by their owner.
In the same field was a very fluffy sheep. I looked for Bust lurking around but he must have been hiding until the cover night to surprise Dolly.
Plenty of iron in the hills here.
I made sure I got out in front of the trucks. The dust was completely punitive if you got behind one. .
Some rain was working its way down the valley.
We all met up at the Ten Sleep brewery for food and drink. The pizza was delicious and I would recommend this highly.
The guys were looking for a wild camping site and I was a little worried about my AFIB and I was expecting Scott the next day. I left the guys to their own pursuits and found a campsite in town.
It had tree cover, nice grass, and cell service to catch up with the family back home.
The campground is right next to the rodeo and fireworks are standard.
Picnic table and a decent view was a plus.
So was the bath house and a power source to charge devices. The shower was solid. Good pressure and clean. I wouldn’t hesitate to stop here again.
I heard the guys snagged a free great site too, but today I needed the amenities. And for 28 bucks, I feel like I got a deal.
This guy was about 40 yds away and spent most of the night right there. He got up about 9, walked into town and in the morning was right back here. No tarp or tent. He trusted the forecast implicitly.
In the morning, a bowl of oatmeal and hot tea was a perfect start for the day.
More later. Ten Sleep to Burgess Jct is up next. This is the heart of the Big Horns. I have been through here on the FJR and in a vehicle. I knew it would likely be better from the dirt.
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