Day 29 Rapid City, SD -> Hot Springs, SD

Friday 19 August 2011 Day 1 week 5

Today we rode the Black Hills of South Dakota past Mount Rushmore and through Custer State Park.  Back home we would call the  Black Hills the Black Mountains!  Those little hills had over 7000 feet of climbing in 76 miles. Those are some fairly “lumpy” hills in my book.

While in Custer we saw buffalo and other wildlife roaming the park freely.  One of the bison was right on the side of the road grazing as we rode by. They almost look tame and friendly but signs along the roadway remind you they are not. We cut the huge animal a wide berth while riding by.

At the top of one of the “hills” we were at almost 6000 feet above sea level and it was a chilly 59 degrees.
After the weeks of riding in 90+ degree heat anything under 75 feels cold to us.
For the downhill runs all of us had long sleeves or jackets on.
Higher elevations and colder temperatures are coming quick I think they call them the Rockies.

Again the location of a place to sleep dictated the days mileage.  We always shoot for 100 miles but sometimes it does not happen.

76 Miles
7026 Feet of Climbing
Temperature 59- 74 degrees

Underway from Rapid City today.  Headed for Hot Springs, SD
The Daily report from the Team Eliminator Roving Reporter on Site at Grants Pass South Dakota.  And now:

And a bonus photo!  Mt Rushmore