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protecting the land, waters, wildlife
and quality of life in the Greater
Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
(GYE) spans 20 million acres,
bordered approximately by Interstate
90 in Montana, Interstate 80 in
Wyoming, Interstate 15 through
Montana and Idaho on the west, and
the Big Horn Mountains in the east.
The heart of the GYE, of course,
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is Yellowstone itself. The 2.2 million
acre behemoth is surrounded by
Grand Teton National Park, eleven
major mountain ranges, six national
forests, seven wilderness areas and
three national wildlife refuges. To
say conservation is at the core of
Yellowstone’s purpose would be the
epitome of understatements.
In its second year, Cycle Greater
Yellowstone has quickly jettisoned
Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Sprinter 2014
to the fourth largest multiday bicycle tour in North
America. In its inaugural
year, more than 660 riders
and 80 volunteers from
44 states and five countries
participated. This year, nearly
500 riders from 42 states
are already registered for
the trek – more than 800
are expected, along with
100 volunteers, according
to director Jeff Welsch.
The GYC created the event
for two primary reasons:
“To provide a world-class
adventure designed to inspire
and inform riders about
the wonders of Greater
Yellowstone; and to build
enduring relationships
between GYC, the cyclists,
and communities of Greater
Yellowstone,” says the
coalition.
The 2014 journey begins in
Jackson on August 16 and
ends at Moran Junction on
August 23 in Grand Teton
National Park. Overnight
stops include Victor, Idaho,
Hoback Junction, Pinedale,
Lander (two nights and a
layover day) and Dubois. The
route covers 465 miles, five
mountain passes, and nearly
20,000 feet in elevation gain.
The tour is fully supported,
providing participants with, among
other amenities, three catered daily
meals, fully stocked rest stops, prime
camping spots, hot showers, baggage
service, on-course safety support and
live entertainment. For non-riding
spouses, partners, family or friends, a
Travel Partner program is available.
CGY also encourages those interested
in volunteering to apply for their
approximately 100 positions, all of