The 2009 Tour de Wyoming begins and ends in Laramie, home of the University of Wyoming. We cover 366 miles, of which 173 miles is uphill, for a total elevation gain over 6 days of around 18,000 ft.
We'll gather on Saturday, July 11 for registration and a rider's meeting (which is mandatory).
Day 1 (69 miles) we head west out of Laramie. Be prepared, Highway 230 is a bit bumpy on the shoulder but, due to traffic, be prepared to ride the shoulder anyway. We'll take a route off the highway to avoid the bulk of the bumpiness, riding past a few of the Laramie Plains Lakes - keep an eye out for pelicans. Once we pedal past Sodergren Lake (approximately 25 mile point) the road smooths out. We start to climb after passing Woods Landing. It's a 10 mile climb and then a meander through the Medicine Bow National Forest before we pass into Colorado, out of the National Forest, and on to Walden.
Day 2(60 miles) we head south and then west through the lovely North Park with the Zirkle Wilderness rising to the west and the Never Summer Range and Rawah Wilderness to the east. It's a steady climb out of Walden and then it turns a bit steep as we turn onto US Highway 40 and continue up and over Rabbit Ears Pass (elevation 9,450 ft). Hang onto your helmet, though, for the steep descent into Steamboat.
Day 3 (83 miles) heads west towards Craig, Colo. before turning north and returning to Wyoming. We'll have plenty of traffic joining us, especially from Craig to Baggs due to the booming natural gas exploration and drilling. Be prepared to spend the day in single file.
Day 4 (76 miles) we turn to the east and cruise along the Little Snake River and past Battle Mountain that looks a bit like Devil's Tower. It's a 30 mile climb up to Battle Pass - just use the granny gear and enjoy the scenery. The reward is a 13 mile descent to the pleasant town of Encampment. From there, it's a pedal through the Upper Platte River Valley to Saratoga - complete with a chance to soak in their hot springs.
Day 5 (47 miles) we continue our trek east via the Snowy Range. First we backtrack a bit, repeating a few miles of yesterday's route before heading east on Highway 130. Total climb from the North Platte River valley to the pass below Medicine Bow Peak is about 30 miles. There's a bit more climbing after the Peak as we traverse across Libby Flats. Take your time to enjoy the sights before heading off the mountain. Our overnight location is the University of Wyoming Recreation Camp, just one mile shy of Centennial. At the camp, our indoor campers will get the cabins (plus any outdoor tenters who prefer a night on a real bed). Those doing the motel route can head on into Centennial.
Day 6 we head for the barn in Laramie with a 30-mile pedal across the Laramie Valley before returning to our starting point in Laramie.
Climbing Statistics | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Day | Total Distance (mi) | Estimate of | Estimate of | Approx Gain for day |
Day 1 | 70 | 2,680 | 1,753 ft | +927 ft |
Day 2 | 60 | 2,283 | 3,624 ft | -1,341 ft |
Day 3 | 83 | 3,146 | 3,651 ft | -505 ft |
Day 4 | 76 | 5,150 | 4,572 ft | +578 ft |
Day 5 | 48 | 4,973 | 3,401 ft | +1,572 ft |
Day 6 | 32 | 422 | 1,528 ft | -1,106 ft |
Total | 366 | 18,654 | 18,654 ft | 0 ft |
| Overnight Towns | ||
|---|---|---|
TOWN | POPULATION | Location |
Laramie | 35,000 | Laramie Jr. High School |
Walden, Colo |
| Walden High/Middle School |
Steamboat Springs, Colo | 9,815 | Steamboat High School |
Baggs, Wyo | 450 | HIgh/Middle School |
Saratoga | 1,736 | Old High School |
UW Recreation Camp - above Centennial | 200 in Centennial | Recreation Camp |
