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Routes / Missoula to Casper-WY

« on: July 28, 2023, 01:25:23 pm »

I am planning to ride from Seattle to Omaha following roughly the Great American Rail Trail. From Seattle to Missoula the route is fairly obvious and also from Casper-WY to Omaha-NE. The main puzzle is how to go from Missoula to Casper. Since there is virtually no existing rail trail in Wyoming, I feel free to cross that state in whatever direction that suits me best.
I plan to stay overnight in motels and only carry a tent and sleeping bag for emergencies. My preferred daily distance is 60 miles. I'll use a mountainbike with rear panniers.

From studying the map I see roughly 3 options, each having some major downsides :
(1) Missoula to Jeffrey City on the TransAm;  last stage from Jeffrey City to Casper (100 mi) ;
(2) Missoula to Butte - Bozeman - Gardiner - east on I-14 to Greybull - south on I-20 to Shoshoni ; last stage from Shoshoni to Casper (110 mi ; no services) ;
(3) Missoula to Butte - east on I-90 to Bozeman - Billings - Buffalo ; south on I-25 to Casper ; last stage from Kaycee to Casper (70 mi).
Obviously, I am not sticking to an Interstate if there is a fair country road roughly parallel. I am not afraid to ride on roads with narrow or no shoulders.

I am glad to hear your comments and recommendations on these options.