oday started once again at 58 degrees with a lite North West wind. We had luggage load at 0545 and breakfast at 0600. We left at 0645 and had to head straight north for 46 miles until we got to Rt. 18 and Mule Creek Jct. Margo, John and Me decided to take it easy today as we have some tough climbs tomorrow and we need some strength in reserve. The scenery was real pretty with the open prairie opening up to Trees and rock formations. The air was fresh and the breeze out of the North West was not all that bad and the miles went by fast. The 1st stop was at mile 35 and had the regular snacks along with the left over pizza from our pizza party from last night. I do not eat cold pizza but enough were that it all disappeared. We left and headed north until we got to the jct of Mule Creek and Rt 18 which was out turn to the east and the direct route to Hot Springs.We went 11 miles and were at the South Dakota state line and once again we stopped for the Photo of another new state.
After leaving this sign we had another 12 miles to the 2nd and last stop of the day which was at mile 68 at the town of Edgemont, SD. We missed the stop as the truck was behind the gas station and we did not see it and went another 1.5 miles and had to turn around and go back, as everyone is required to sign in. This was another bonus mile day. After leaving we had a 4 mile climb out of the valley and it was a steady 5 % grade and wasn't all that bad. About 2/3 of the way up we saw Matt and Michael at the side of the road with a broken rear wheel on their tandem. The support staff has extra wheels for single bikes but not for theirs. They are ordering 2 extras and having them shipped by FedEx to one of the next towns.
I was riding with Gary and he is riding and going back to work 3 different times and today he is going and will be back joining us in Sioux Falls. He is going to let Michael ride his bike and Mike Munk the ride leader is going to let Matt ride his bike until they can get the tandem repaired so they won't miss any riding.
After I reached the top of the 4 mile climb there was Deb with one of the support vans and she wanted to know if we needed any more water as there was one more 1 mile climb up ahead. I said no and Gary said the same and off we went. Gary told me to go on and I rode the last 12 miles by myself. These last miles we had a head wind and after making the 1 mile climb of 5% it was a 2 mile decent of 6% into town. With the wind I only got up to 30MPH on the down hill and got in to town and saw some of the other riders at the Dairy Queen and I stopped and got something to eat and then we all went to the motel and unloaded the luggage and cleaned up.
Tomorrow we go to Rapid City and go up to Mt. Rushmore. Looking forward to this and another new challenge with the hills we have to go up.
Tom, Yes, you did see a varmit, an antelope from Saturday's ride; however, you didn't see any mule deer on Mule Deer drive though...lol. I thoroughly enjoyed the pictures of both days. It was a shame about the tandem bike but it was nice they were able to get a bike and continue riding. The DQ sounded really neat, cold ice cream would hit the spot. Looking forward to hearing about tomorrow's ride and seeing Mt. Rushmore. Take care. Dan
ReplyDeleteHey Tom...Getting a little education...didn't realize that tandems used different wheels than singles. Take pictures of Mt Rusmore...beautiful monument. Be safe and remember we are riding with you!
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