I have mentioned before the community I have found when cycling across multiple states.  Day 25 was a great example.  

The evening of the 24th we arrived in Dubois WY wet and cold. Our first stop was a convenience store on the outside of town.  The owner made us fresh coffee “on the house” and urged us to warm up and get dry.  If we hadn’t had a place to stay he was going to make calls and help.  We then stopped at a grocery store and a young woman, Sara, approached an asked questions about the ride.  She said she wanted to learn more about cycle touring and asked to join us for the next day as we road to Lander.  We told her the weather was going to be awful but she was welcome to ride.  

The next morning it started snowing as we left the motel. Sara invited us to her house where she had prepared an awesome breakfast.  We helped her with gear selection and got her bike ready to go.  

As we rode, it was so fun hearing how she left the East Coast urban life and moved to rural Wyoming.  Her back yard opens up to the Wyoming public lands where she rides her horse, hunts, and explores

We stopped at the Crowheart Convienence store – where everyone seemed to know everyone else.  We warmed up and got snacks. Next stop we paused at a rest area that had a building with some bathrooms. We used the lobby to warm up, dry clothes using the hand dryers and made lunch.  It was a sight…. We also met Drew who was cycling the other direction.  He had the tougher day as the wind was behind us and we were gradually going downhill. We chatted and shared stories.  I gave him an extra waterproof coat I had purchased in the morning (my coat was ok – I really needed the pants but they came in a set). He was grateful.  

We left the rest stop and road about 20 more miles to a convienence store on the Wind River Indian Reservation.  Same plan- got warm and snacks.  We arrived in Lander after about 75 miles.  Sara stopped at a friends house just outside of Lander and got a ride home.  It was an awesome blessing to ride with her. She did great in terrible riding conditions.  Iwent to a local bike shop to get a tire and brakes replaced (the mountain descents wear them out quickly!).  In Lander we stayed with Mike who opens his home to cyclists. There we met Paul who is from the Netherlands and heading west on the route.  We had a great dinner and shared stories of cycling, home, family. 

Each day we meet people who ask questions, offer help, share stories, and want to be part of the adventure.  Cycle touring somehow brings folks together into an ever changing community that is fantastic

Day 26 will be another cold rain ride. Hoping it’s my last of this trip as the weather systems seems to be moving a different direction. 56 miles to Jeffrey City!