Day 19, July 3, 2015, Casper, WY, Rest Day: I always plan to sleep on rest days, but never can.  I was awake at 4:30 a.m., fought the urge to get out of bed, relented and was doing my laundry by 5:00 a.m..  Went to the motel continental breakfast at 6:00 and found the majority of my fellow cyclists there.  After a leisurely breakfast I repacked my bags and tried to take a nap.  By 10:00 I was on my bike exploring Casper.  Casper Mountain sits to the west of the city, so I headed that way.  Did some significant climbing for 5 miles and was treated to some stunning views of the mountain and the city below.  After lunch I returned to the motel, cleaned my trusty bike, took another short ride on a bike path up the Platte River (that run through town).  It was a nice day.

On an extended ride like this you by necessity spend a lot of time with your fellow riders.   Fortunately I am doing this with a decent group of people.   I really don’t think there is a “ringer” i.e. jerk in the group.  (However I am reminded of the old adage that, “If you don’t think there is jerk in the group, it just might be you!”)  Though it is a good group of people, it is kind of nice to take a break from them on off days.  Hearing everyone’s replay of yesterday’s ride or obsessing about tomorrows can get kind of old.  What really gets old is listening to the all too numerous complaints about sore butts.  I can only listen to so many stories about boils, pimples, saddle sores, rashes, in-grow hairs, etc., and what they are doing to treat them!  It really gets old!  So on off days I take a break from all of them!  Tomorrow we will be back at it and won’t have another off day till July 12^th in Sioux Falls, S.D..

It is hard to believe that I am halfway through this adventure.  I have 18 more days left and have ridden 1360 of the 2700 miles I will have accumulated when I arrive in Mt. Pleasant, MI on July 21^st.  Though I am having the time of my life I do miss being home with my family.  This weekend is particularly difficult in that I am missing the annual Crane reunion at da cabin in Houghton Lake.  I can only imagine what kind of antics I am missing!  I really miss and love each and every one of you!!

 

Caspar Mountain outside of Casper, WY.

 

 

 

Platte River in Casper, WY

 

When I checked into the motel I was glad to learn that my shipment of "Wild Rose's Granola Gold" had arrived.  I start my day with a bowl of granola, a cup of yogurt and a toasted bagel or english muffin.  Thanks Rose!!!!