“…its about the journey, not the destination…”

Along I25 east of Casper Wyoming.

     I rolled out of Casper at 7:45am on Interstate 25. There was some construction, but after I cleared the construction the speed limit increased to 80. Of course what this means is that most of the traffic is moving at 85 or 90. Generally speaking I am not comfortable running at a speed greater that 70 or 75. I have my moments where I go faster, usually when passing traffic. I’ve found I can cover plenty of ground at 70. As you go faster you have less time to react if something happens in front of you. I know this is a matter of personal preference, but another advantage of running 5mph above the posted limit is that you don’t have any negative encounters with the local sheriff. Knock on wood I have’t had any issues in this area, and I’ve still managed to cover around 9,000 miles on the trip in a little less than 4 weeks. I just hope my luck continues!

After getting off I25 US20 took me away from civilization

     After around 60 miles on I25 I took the exit for US 20 towards Lusk. Quickly I was in the middle of nowhere, riding through rolling countryside with few people and fewer towns. It occurred to me that I was right where I liked to be when I went riding. Cruising along with little traffic. The route takes me through little towns, which makes the ride more interesting. I don’t want to go where everyone is going. I want to explore the forgotten corners. I passed a town called Lost Springs Wyoming, population 4! My kind of place!

The Antelope Creek Cafe in Gordon Nebraska.

     After a GREAT lunch at the Antelope Creek Cafe in Gordon Nebraska I rode east towards Valentine Nebraska. I had about 90 miles to go, so I planned to stop in an hour for a break as the temperature had risen into the low 90s. About 60 miles later I pulled into Cody Nebraska and found the town park. I spent a nice quiet hour under a tree at a picnic bench, then on to Valentine. 

"Downtown" Cody Nebraska.

     The final 36 miles or so into Valentine were very interesting. The topography of the land felt like I was riding through a giant golf course that had closed and had become overgrown. The ground had rolling hills, dotted with high level areas, often with places that looked like unkempt sand traps near them. It was weird. There were some cattle grazing here and there, but largely it was empty. 

Read the sign!

     I pulled into Valentine, filled up with gas, and then checked into my motel to get out of the heat. This Super 8 has washers and dryers for guests to use so I'm getting my laundry done as I type this. The last time I do laundry until I get home. I just talked to my wife and she said "...guess who is in charge of doing the laundry from now on?" Oops!

This is outside the American Legion in Gordon Nebraska.