40 – Atomic City Airstrip
Atomic City, located in Bingham County, Idaho, is a small town with a notable history tied to the development of nuclear energy. Originally known as “Midway” due to its position between Blackfoot and Arco, the town was renamed in 1950 following the establishment of the nearby Idaho National Laboratory (INL), a prominent center for nuclear research.
The town experienced growth during the mid-20th century, reaching a population of 141 in 1960. However, the population declined significantly in subsequent decades, with 29 residents recorded in 2010 and 41 in 2020. In 2020, residents voted to disincorporate the town, completing the process that year. Today, Atomic City stands as a quiet community, reflecting its historical significance in the era of atomic energy development.
More Information
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_City,_Idaho
Coordinates: 43.458204, -112.802372
Elevation: 5020 ft
Difficulty: 1
What to Expect: No info
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13 Check-Ins
I didn't see the short road off the highway until I was passing it. Had to turn around.
See Alex’s post - Presumed we’d get the site on the way back and it turned into a loop.
Blink and you will miss it...which is exactly what we did. So we took the picture at the trailer.
I rode through Atomic City, the town, what's left of it. Yikes! It's certainly in decline. The raceway looks interesting.
We did go through town, but we were afraid the zombies would get us if we stopped so I got my pic from the highway. Taber road had a lot of deep mushy gravel
Wow, the wind is powerful out here. Felt like my bike was going to blow out from under me on the highway. My little bike barely can make it up to 70 mph with the wind helping. We drove through Atomic City to take a look.
Airport was interesting but for sure check out Atomic city. If those buildings could talk!
I got this site on Alec’s 3 day 1300 mile ride day 2. yes we crossed the line.
Blink and you'll miss it. It's only a 2 because of the gravel you have to ride to get in. You could just park on the road and it would be a 1
Atomic City has a runway AND a racetrack. This is a pretty unique town.
This was the last site for today. Friday April 11th. Been a full day of riding and great weather
I didn’t see the short road off the highway until I was passing it. Had to turn around.
See Alex’s post – Presumed we’d get the site on the way back and it turned into a loop.
Blink and you will miss it…which is exactly what we did. So we took the picture at the trailer.
I rode through Atomic City, the town, what’s left of it. Yikes! It’s certainly in decline. The raceway looks interesting.
We did go through town, but we were afraid the zombies would get us if we stopped so I got my pic from the highway. Taber road had a lot of deep mushy gravel
I figured the AC Bar was a bit more interesting for a picture.
Wow, the wind is powerful out here. Felt like my bike was going to blow out from under me on the highway. My little bike barely can make it up to 70 mph with the wind helping. We drove through Atomic City to take a look.
This airstrip isn’t too bad, I may have to come land here sometime.
Airport was interesting but for sure check out Atomic city. If those buildings could talk!
I got this site on Alec’s 3 day 1300 mile ride day 2. yes we crossed the line.
Blink and you’ll miss it. It’s only a 2 because of the gravel you have to ride to get in. You could just park on the road and it would be a 1
Atomic City has a runway AND a racetrack. This is a pretty unique town.
I’m curious about your bike…..I have one too (2023). What have you done to the suspension? I have the same bag setup. I think I’m way under-sprung. What’s been your experience? Also, have you done anything different with the air filter? Finally, mine seems to be always running the cooling fan. Does yours, or have you found a way to make yours run cooler? Thanks!
Mine is a 2016. I had a 2009, but it had been lowered, and did not have ABS. So I took the best parts off the 2009, and built up the 2016. I took out the stock air filter, and put in the “spare parts” bin made by Rade Garage. Scotts steering stabilizer, Rekluse clutch, BPR “anti-vibration tip clamp, Seat Concepts, Oxford heated grips, and an external (mounts under right side panel, opposite Wings muffler) tank that hold about 1 gallon. I have changed the fork seals and oil, but that is it as far as the forks go.
no bike is perfect, it I have thrown everything I can at this. Currently has 27k on the odometer, and this challenge is definitely putting this bike through the paces!
I am up for riding together if you’ll have me. We are clearly hitting all the same places.
Also, as to your question, by pulling the stock air filter, that converted me over to a foam Twin Air filter system. The bike runs hot, so anytime that I am not moving, I shut the engine down. But, yes, you are correct, the fan will run at the drop of a hat with these things.
brandon
This was the last site for today. Friday April 11th. Been a full day of riding and great weather
I’m curious about your GSA…..I have one too (2020). What kind of issues have you had with it? How many miles on it? How close are you to replacing it? And most importantly, what kinda tires do you have on it? Thanks!
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