jppe

I had the opportunity to do the Tour de Wyoming again this year and it was a real treat. It was 6 days of riding over about 350 miles with several days spent in South Dakota. The ride started in Sundance and the route was New Castle, Custer, Rapid City, Spearfish (through Sturgis), Devils Tower and back to Sundance. Great weather for riding, more hills than I anticipated, incredible views, great roads and food. We also took some side trips to Deadwood and the Badlands. This tour was labeled the Monumental Tour as we rode by and through various Momunents......

I've found my riding niche in week long supported tours. I enjoy camping, meeting other riders and seeing new places from the saddle of bike.

We were in Wyoming




And South Dakota




We saw Mt Rushmore up close



And from the bike (10% climb to get to it)





We went through Wind Cave National Park




And Custer State Park



We dodged and ate Buffalo



I cracked my rim....probably going over the really rough cattle guards....the bars spaced further apart due to Buffalo hooves being much larger

jppe

The Prairie Dogs entertained us





Saw incredible views from the Needles Highway



Rode through tunnels




And more tunnels



Amazing views coming out of tunnels



Saw other riders from WAY up high




Rode safely into Rapid City via their MUPs

jppe

Camped in some really neat spots




It was still there when we woke up the next morning




Were surprised with views around most turns



And from the bridge I saw this



We tooks some side trips to see this




Which one day will be this



We did Deadwood



And Badlands




We ate TOO much



And greatly enjoyed some new suds





What do you think? Look like a fun week???

Jarrett2

Looks like great memories for a lifetime. Makes me want to go now.

Biker395 

OMG ... you went through Badlands too! Did you happen to ride through "Scenic" or "Interior" South Dakota?

I rode many of those same roads and places on the Cycle America cross country ride. Stayed at the KOA in Devil's Tower. Rode through the tunnels on the Needles Highway. Rode through Rapid City, the Wind Caves, and Custer. I LOVED it ... one of the best experiences of my life.

I'm utterly green with envy. I desperately need to get back to touring.

berner

Loved the pictures. The chocolate cake looked good too.

Blanchje

Fantastic! Who did you go with?

tg16

I was wondering the same thing. There's a woman in one picture and that's about it.

WNCGoater

Looks like a great experience and wonderful adventure. Loved the pictures, thanks for sharing!

BobbyG

Very Cool!

RDW3261

I rode the 2007 and the 2011 Tour de Wyoming. The 2007 was close to the route you did this year, with the exception of My. Rushmore. I loved both rides, great memories. Prefect size tour also.

jppe

It was an organized tour with about 350 riders. Very laid back and fun group.

I'm not real sure of the difference between scenic and interior??? I really enjoy the touring stuff...........ride my own pace, not chip timed, photo opportunities, great way to see various areas, camping out, eat and drink local stuff, meets lots of locals etc. It's what you make it but I know you'd really enjoy it.



Next year is their 20th anniversary I believe. Look for a phenomenal route.

jppe

I should probably add that in Newcastle we sat at a "Community Table" in a restaurant. It was a table for 6 but my wife and I were the first ones there. A few minutes a group of 4 sat beside us. It included a local female rancher, her new husband, a minister and her husband. We had a really terrific time talking and learning more about the area. I asked the female rancher how in the world she was able to come up with names for 7000 head of cattle..........that you could only use Elsie so many times!

August West

Great photos. Thanks for posting.

This ride has always intrigued me and was on my things to do list at one time about 12 years ago. Then I drifted away from riding, gained a ton of weight and slipped into dreadful physical condition. Now that I'm back on the right track again your post has me thinking. I'm considering maybe giving it a try next year. It will give me plenty of time to get into touring shape again and it will be interesting to see what route they do for the 20th anniversary.

h2oxtc

Simply amazing ... great photos. Love ^^^ this one.