What to Expect for 2024
Setting up the route for the 2024 Tour de Wyoming had a number of challenges. We have had to get creative to make it work. Read these details to know what to expect BEFORE entering with payment.
Primary details to be aware of: indoor camping in an actual building is possible only at the start in Laramie and when we stay in Baggs. We have no actual buildings at all other locations. If there is enough demand, we will set up wedding-style tents. A better alternative is to have participants bring their own tents.
We also have limited space in some locations, so we need to know the number of tents (not individuals in tents) so we can plan accordingly. We also need those who will be staying in vehicles – the number of vehicles. You’ll be asked questions about these when you registered so we can get a count for planning purposes.
Day 0 (July 13) – Meet in Laramie. We gather at the Wyoming Army National Guard Laramie Readiness Center (3894 WY-130). This new facility is located 1.8 miles west of Laramie (distance from the intersection of Highway 230 and Highway 130). Both indoor and outdoor camping is available on July 13. Check-in starts at 4 p.m. We will hold a mandatory rider and volunteer meeting at 7.p.m.
NOTE: There are no restaurants or motels in the immediate vicinity. The readiness center is just one mile from Laramie Regional Airport.
Day 1 (July 14): Laramie to Walden. Expect some narrow sections of road, with the short section of Kings Canyon in Colorado having no shoulder – but lasting only about a mile. We are staying at the North Park School in Walden. Due to work on the school floors, we have limited access to the school. Indoor camping for this location is in outdoor wedding-style tents. Individual tents are around the school, but with limited space. Showers will be limited at the school, but also possibly at the nearby pool.
Our evening’s entertainment is by the Laramie-based band “Pentimento.” They offer an “acoustic ensemble that performs international dance music.”
Day 2 (July 15): Walden to Riverside. Expect rolling terrain, sometimes with long climbs and descents. It is great preparation for the upcoming three mountain passes. We spend the night at the Lazy Acres Campground in Riverside. As in Walden, our “indoor” camping both this night and when we return at the end of Day 4, is in wedding-style tents. Showers will be in a bathouse at the campground and four motel rooms on the property. For those opting for motels on their own, keep in mind that Encampment is immediately adjacent to Riverside and has additional motel options.
Click here to go to the webcam at the campground.
Bring your dancing shoes with live music entertainment across the street from the campground at the Bear Trap Cafe & Bar. Entertainment by The Patti Fiasco.
Day 3 (July 16): Riverside to Baggs. We take on Pass #2, going over Battle Pass and then a long descent into the Little Snake River Valley. We spend the night in Baggs at the Little Snake Valley School. Indoor camping here is in the gym, as are the showers and other facilities. Important reminder: No alcohol in Wyoming schools.
Entertainment this night is on your own – relax, socialize and enjoy the peaceful town of Baggs.
Day 4 (July 17): We take the same route as Day 3, only now we have a long climb followed by a quick drop into Encampment and Riverside.
Back in Riverside we have yet more live music by the Fort Collins-based band that includes lead singer and long-time Tour cyclist, Kathleen Strong. The band “Luck of the Draw” pays tribute to Bonnie Raitt – bringing us a touch of blues and rock.
Day 5 (July 18): We climb over Snowy Range Pass for our fourth and final pass. We stop for the night in the small town of Centennial where we will double the population. Indoor camping is at the nearby Centennial Valley Community Church. The Trading Post Restaurant has stepped up to help us out with camping on their property. We will be in close quarters, with restrooms only with porta-potties. Showers will be in motel rooms at the nearby Old Corral Hotel and Steakhouse.
We finish our last night kicking up our heals – or just sitting back to listen – to the sound of JShogren Shanghai’d. J played for us solo a couple years ago at Flaming Gorge, but this time he’ll be there with his band.
Day 6 (July 19): This is a quick ride back to the WYARNG Readiness Training Center where we started. Showers are available but no camping.
Summary for our event for 2024: Our indoor camping is mostly provided by wedding-style tents since most of our locations lack a building with the needed space. We have indoor facilities only at the Readiness Center in Laramie and at the school in Baggs. If you are an indoor camper and prefer solid walls, this may not be the year to join us.
