Monday, May 27, 1996
Day 16
Yellowstone National Park to Cody, Wyoming
Today's Miles: 51
Cumulative Miles for the Tour: 1002
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Slightly Rolling
Find of the Day: Cody Dam
According to all of the literature we saw at the information centers in Yellowstone, only 3000 people a year spot a grizzly bear during their visit. This year, our group was part of that 3000.
Springtime is extremely active here in the highlands of Yellowstone. The elk and bison are giving birth just as the grizzlys are coming out of hibernation. We were headed for the East Gate to begin the descent into Cody, Wyoming when we saw a group of people standing by the road. They told us they had spotted a bear, and sure enough, as we watched, we could see the grizzly about 200 yards away. It looked like it had taken down one of the elks. Dave whipped out the video camera, so we really good footage of the scene.Leaving the park, we rode into a canyon area that felt like a miniature version of the northeast Arizona/northwest New Mexico. The canyons were shear, carved bluffs, housing herds of longhorn sheep. The sheep were so close at one point, they were kicking rocks down on Ken and Adam.
Cyclists who came out from Cody
to ride with us for the day
The first national forest was set aside in 1903 right outside the eastern boundary of Yellowstone...the Wapati area. Wapati is the Indian name for "elk". The rangers at the information station for the forest were excited to have us as visitors. They asked us to tell everyone about the Wapati so they could get more visitors. It's worth stopping in to see see the grizzly bear information exhibits.
We had our first, major accident coming out of Wapiti. Ken and Adam crossed tires and Ken went down at between 16 and 18mph. His helmet cracked into three pieces and his head took a pretty good hit. After checking everything out, Adam, Chuck and I convinced Ken to ride in the van for the rest of the day, just to be safe. It just showed us how fast something can happen. I think we we lucky it wasn't more serious. The helmet definitely saved Ken's head.The final part of the ride ended in Cody, Wyoming, home of "World Famous Rodeo". Before entering Cody, I stopped at the Buffalo Bill Cody Dam. The dam supplies most of the water for the farming communities east of Cody. I met Mary as I walked into the info center.Mary has lived in Cody for 73 years. Her husband worked at the dam from 1937 to 1956. She was very proud of her knowledge of the area, walking me around the dam, explaining the different features and pointing out the hidden tunnels along the way. Stop at the dam when you're going through to Cody. Mary is a warm hostess and will make you feel right at home.The final miles into Cody were pretty scarey. There were two tunnels to go through that didn't have any bike or pedestrian lanes. I pedaled like mad at about 25mph, hoping no one would come screaming through at 80mph and take me out from the back before they saw me. I made it through, but I wouldn't want to try it again.Chuck was sitting at a little cafe called "Our Place" when I pulled into Cody. Coffee was 25 cents, so he was having a great time, sitting there drinking coffee and having pie. The total bill came to $1.92, so we came back again later for dessert after we had dinner at the campsite.
Dave and Bernie
Bernie, Dave's wife showed up at the Ponderosa RV Park, where we were setting up our tents for the night. It was nice to meet her after all we had heard from Dave regarding their previous bike trips across country. Bernie's a 5'2" firecracker, with personality to burn. It was great having a new face in camp, as she ran around, helping prepare dinner for the night.
I didn't get to see much of Cody, but from what I did see, it seemed like a fun town. The population is 7900, but I'm sure that swells during rodeo season. They have a rodeo EVERY NIGHT, June through September. Adam and I were very disappointed when we realized we were a week early and wouldn't get a chance to participate in the "Pig, Mud Wrestling Event". Now that would have been a story to tell...We're headed for Byron tomorrow to meet up with our new sag crew, Donna and her 12 year old daughter, Sarah. Sarah's going to be doing some of the bike riding with us, so for you kids in Oakland who asked about how hard this would be for someone your age, send Sarah your questions through e-mail and she'll get back to you.This is Chuck and Joann's last day. They've done a remarkable job sagging for the crew. Their support and knowledge has been greatly appreciated.
Joann and Chuck
Final meal of coffee and pie
"Bye Chuck and Joann. We'll see you in two weeks when we come through Ohio."
Bike America Tours
dblair@wtp.net
1-800-738-7271