Day 8 - Evanston, WY to Rock Springs, WY - 145 miles
We located a long original section of the Lincoln Highway, which turned out to be an abandoned dirt and gravel road covering 35 of the 145 miles separating Evanston and Rock Springs…
It is difficult to describe the adrenaline rush when you experience this kind of find. The four of us - the second two being Marchello and Sophia, our beloved MP3s, to whom we now lovingly refer to by name - were thrilled to be on an original section of the highway.
At one point we encountered the Lincoln Highway Association (LHA) Conference Tour traveling in school buses and stopping at LH highlights. We felt a little guilty over the envious looks from LHA members in the buses. We introduced Marchello and Sophia to several of the most curious, all clearly ambivalent about getting back on the bus.
As for our MP3s, they may not have been designed as dual-purpose enduro bikes, but with controlled speed they proved to do just fine on the dirt, rutted and gravel sections.
What can’t the MP3 do? After a week on the road Bob and I are still hard pressed for an answer. We knew it would be at home on the highway, but as former off-roaders we were uncertain about its handling on gravel, let alone deeply rutted, dried-out mud sections. Unbelievably, when the left wheel rolled into a 5" deep rut and the right wheel remained on level ground, the MP3 continued upright as we powered through. These were sections that would have provoked anxiety on our former 1150cc bikes. If we held the speed down, it was all fun.
The isolation of this old section - cows grazing on the range, snow capped mountains in the background, and the MP3 maintaining stability in the gravel - allowed us to be fully immersed in this wonderful moment. We were consumed by photo opportunities and never had it so easy jumping on and off a bike. Press a switch and the front wheel tilt mechanism locks. Pull a lever, the rear tire locks, and you’re off the bike. No kickstand to worry about. The camber of the road is no concern. You learn to trust the MP3 on slopes on which you’d hesitate to stop a traditional motorcycle.
Bob and I were like kids, totally exhilarated, and doing our best to be disciplined.
At one point we stopped for a photo on a remote dirt road, my cellphone rang, and I was delighted to hear the voice of my old friend Hartmut Wegner, calling all the way from Schotten, Germany. Hartmut, a long-time motorcycling friend of both Bob and I, was following our ride and wishing us well.
Hartmut, you are with us. Get well and we will ride together again.
I am old enough to be shocked that a friend from Germany can follow us - even speak to us - whilst we experience this magical slice of America’s past.
On the road we met a PBS crew filming a LH documentary…to be aired on October 29 of this year.
Looks like Buddy, Marchello, Bob and Sophia may have a small role. Is Hollywood next? We continue to be approached by dozens of people. Today’s winner is "Redbird Express" - aka Karl E. Teller - who holds the distinction of being the National Hobo King. While Redbird is not about to give up freight trains for the MP3, he acknowledged that it may be the next best thing.
There is much more to tell about our June 20th day, but some sleep has to be scheduled in. A 200+ mile day awaits us tomorrow (i.e. today - ED) as we continue our search for original sections of our country’s first coast to coast highway.
Goodnight,
Buddy
The experience on remote sections of the highway in the western USA would certainly lead to some anxiety regarding availability of fuel for those 3.2 gal tanks. Are you able to anticipate the fuel stops? or does the backup crew do that for you?
Hi Mike:
There is no “back-up crew. Bob & I are on our own, the way we prefer. 3.2 gallons can take us 180+ miles—no anxiety. Nevertheless, with gas stations being few & far between we gas up when we have an opportunity.
You guys know you are having far more fun than you are entitled to right?
Just a fantastic trip.
Steve Williams
Scooter in the Sticks