Thursday, May 30, 1996
Day 19
Sheridan, Wyoming to Buffalo, Wyoming
Today's Miles: 41
Cumulative Miles for the Tour: 1176
Degree of Difficulty: Very Easy
Terrain: Slightly Rolling Farmland
Find of the Day: The Bike Stop
Today was a pretty lazy day. We all slept in until after 7:30am because of yesterday's big ride. Ken found a crack in Adam's back rim, so we ate breakfast and then headed off to downtown Sheriden to find a bike store. The first place where we stopped was pretty lame. We went to another one down the block and struck gold.
Donna and Sarah, our new sag crew
The Bike Stop in Sheriden is run by two guys who really care about what they are doing. We explained about the cracked rim and they went out of their way to build a new wheel and get us out of there by noon so we could get the day's ride in.
While they were working on Adam's bike, I had them look at mine. I knew the wheels needed trueing, but as Noel was working on the wheels, he took a look at the rest of the bike and suggested that I repack the bearings in both wheels. He trued the wheels and repacked the bearing for $20.00. When I rolled out of the store, the bike was so quiet I didn't even know it was moving.
Noel and Rol from The Bike Stop
This is the first time we've ever had anything other than a food place for the "Find of the Day". We highly recommend supporting "The Bike Stop" in Sheriden if you are passing through this part of Wyoming. Rol and Noel would love to see you and talk bikes even if you don't need any work done.
The ride from Sheriden to Buffalo is a short 40 miles of rolling farm hills and a surprising diversity of animals. The shock of the day was a sign that said "Llama Crossing", and they weren't kidding. There are llama all over the place here and I can't tell you why.
Llama... in Wyoming?
We setup camp in Buffalo just before the rain started. I haven't heard thunder as loud and as long as this for decades. I enjoy thunder and lighting. Its natural power appeals to me. Maybe I'll get tired of it, but right now, it is relaxing and soothing.
We've decided to extend tommorow's ride to a century. Lee was looking at a map and the route he found looks a lot more fun than what had been planned. We've got a rest day on Saturday, when a new rider, David Wallace from Ohio, will join us. A century, a rest day and a new rider...things just keep getting better.
Bike America Tours
dblair@wtp.net
1-800-738-7271