The Traveling Circus

Cycle Greater Yellowstone was my first exposure to a multi-day bike tour that was primarily a camping event. I had chosen not to camp, so I was fascinated with the logistics. Other riders commented about similar events that handled larger groups more smoothly, but I was impressed.

By the time we arrived in town at the end of the day, camp had been set up. Some folks pitched their own tents, but the preferred option was clearly the “tent sherpa” option: a tent with your number on it, already set up with a camp chair. You provide the rest.

Some (much?) of the equipment was normally used to support the crews who fight wildfires in the western U.S. There were multiple fires burning in the region; I wonder what would have happened if the gear couldn't be spared for our use?

There was a truck set up with sinks on both sides, and many reminders about hand-washing hygiene.

There was a shower truck, and plenty of clean towels: one of the support trucks was equipped with a washer and dryer.

Happy campers used Laundry Pods to wash (and spin-dry) their clothes.

A small tanker, filled with water, traveled with us. As did a truck to service our fleet of port-a-potties, keeping them remarkably fresh.

An ambulance and a small crew of EMTs accompanied us. They were from Red Lodge, recruited after helping with last year's ride. Two of them were refugees from the Bay Area. (I met a few of those, throughout my stay.) In addition to the usual SAG support, we also had well-equipped bike mechanics and ham radio operators. Not to mention all the course marshals who helped keep us from making any wrong turns.

Volunteers were recruited in each town, but many of the volunteers were not locals. I chatted a few times with one woman who hailed from South Carolina.

Trucks transported all the gear (luggage, etc.). Those of us staying in hotels were asked to leave our main bag at camp, shuttling back and forth with just one night's essentials. That took some planning—and an understanding of the next day's forecast.

Food was catered by Yellowstone Kelly's, an outfit that also gets involved with catering for wildfire crews. In theory, the organizers were to supply us with “mess kits” to cut down on waste (re-usable plate, mug, bowl, etc.). In practice, these didn't arrive in time. It would have been interesting, shall we say, to see that in action—with a three-stage washing/sanitization process—300+ people, breakfast and dinner. Instead we relied on compostable plates and utensils; regrettable, but certainly easier (and faster).

On the road, we had water stops, rest stops, and lunch. At each stop, there was Gatorade and a small bottle-filling station hooked up to a tank of potable water on a pickup truck. Water stops included a few snacks (e.g., CLIF bars).

Rest stops had more serious snacks (e.g., fruits, nuts, nut butters, tortillas). Ice was available on hot days.

The lunch spread was often more than I could consume: sandwich, chips, fruit, cookies. Breakfasts and dinners were different each day. At all stops, it was also possible to drop excess stuff (e.g., jackets, rain gear) that you would reclaim at camp at day's end.

After dinner, there was always a presentation by someone from the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, as well as announcements about the next day's route by Headmistress Jennifer. There might also be entertainment, by a local band (or in Dillon, the Junior Fiddlers).

There were hiccups with the hotel shuttles, and timing didn't work out for me to get a massage or join a yoga session. Overall, I'd say the traveling circus that was Cycle Greater Yellowstone 2016 ran quite well.