There's plenty you'll miss in Colorado too! From Sturgis you have a day of riding due south to get to Estes Park, and it's an ok ride. Unless there's a route that I haven't seen (which is very very possible), it's a nice 2 lane ride through the Black Hills, then 2 lane with every lumber truck on the planet, then interstate. Sure, if you cut over to Cody and then down to EP, it's a great ride I'll bet, but that's a day over to Cody alone. And that's half interstate. And if you're in Cody, it would be a shame to ride away from some of the greatest riding in the US to spend a day riding to, yes, some of the greatest riding in the US.

I look at traveling west in sections. To me, Sturgis is the Badlands, Black Hills (duh), Devil's Tower, and if time allows, Bug Horn, Cody, Yellowstone, Red Lodge, etc. Colorado is a ride unto itself and if you have time, toss in Utah which could easily double your stay.

Either way, have a great ride!

 

Alright.. Here is my planned solo route home:


First night will be Red Lodge I'm thinking. Maybe at the KOA?

Second night I plan tp camp around Yellowstone lake. Never had camped off of my bike before, but I have collected the gear and have camped many time before.

Third night going to try and get to Rock Springs for a hotel??

Then will just find lodging along i-80 around 8PM each night as I cruise towards Chicago.

I have nothing reserved at this point. Dates for these nights would be 7/15 in Red Lodge and then on from there. Any advice? I know i'll be missing a ton of great views/locations off the road based on my time frame but I'll be back. Am I expecting to cover too many miles with the days as noted above?Thanks a ton.

 

Coming out of Jackson, going to Rocksprings you should stay on 189 to 372 and down to Green River and Rocksprings. It is a much more scenic ride and from Pinedale to Rocksprings i have been in 40-50 mph sidewinds the entire time. That will wear you out in a hurry,