“…it’s about the journey, not the destination…”

US 310 south our of Laurel MT.

        It is so GREAT to be back on the road. Today my goal is to reach Sheridan WY, following a route suggested by my friends from Alberta, Brad and Murray Reid. My route was I 90 E from Bozeman MT to Laurel, then south on US 310 to Lovell WY. Then take US 14 A east over to Ranchester WY, on to I 90 to Sheridan. Brad promised me that the ride on US 14 A was great.

As I rode south on US 310 the town of Frannie WY, self

 declared “the biggest little town in Wyoming”

        US 310 came out of Laurel with US 212. When US 310 split off it became a two lane roadway. Very little traffic. When I arrived in Lovell I gassed up the bike, because I didn’t know what was ahead of me. I also got lunch at a little gas station. The young lady made me a cheeseburger and fries, and delivered them to my table. Very nice people.

The ride on US 14 A was one of the most memorable I’ve had. 

        As I rode out of Lovell there was a sign stating that there were steep climbs 22 miles up ahead. They weren’t kidding. As I rode towards the mountains the scenery was spectacular. I’ve been saying that a lot on this trip. 

The mountains that US 14 A crosses over. Beautiful. 

        The road started to climb into the mountains, and the grades very steep. The scenery was breathtaking, but I needed to focus on the road. Very curvy. There were some rough patches on the road, but it was great motorcycling.

I stopped to read for a while on the way up. You can see my chair on the other side of the bike.

This was the view from my chair. Again, I simply can’t do the view justice.

        On the ride up there were a number of 25 mph curves, but generally a fun ride. The surprise at the top was what a sign called “ The Highlands.” I rode for about 30 miles across this landscape that reminded me of an alpine meadow. It was fantastic. 

The ride down. Unbelievable. 

        The ride up was super. The ride down might have been as good…or better, from a motorcycling viewpoint. As I rode down I passed rock formations that, signs informed my, were 207, 250, 309, 500 MILLION years old. Again spectacular. The road surface on the was down was better, and I could really get into the curves, some reminiscent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but with greater scenic splendor. Wow.

The rock formations were sensational!

        When I reached Ranchester I had no choice but to get on I 90. A quick ride brought me to Sheridan, my destination for the night. Tomorrow I am going to take a circuitous route to Casper WY. I plan to take a number of “back” roads and explore Wyoming a little. Should be a very nice day.

Another view from the way up. I just wish I was better at photography.