CYCLING THE BEARTOOTH SCENIC BYWAY, WYOMING, USA

JULY 22 & 23, 2012

TODAY'S EPISODE: A WILD ROAD.

BEARTOOTH SCENIC HIGHWAY, WYOMING/MONTANA, U.S.A.

Over the two days, Kate and I drove and I partially cycled what may be the nicest drive we've ever been on. The Beartooth has been called by many as the most scenic drive in America. It's approximately 60 miles of road between Cooke City and Red Lodge, Montana, where we bookended with motel stays. The morning of our camping I rode from our camp spot at 9,600ft above sea level to approximately 10,550 ft. I rode out of our camp, turned left and went UP for 14kms. The road peaks at 10,947ft. There's a sisterhood of travelers you meet. You don't take this road for any other reason than saying you've driven the Beartooth. This is no shortcut to the Seven/Eleven. 

Like Waldo, find the road in the pictures.

I tried to visualize that I was doing Le Tour. Paul and Phil commentating on how"he's dragging his sorry body over..... And also except for the drugs, getting paid crazy money,  drunken crowds screaming, ...

It apparently is not unusual for the pass to be covered in twenty feet of snow.
They try to have it open for Memorial Day Weekend. After the snow blowers,
you get to drive trough a tunnel of snow love. 

For a good part of our trip, as what seems to be most everywhere, we've been experiencing hot temps.
This is a good place to be. If it makes anybody feel better, it was a little buggy.

 

The road was built in the 30's as an alternative entrance to Yellowstone. Good on those engineers, as the grades are noticeable, but very rideable. The altitude, noticeable as well.

I must be going back down when I took this picture.

According to the locals, to bears, we taste like chicken.

Free ridin' zone. Get a ride back to the top.

Couldn't see to the bottom of this. Seems like a stand
alone, club lift. Still deep, and very steep.

Find the road below. Please no texting while driving.

Far distance. Part of the road stuck on the mountain side. 

COMING SOON: RED LODGE, MONTANA. BACK TO EARTH.