Day 5 on the Lincoln Highway

Day 5
I forgot to mention that on Day four I met some interesting travelers on some alternative methods of transportation. The first couple were driving a 1923(I think) Ford Model T Sportster. The Ford Sportster was an answer the Stutz Bearcat. They were impressed that I knew what it was and that it was similar to the Bearcat. That’s me… the man full of useless information. It was a sweet little coup with no roof and barely any body parts. The windshields, yes there were two were round pieces of glass to shield the occupants from the wind generated when you would reach a top speed of 35 mph. The couple rode from Michigan to Colorado and were on their way back. All back roads. If it rained, they put on their rain suits. The guy driving wore a Charlie Chaplin type bowler hat with round spec glasses. The second group I met in Medicine Bow Wyoming outside of the Virginian Hotel. Their method of transportation… Vespa Scooters. They were mostly 200 to 250 CC in size although one guy had a 300 CC engine that he “hopped up” a bit with some modifications. He had the hot rod in the group. They were very friendly and were happy to pose for a few pictures. They were from Colorado and were heading to the Mount Rushmore area.

The problem when traveling on old back roads in rural areas is finding fuel that is appropriate. Most of the stations had 87 with ethanol. I ended up having to use some plain 87 and my bike was not too happy about it at all. This morning as I left Rawlings Wyoming I fuel up with 93 and the Road Glide was happy once again. While at the gas station a guy there had one of the most gorgeous Blue grey American Staffordshire that I have ever seen. An Am Staff is often called a Pit Bull if that helps you visualize the type of dog that it was. This dog had incredible bone density and such incredible construction and a huge head. Once on the road it seemed that the music on the radio was perfect for traveling. Things started up with some classic Waylon Jennings and then some Bob Seeger. It set the mood just right while cruising across the open ranges of Dick Cheney Country.

Wyoming’s Eastern side pasture like with large flat areas with hills scattered about. As you move west, it changed drastically and the hills became some of the prettiest rock formations that you will ever see. Once you reach Point of Rocks and Green Valley it seemed like every turn brought a brand new ready for Hollywood vista. The Green Valley portion follows the Green River as it twist and turns its way through the area. Very nice scenery to say the least.

Fort Bridger Wyoming had the coolest Lincoln Highway Era motel called the Black and Orange Cabins. These are tiny little cabins with an overhand to park your car under. Super Cool. They are no longer in use but are now part of a historical display that is preserving the Lincoln Highway era. The last town in Wyoming is Evanston. I expected a small little town but this place was nice sized and they had all of the Lincoln Highway sections clearly marked and are using it to promote tourism to their town. Very smart. They had a small set of cabins liked the Black and Orange cabins that they are restoring. They were called the Sunset Cabins. They had a very Mexican looking flair to them. They will be very nice when complete. The ride from Wyoming to Utah took you from the high hills to the Salt Flats. From nice riding weather to 100 degree temps rather quickly. When doing this sort of riding proper hydration is essential.
Just past the travelers paradise “Little America” the Lincoln Highway and Route 30 parted ways. Route 30 went North West while the Lincoln continued on in a Southwestern direction.

Most people do not realize that today’s highways were once simple roads and before that were trails used by settlers and natives and animals. The Lincoln Highway in this area has been replaced in large segments by Interstate 80. There are original alignments out there but they are very rough dirt roads that only the brave in proper vehicles would dare. Many of the old segments are on private land and require permission.