A Wild Quest Through The Wild West
As any motorcycle rider knows, riding is much more than just ticking miles off on the odometer. Riding is about the passion, the places you get to see, and the community that bridges it together. When the team at Go Fast, Don’t Die started The Devilstone Run six years ago, they invited fellow riders to hang out in their neck of the woods to connect, show them their roots, their community and what stokes their passion. Whether you are on a TW 200 or Sportster, a new rider, weekend warrior or a seasoned veteran, you are invited to indulge in the wild west of Wyoming along the Devilstone Run.
As you approach the Devil’s Tower Trading Post Friday morning, you are greeted by a picturesque backdrop of the United States of America Flag flowing in front of the Devil’s Tower National Monument. The kickstands go down and you get the opportunity to connect with two-hundred-plus like-minded individuals that seamlessly become your new old friends. Brady Mclean of Go Fast, Don’t Die stood atop his army green van sharing wisdom, rules, and any other remarks that came to mind before kickstands were up at 11:00am.
The first day’s riding is relatively mellow as you head to the west through Gillette and up to Spotted Horse Bar for a BBQ lunch where you get a second opportunity to connect with other riders before setting off to Sheridan, Wyoming. Sheridan is home to the Go Fast Garage where the evening activities commenced. A highlight of the Run is the slow race; where fierce competitors line up to be the slowest racers of the night. As the competitors were putting their feet down in defeat, the musical entertainment kicked off the evening with some tunes. Meanwhile, there were tattoos getting tatted, the Go Fast, Don’t Die store was open for business, burritos from Bonafide food trucks were getting consumed, and core memories were formed. Camping took place back at the Bonafide food truck’s home location where riders rolled back for fireside chats and s’mores before resting ahead of the next day’s journey.
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The next morning kicked off fairly early with massive breakfast burritos and coffee from Bonafide. The dirt desiring riders set off earlier and rode through the Bighorn Mountains along dirt roads and trails, which is where I found myself. The street riders had some epic riding through the Bighorns along some of the top-rated roads in the country. The dirt route spit riders out on Highway 14 to meet with the street route for some fun twisties. While Justin Edelman and I were taking advantage of the photogenic curves with a drone, I noticed a rider waving the bushes above his head in a silly manner. My immediate thought was that this rider was being funny or taking photos, but then I quickly noticed his bike in the bushes below. We doubled back and it was our good friend, Brady Mclean of GFDD, who had over-torched the corner into the bushes. Brady and his bike rode away with minor cosmetic damage as we meandered down to Shell, WY for a tasty BBQ lunch. After riders departed from lunch, they navigated through a furnace of heat on the hottest stretch of the ride into Cody, Wyoming. In Cody, the crew stayed at Ponderosa Campground which had a rad location tucked away down the hill next to the creek.
Once camp was set up and riders cooled down in the river, dinner took place at the Silver Dollar Bar and riders were then treated to a block party where attendees were making memories with their fellow riders before getting the shuttle back to the campground to round out their evening.
After a breakfast at Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel, riders set off for the most scenic ride of the trip that progressed into Yellowstone National Park. We were fortunate enough to miss most traffic and enjoy the sighting of three bison (at a safe distance) and roll through the park at our own pace. Patrick Garvin and I took the opportunity to eat at Sheffield's Restaurant just outside the park, which has phenomenal cuisine and service. With our early start into the park, we arrived at camp early which allowed for us to get set up at the Colter Bay Campground, take a swim in the lake nestled at the base of the Teton mountain range and relax after the last leg of the Devilstone Run before many other riders joined us. That evening, the farewell dinner took place with insanely good food from the food truck and free beer from Cody Craft Brewing right at our campsite. The evening was spent connecting more with individuals that may have been strangers on the first day, but are now family. There were flash tattoos still getting tatted, fireside guitar sessions, and lakeside chats leading to the dark hours of the night. That farewell night is bittersweet as you know your new old friends will soon be departing and heading to their respective next destination or home.
While on my ride home back to Colorado, I reflected upon the journey from the last few days. I departed early and was warmly greeted by a peachy sunrise featuring smoke from nearby fires, a mama bear and her four cubs, and even a badger crossing the road which inevitably filled me even more with gratitude. As I approached Jackson, I stopped by a local coffee shop to enjoy a warm beverage and a burrito to fuel my body for the 500 mile ride ahead.
The first half of the ride back had no shortage of scenery. When I stopped for lunch in Rock Springs, WY, I checked out a southwest grill for a healthy bite to eat. Shortly after being seated, another Devilstone rider on his own journey home walked in, noticed me and took a seat at my table. I was quickly reminded how incredible the motorcycle community is as we indulged in burrito bowls. The rider, Andy, and I have different styles of riding: Andy is more of a road warrior on his Indian Chieftain and has a grittier, rad vest look to his style whereas I have a more adventure-clad gear vibe aboard a Yamaha Tenere 700. No image is superior nor judged, but rather the uniqueness of the two of us sharing the same passion of riding and being able to sit down together without hesitation to enjoy each other’s company along our own solo rides.
If you are seeking community, want to experience Wyoming from the comfort of a bike, or looking for a reason to ride, check out The Devilstone Run VII next year!
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