I probably should have taken a rest day in Pinedale before riding to, and through the Great Basin the next couple of days. Pinedale was a nice town and my body could use more rest, but my mind was set to move on down the road.
I stopped by the gas station convenience store to get coffee and some more of those unhealthy breakfast options. I had gone to the grocery store the day before and stocked up on food for the next few days. Mike and Jaime were there at the convenience store doing the same thing. I had met them yesterday while shopping for my new sleeping pad. They headed down the road before me, while I sat on the bench outside with my cup of coffee. I was not in any rush, although it would be a long day.
I wanted to get to Atlantic City, or as close as possible, which is right on the edge of the Great Basin, or also referred to as the “Red Desert” by the locals. That would give me two days to then hopefully get across it to Rawlins. The weather looked good with no rain in the forecast. Rain is the biggest fear since you could get that “peanut butter” mud on the dirt roads and be stuck. The wind would be coming out of the southwest, so mostly at my side.
It was still early when I rode out of Pinedale, but most of the workers were out in their pickup trucks going to work. It was Monday, so for most their weekend fun with their 4x4 toys were over 😆. I finally got on the dirt road that led towards Atlantic City. Peter from Scotland eventually came up to me and we had a little chat before he motored on. He is a much faster rider than me, and I knew I needed to pace myself today.
Water availability was a concern today. I passed a few creeks, but most had cattle wading in it, so you know that can’t be beneficial to good quality water. After a while I did see a group of bikers near a stream and a Subaru. I rolled in and a young man came out of the car asking if I would like a cold soda. What! That is like asking if a bear would like a jar of honey! I graciously accepted the offer and talked a bit with the other bikers. It was a father and son from Bend, Oregon doing the ride with his wife and other son in their support vehicle. I have to give them credit in that they were carrying most of their stuff with them on their bikes. I guess this way it was more of a family adventure. The car could obviously not go down all the roads we went, because of the roughness, but she seemed to be a good navigator in planning places where they could meet up.
On the edge of the Great Basin
I rode with them the rest of the day to a near informal campsite just 7 miles short of Atlantic City. About 80 miles total today. We were really not sure what camping/lodging options were available in AC, so we opted for this place and would do the extra miles in tomorrow. It ended up as a good decision. Especially with my new sleeping pad. 😴
Campsite
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