pinedale wyoming/ hiway 191 riding

[ridnridges]

I am planning on Montana to Colorado ride in August 2011 and have some concerns with the stretch from Pinedale to Rock Springs, esp. regarding truck traffic given the gas/oil development in the area.
Anyone ride this last summer and have any insight. Also, what about wind?

[jamawani]

I have ridden that stretch many times.

The road generally has good shoulders, but as you mentioned, traffic is more than I like due to energy development in the area.  Still, it is way less than most people from outside Wyoming deal with on a regular basis.


http://www.dot.state.wy.us/webdav/site/wydot/shared/Traffic/traffic%20data/2008%20Traffic%20Flow%20Map%20Bill.pdf

(I hate this website because it locks up at times and prevents you from continuing your message.)
But here is the website for WYDOT traffic count.  It is mostly in the 2500 to 3000 AADT.

About wind -
The Wyoming wind season lasts from January 1 to December 31.
Other than that, predictions are risky.
Actually, in that area of Wyoming in summer - winds are usually from the SSW moderate+.
So you should expect sidewinds on this stretch blowing you towards the traffic lane.
Nothing extreme, but caution is advisable - and second thoughts if the wind is brutal.
(Wind usually is light in the morning, picking up after noon, then dropping in the evening.)

How are you getting into Colorado?
There's a great route between Rock Springs and Maybell, CO -
But it has about 22 miles of dirt.
Very empty - scenic - lovely.

[ridnridges]

thanks for the confirmation of what I expected.  I driven his route many timesand have taken the road to Maybell since well before it was paved, 1st time probably 1985!  I love Rt  430 and it is one of the reasons I am riding my bike to Granite, Co.  Have also explored(by truck) the Red Desert just on the other side of the White Earth Cliffs ridge which parallels 191 from Eden to just north of R. Springs. Have you been to the Boars Tusk and /or the petroglyph/birthing site?  Worth the trip.