2023 Wanderer Ride – Day Six

Today turned out to be a great day for riding. It was a chilly start so I spent the first part of the day with my jacket on. I set out for Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. The first part of the ride is nice, twisty roads through the hills and into Deadwood, then to I-90. It’s a 70 mile ride out to Devil’s Tower and half of it is interstate, which is fine with as I want to get some more wear on Libby’s new kicks.

Turning off the interstate brings me to more twisting roads through the Wyoming countryside. There’s several bicyclists out here, and quite a few bikers. The tower comes into view before long. It’s hazy due to the lingering smoke but still massive. I make a couple of pulls offs for photos and continue down the highway. The road wraps back around to the interstate and I continue back to my room.

Just a short break to figure out where to go next. Temps are in the low 70’s now so I ditch my jacket and head down to a burger joint called the Boar’s nest for lunch. It’s not far but doesn’t appear to be open, apparently they’re closed for the season. Instead of trying to find something else I decide to turn around and head back to the Sled Haus. I’m not super hungry but a couple of German sausages sounds good. It’s a quick, small lunch and then I’m back out on the road. South out of town.

The road I’m on will make a loop back up to I-90. It’s mostly two to three lanes until Cheyenne Crossing which is just a small shop, eatery and campgrounds. From here it’s all two lane roads that twist and turn, following Spearfish Creek. It’s a good run but I get stuck behind some slow moving cars. Really they’re doing the 35mph speed limit but I just can’t get into these turns like I want to. It takes a few miles but I finally get a chance to pass and gain some speed.

There’s a lot of short straights on this road but it’s mostly turn to turn. I’m able to really start leaning into them now. I eventually pass the trailhead for the Devil’s Bathtub. I’m tempted to stop because of photos I’ve seen. But it’s a hike and my boots aren’t ideal for hiking. So I continue on a short way to Bridal Veil Falls. I wasn’t expecting a hug waterfall but it’s still smaller than I’m expecting.

I take just a few moments to catch a photo but one of my slower cars catches up. I’m stuck again for a few miles but eventually make my way around again. It’s just a few short miles back to I-90, then a quick run back into Deadwood. I decide to run through main street, just to see what’s here. I decide I’ll come back in a bit for dinner.

I spend a short time in my room and then head out for a bite. Deadwood is just a couple of miles away so it’s a very short ride. Deadwood is a tourist town and main street doesn’t have any on street parking so I park at the end and start walking to find a place to eat. Most of the places here are casinos. I don’t want to eat next to a bunch of dinging machines but eventually come to the Buffalo Bodega. It has a casino too but is offset from the dining area which more of an outdoor setting.

I opt for the dill chicken dinner which is good but lacking with the dill. It’s dark by the time I finish and begin my walk back to Libby. Most of the shops are already closed but the casinos are still going strong. It’s a quick, crisp ride back to the room and my day is done.

I’ve opted to add another night to my stay here. There’s plenty of riding to do. I want to get down to the Denver area to see my cousin and her family. It’s only a six hour drive from here but Saturday seems to be a better day than tomorrow. I can Needles Highway tomorrow. I wanted to do it today but wasn’t feeling comfortable about it. There’s a lot of sharp turns and Libby’s a big bike. I’m feeling a bit more confident about it now that I’ve done some riding without all my gear.

So that’s the plan. One more day here in the Black Hills, then on to Denver and then home.