Sunday, June 29, 2025
Day 29

Meadowlark Lake, WY to Buffalo, WY

Miles: 44.46
Elevation: 2457
Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Total miles: 1,101
Total Elevation: 52,608
Total Time: 112 hours 38 minutes

Over the top!

Last night, just after 10, the sky opened releasing a barrage of rain pelting the metal roof over us. The roar was deafening until the thunder released with the velocity of a bomb. We were IN the storm. The force of nature in all her glory. So powerful. So beautiful. How grateful were we that we opted for a ‘roof’ instead of a campsite knowing weather and temperatures could be challenging at our 8,560 foot elevation. Looking out the window, we saw fellow campers scurrying to take shelter. 30 minutes later, the clouds parted reveling the waxing moon hanging in the sky.
The night went quickly and we were ready to roll early knowing we had another day of climbing in altitude.
My mind went to Gale Banks, automotive engineer, who references air density when discussing performance. For combustion, you need fuel, air and spark. Interestingly, the same is true for the body. While we have the spark and the fuel, the thin air definitely impacts our torque! Another slow, steady, sustainable day.
It’s quite cool this morning so puffy jackets are a welcome piece of gear. Body temps rise in climbs and we chill in the descents. Truly, the ups and downs of life.
Music helps on the climbs keeping the mind busy. I reflect on the amazing people in the world and their successes. While talent is helpful, hard work and perseverance seem to be a mainstay to their legacies. It seems these qualities are also helpful when climbing mountains, real or perceived.
As well, it seems surrounding yourself amongst positive people…great team members…people who support your mission or vision…this too makes victories more plausible. Although so many motivational speakers or photos espouse this, living it in real time is life changing.
Reaching Powder River Pass was a real life, touchable reality of hard work and being in the presence of someone who believes in you. I am so immensely blessed and grateful.
The road rose and fell over the next several miles lending breathtaking views. Overall, ending in Buffalo, we dropped 4,000 feet in elevation. While most watching us coast down the mountain probably thought it was fun, the level of concentration was IMMENSE! Any cyclist will tell you, “You’re up. You’re down’. It happens very quickly and the least road imperfection…a rock, gravel, uneven surface, can send you flying. Add the weight and speed of the bike and it can be a recipe for disaster. Towards the bottom of the mountain, a really cool ‘runaway truck ramp’ using a series of cables was present. Imagine how frightening it would be to losing your brakes and needing to ‘thread the needle’ of this ramp! Once at the bottom, we took a deep breath and sighed. We’d made it and it felt SO good!
The afternoon was spent walking and exploring the area. Tomorrow is a day off for bike maintenance and ‘catching up’. What an amazing tour we’re having!

#RoadrunnerTour2025

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