Day 26 Chamberlain to Mitchell, SD---- 72 Miles 1013 ' of climbing

Today we loaded luggage at 0600 and then went to breakfast.  They had a buffet of Scrambled Eggs, Oatmeal, Pancakes, Sausage, Bacon, fruit and dry cereal.  After getting a plateful we ate and were on the road by 0630.  We once again had to do a climb to get out of town.  It wasn't really too bad 4% for 3/4 of a mile.  When we got to the top of the hill we had to turn left and head directly east.  There was a lite west wind which made the riding very nice.  The temperature was 71 when we started, so it is getting warmer everyday.  Many complained of the heat, but it felt good to me.  We only had one rest stop today and it was halfway at mile 35.4.  There were towns all along the route today and each one is 11 miles apart.  This is due to the old steam engines that needed to take on water every 11 miles.  It was really neat.  The road was once again rough with the expansion cracks and the holes that had been patched with big hunks of asphalt and there was a  big bump every 3 or 4 cracks.  The miles went by really fast and on the left side of the road we saw a small group of Buffalo in a pasture with cattle.  There was a big bull, 4 cows and 3 calves.  They were running in the pasture and had their tails curled up behind them as they ran.  It was quite a site to see them getting their exercise this morning next to us.  There was also a red tailed hawk on the fence post in the Buffalo field and as we rode by he took off and soared in the wind next to us.  We are so fortunate to see wildlife and be able to enjoy the scenery and fresh air along with them. 

We came to the 1st sag stop in a little over 2 hours and it was time to snack and fill up the bottles and off again.  We did not stay very long and we were off again.  We were riding down the road between 20-24 MPH without much effort and then Jeff one of the staff members who was riding today caught up with us and also Matt and Michael on their tandem.  We were taking turns and then Jeff went to the front and kicked it up to 27-28 MPH and we dropped the tandem.  After riding for about 3 miles at this pace Jeff took off as any time he can see another rider ahead he has to go and catch up with them.  We then rode with the Tandem for awhile and then decided to drop off and take a picture of us in the Corn Field.  It was then time to cruise on into Mitchell and find the Corn Palace.  I had not heard of this until yesterday and most everyone said it is a must see as they change the theme every year.  After going inside and looking at the picture's and everything else it was time to get a bite to eat.  We ate and then went by the bike shop and then on to the motel for check in and luggage unload.  It was another great day and we all say that we only have 70 some odd miles to ride today and tomorrow and we consider this a short day.  When you ride day after day and become adjusted to this routine then 70 miles is like a rest day.  We hit town at 11AM and tomorrow we have about the same mileage into Sioux Falls and then we have our 3rd rest day of this trip.