Yellowstone Cycle Days (relocating, bike, park)

[MovingtoID81]

Hi

I was wondering if anyone has ever participated in the free Yellowstone Cycle days from now until April 19th when you can bike or walk through the park for free? I am really afraid of bears and other wildlife so I don't know if it is worth the risk? I know it is random to be attacked by a bear but I really do not want to take that chance unless a lot of other people will be around.

This Saturday and Sunday are supposed to be really crappy weather like a high of 40 and rainy/snowy. Do you think anyone will be biking or walking through the park in that type of weather? Should I just wait until the park opens to road travel and drive through it? Has anyone done a ranger led hike? When do those start? I will be relocating out of Idaho in June so I would like to see the park before I leave!

[tdna]

It's a great time to be in the park. The lack of people is one of the reasons. It's a good opportunity to see wildlife that you'll miss other times of year, but you don't need to fear it. I would recommend carrying bear spray, but really, if you are fortunate enough to see wildlife just give them a plenty of room and be smart. Unless you do something foolish, the risk of being injured by any of the animals is incredibly low and the chance to get some wonderful photos is very high. The road between Madison Junction and Old Faithful is closed for bear management.

[banjomike]

You can always call the Park headquarters. the State Police should have the info for you on how to reach them.
As long as you bike on the paved roads, you shouldn't have any bear problems, but you never know. It always pays to ask about bears when you enter the park.

If the park is open for free, take it to the bank that there will be people walking and biking, no matter how bad the weather is. This cold snap won't last long- I would hang until next week, if that's possible.
If not, and you have the rain gear, decide for yourself if the ride on a stormy day is something you might like or not.

This is a great time to see the park, but vigilance is needed around any and all wildlife. Mother chipmunks can be just as cranky if their babies are around as mother bears, or elk, or buffalo. Remember that they are all wild. If you give them the road, almost always, you won't have trouble.

Bear bells do work. If you don't have any, I think the Indian brass Hindu-Gypsy-Hippie bells are the ones most bears really love the most.