Day 22 Rawlins to Riverside

62 miles (100 km) – Total so far: 1,184 miles (1,905 km)

Having taken a motel for the first time I made the most of it with a takeaway pizza, a few beers and an early night. Cereal breakfast is the best for me in the morning but it is difficult to get in cafes. Here it was plentiful and went down well.

It’s a pity Rawlins is in my route and the Adventure Cycling Trans Am route. It really offers very little and is not picturesque in any way. Also one way in by bike is the I-80 freeway for 20 miles, uninspiring cycling to say the least. Riders in the next few weeks note that there is 6 miles of roadwork just east of town and there is one lane open only with no shoulder at all. It is quite dangerous. I just imagined the ghost of Buffalo Bill Cody was after me (as indeed he may well have been two days ago) and was through it in little time.

At the junction route130 I headed south and the morning changed considerably. There is not much traffic on this road and it is quite scenic as it climbs up to 2200 metres before and after Saratoga. Saratoga itself is a busy small town with its tourism centred around its Hot Springs. There is a public pool as well, but I wanted to head on another 20 miles to a spot I had been recommended by several passing riders. On the climb out of town I met Andrew from Boulder who was riding to Yellowstone. By the looks of his cotton Tshirt and basketball shorts I guess he hasn’t done many long trips. He was stealth camping all the way, which is quite tough when you are alone. We exchanged information, me about free camp sites on route, and he about Breweries in and around Boulder.

Riverside is a perfect place to rest for the night. After Saratoga the land nearer the river is green again, something that has not been seen since Lander. Lazy Acres campground is highly recommended. Shady with trees, $10 a night for cyclists including a shower, and over the road from a bar and cafe. I expect to meet everyone of its population of 57 at some stage this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

Distance 62 miles, Ride time 4 hours 35 minutes, Average Speed 13.2 mph, Max speed 32.6 mph, Departed at 9:30 am, Arrived 2:45 pm Altitude 2180 metres.