Saturday 13 August 2011. Second Day Week 4
It was a gloomy start with the wind blowing hard in our face and the skies heavily overcast. We are so sun baked the 59 degree air felt cold to us.
A few miles out of town we came upon a tall observation tower that claimed you could see three states from the top so we climbed it. The view was spectacular even with the overcast skies and fog that blanked the area.
This may not be the “Land of 10,000 Lakes" anymore but let me tell you there are plenty of lakes and ponds in South Dakota. Some of the ponds have washed over the roads from the heavy rains and flooding a couple weeks ago. A while later we came across an impassable condition. It looked like a large portion of the road had been under water but was now clear.
But a few hundred yards further we reached an impassable point. The bridge was under and who knew how deep the water was. We turned around and re-routed.
The rolling hills are filled with farms (ranches?) of free range cattle. The looked like happy cows with plenty of grasses to graze on and hundreds of acres to roam. Many seemed to hang out near the roadway to look at who passed by. A few time the herd would run along the fence line in pace with us. It was like they were enjoying the activity. You have to understand VERY few cars pass them by. These roads are almost completely void of traffic so we are something to break up there day I guess.
We stopped at a little store for some cold drinks. We never pass a store because you may not see another for 50 miles. When at the store a couple pulled in and asked where we were going. After we explained our journey they told us they have en trying to circumnavigate the USA by bike. They have been doing small sections at a time and almost have completed their task.
Well Carl and Lynn get your rumps on those bakes and Git er Done!
We had plenty to do after we arrived at our motel. A package mailed by Debbie (Ken’s wife) was waiting for us. Inside was new tires, tubes and other needed supplies. Scott. team rider and owner of the "Village Bake House" had added some super cookies to the box. Ken’s wife had stuffed a few boxes of Lindt Chocolates in there too. Carol had dropped off a tub of endurance mix to add to our water and some energy chews too. Perfect.
We changed tires and then showered and filled our bellies with a great dinner. A good day.
103 Miles
2609 Feet of Climbing
Temperature 60 - 75 degrees
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