Author: thecyclingdiva

Routine is important. Because I was off routine this morning, I missed my morning meds. Must NOT miss them this evening but they must be taken later than normal because I am off my normal evening routine. I didn’t take the fiber until later which means I can’t take the prescription drugs until later.  Its a giant snowball!! I’m sure tomorrow will be better.

Having nothing specific in mind for the day, I still managed to get a few things done in between doing nothing. The best result after waiting one and a half hours was a full body massage. I asked the man if I could take him with me but he just laughed. He is the only one who has really massaged my legs no matter how many times I asked previous masseurs to do it. 

After doing more nothing in the lobby, I ended up going to dinner with Dave, Marty and Alan. It has been determined I will ride with Marty and Deb tomorrow. So looking forward to it. Hope I can keep up.

Made it into Sioux Falls this afternoon. Wind was not a factor and the route was pretty flat. So, I had no one to draft since all the fast riders were even faster today.

Made for a lonely day on the road but also allowed me to stop for photos and food as needed/desired.

When I reached Montrose, I saw a post office! Across the street was a grocery store. Perfect. Take a photo and get a sandwich. Turns out the store is going out of business because most of the locals go into Sioux Falls to do their shopping. Sad to see this happen. The locals are going to suffer when they need a cup of sugar and find they can’t run down the street to get it anymore.

Passed through more farm lands today. Several sections had been left “natural” so I heard and saw different birds in those areas. Many of the sections were swampy so saw some cattails too.

When I got into Sioux Falls, I actually found the bike trail and did not get lost. Then I was able to find the motel but not without some consternation. I thought I had passed it, was just about to turn around and there it was, whew!

The staff told us tonight, we’ve ridden more than 1,940 miles and climbed over 68,000 feet.

Tomorrow is a rest day and I need it.

As we rode from Chamberlain to Mitchell today, we faced more wind…more of a quartering headwind. I started out a bit grumpy because everything that came in contact with the bike hurt, my feet and my tender spots.

Mike M. came by and tried to get me out of my funk but moved on rather quickly. Then I latched on to the tandem as they came by. That was my saviour for the day. At first all was silence except for the shifting of gears and rolling of wheels. Slowly conversation began and then it took off. I had a lovely ride getting to know Chris and Alastair better. 

As we arrived in Mitchell, I peeled off to go see The Corn Palace while the tandem riders went on to the motel.

The Corn Palace was amazing. Just using ears of corn and other vegetation, they create some amazing murals. There were photos from the past on the walls too. This thing has been going on for over 100 years.

With the side trip to The Corn Palace, my mileage today was 74. Tomorrow’s mileage is supposed to be 71. Made a lot of us happy as we thought it was going to be 91. Still supposed to be hot so hoping to have a day like today where we get in early before the heat reaches its zenith.

At mile 20, we crossed the halfway point between Astoria, Oregon and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. By that point I’d been dropped by three pace lines so I was on my own for the most grueling day yet.

Headwinds and endless rollers were the menu for today. Top it off with the loss of an hour as we entered the Central Time Zone. By the time I reached the final rest stop of the day, I called it quits. If I hadn’t, I would have rolled into Chamberlain around 7pm and probably missed my opportunity for dinner. After 100 miles on a tough day, I wasn’t about to take that chance!

This part of South Dakota is rollers with endless grasses, some planted by farmers and some just wild. There were some cattle but mostly grasses or row crops.

I realized I was getting a bit cranky when I signaled the sag vehicle to stop and then complained because I hadn’t seen the town of Vivian so where is the rest stop? I still don’t know what happened to the town…did they move it; did I sleep through it; was it so small, I missed it???  When I did get to the next rest stop, there was a convenience store. I went in and bought a burger and Coke. Best move I could have made. My attitude improved tremendously. Maybe I’d been hangry.

I tried something new today. I wore two pair of shorts. It certainly worked well for padding my sore spots but later in the ride, the bulk of the padding became its own problem as it rubbed on my nether regions. Well, I tried it and would do it again for shorter distances but we’ll see how I feel in the morning about getting on the saddle again, ouch.

Looked out the window this morning. The ground was wet with rain dripping into the puddles. Pulled out knee warmers, arm warmers and vest. After breakfast, it had stopped raining and was already drying out. So, took off the knee warmers and put all the extra gear away before packing it into the trailer.

While it was overcast most of the day, there was no more rain and it helped keep the temperature down.

It didn’t take long before we were at the entrance to Badlands National Park. Just inside the gate, there was a herd of big horn sheep munching by the side of the road. They are obviously used to people because they had no concern for me as I stood there waiting for them to get closer for a photo.

Not much further and I was wowed! The Badlands need another name like the amazing lands or the awesome lands because that’s what I saw.

At every scenic viewing site, I pulled in and was overwhelmed all over again. I kept thinking, this is it, were done but around the next bend was more!

Besides the amazing geographical features, there are many fossils in the area. There are also lots of hiking trails.

I spoke with several people who were asking about our cycling event. I also took several photos for people who needed a photographer so they could both be in the picture. Some of them reciprocated so I have a few photos of me too.

Because today was “only” a 57 mile day, the others riders seemed much more relaxed about stopping and taking photos. So I was able to get some shots with friends. And I got to share a table with a large group at Cedar Pass Lodge where there was much eating and merriment along with an update on Steve. He went through a six hour surgery and they put rods in his back. His wife should be at the hospital later today.

Eventually, I was riding alone and the Lady-in-my-Pocket wasn’t speaking up so I missed a turn but ended up at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site near Philip, South Dakota. It was interesting and brought back memories of the propaganda we were fed about how to protect ourselves against a nuclear attack…hide under your desk! Looking at the information, it was (and is) like children playing king of the hill. I have more missiles so I win. It doesn’t matter that I will destoy half the world and then you’ll finish off the other half.

Today ended on a depressing note. Our strongest rider was hit by a semi pulling doubles on the interstate. Apparently the driver was distracted while reaching for a drink. His vehicle drifted and when he looked up, he was aimed right for Steve. Although he tried to stop and swerve, he still hit Steve. Steve is in the hospital with a broken back and neck and will undergo surgery. Steve is conscious. We are all waiting for further news and wishing him the best.

That’s all I can write today.

Started to leave town when I noticed a bunch of mail trucks. Quick turn around to get this photo. The building was beautiful.

The first part of the day I was in pretty farm country but the sun was in the wrong spot for photos. That was OK because I wanted to get some miles before the day got too hot. And…my legs felt like they didn’t want to cooperate. Not sure if I had too much fun on the “flats” the previous days or if I forgot what it feels like to climb a steeper grade.

Early on we rode into Wind Cave National Park. I’d never heard of this park but would definitely come back. Beautiful grasslands, valleys, mountains. 

They have bison. I saw one that was walking toward where I was riding. I was glad when the riders behind me got his attention and he stopped. Those critters are SO HUGE, they scare the beejeezuz out of me. I then saw a herd of bison in a draw but they were far away.

There were also prairie dogs, lots of prairie dogs. They make a chirping noise and were quite noisy trying to warn their neighbors as there were coyotes in the area looking for a meal. I saw two coyotes and other riders saw more.

There is a cave system in the park but we didn’t have time to stop. From one of the signs in the park: To the Lakota Indians, Wakan Tanka, the “Great Mystery” sent the buffalo (should say bison) out of the sacred cave of the winds and on to the hunting grounds.

When we left Wind Cave NP, we entered Black Hills Nat’l Forest. More beautiful country.

A little later I saw some others riders on a different type of steed.

We also rode by the Crazy Horse monument which is still unfinished. I tried to get a photo but was too far away.

Our next big stop, after a lot of strenuous climbing, was Mt. Rushmore Nat’l Memorial. Before I got to the full memorial, there was a pull out where one could see just George Washington.

And here’s the rest of the gang with me.

We also stopped at the National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone for a rest stop. I didn’t go in but would like to when I come back with Dan on the motorcycle…next summer?

Ended the day in Rapid City. Not long after I got into town, there was a thunder/lightening storm with wind and rain. It passed through quickly. We were able to walk over, on almost dry streets, for a good dinner at a chain restaurant, Ruby Tuesdays.

Tomorrow is a shorter day, mileage-wise, so we don’t have to load until 8am. I may walk down the street to another eatery for breakfast. These motel breakfasts leave a lot to be desired.

Yesterday’s average speed was 16. Today it was 10. Hope to go around 14 tomorrow so I can ‘rest’ for the 114 mile day coming up.

I almost forgot to include these pics…

Somehow I got my “load” time mixed up this morning. I knew there should have been more people waiting by the trailer but there were none. Fortunately Pam saw my confusion and came to the rescue. I got my stuff in the trailer, grabbed a quick breakfast, and got on the road.

Side note on the breakfast…it was basically just carbs and coffee. I did get an apple to go with my biscuit and bowl of Cheerios but there was no protein option. Then dinner was Subway sandwiches. I hope it gets better tomorrow and beyond.

In spite of a poor breakfast, I did exceedingly well for the first 35 miles of the ride. I actually kept up with Steve, the strongman of the tour, and Mike and Karen, two other really strong riders. We were on a down hill trend. If not, I would have been left in the dust.

Later I caught on with Bev and Greg but lost them on an uphill. They were on a mission to get to Hot Springs before the day got too hot.

And hot it did get. I heard different numbers but it was over 100 degrees out on the road. Our first big climb came around mile 73. I, along with others, had to keep stopping to cool down by drinking the ice water we’d just gotten from our support team. 

The descent from the four mile climb was only one and a half miles but then it was fairly flat for a long bit and I was able to fly through there. So when the next bump came along, I was doing well and got over it easily enough.

I made my best time since we started this trek getting to the motel. Then my room wasn’t ready. So, as I was going to sit in the lobby, Bev came in and said they’d just been at the DQ. She gave me directions and I was off. Met up with some others from our group there so shared a table as we enjoyed our treats.

The only photo from today was at the South Dakota state line. The landscape was interesting but I did not want to stop as I knew it was only going to get hotter as the day went on. Come see the area, its worth it.

Tomorrow we will ride through Wind Cave National Park. Then we stop to see the Crazy Horse memorial before getting to Mount Rushmore. We’ll have one of the rest stops at the National Presidential Wax Museum. All this and 73 miles of cycling too.

Another early morning. Yawn.

The alarm went off at 5:20 this morning. Luggage needed to be put in trailer at 5:50. Quick ‘continental’ breakfast at the motel and on my way.

I’m still not comfortable with the route sheets so am glad for the Lady-in-my-Pocket who gives me directions. I also saw another rider ahead of me. Turned out to be Dale. He was amused when I told him I was glad to find another rider so at least if I got lost, I wouldn’t be alone.

The first half of the ride went by quickly. I stopped in the town of Glenrock to read about the “rock in the glen.” Turns out John C. Fremont camped in the area on his first expedition out west. He was guided by Kit Carson.

Continuing on, I arrived in Douglas where they have jackalopes and hollyhocks.

Somewhere along the way I was able to latch onto the Bev, Greg, the Stabler brothers, Alan group which had grown to include Hao and Deb. I stayed with them until I dropped off for water at the van. That was the last of that pull for the day. Later I caught up with Hao who had also dropped off. So we rode together to the third rest stop. Then I was on my own but that was OK because the tar snakes were a problem and it was easier to avoid them without also having to deal with other riders.
One of the recommendations today was a truck stop known for their pies. I stopped for the pie but also got to play with a dog that was visiting. The dog’s person was inside the truck stop. As I was preparing to leave, I realized the dog had a stone and was asking me to toss it. So I did and he chased it and brought it back. We played for a bit until I told the dog I had to go. He still followed me as I started riding away but went back when his person came out of the truck stop. Timing was perfect.

When I finally reached Lusk, I had time to clean up before the big Rawhide celebration parade. Fun but short. Lots of horses and horse drawn wagons. I wasn’t prepared when the “Indians” came racing down the street on their horses. So no photos of them.

Yesterday was our rest day in Casper, Wyoming. Thought I might sleep in but have gotten so used to early days, it was an early day.

Cousin Dave came to pick me up and we were off to see The Oregon Trail exhibit. It also included information on lots more stuff. If I could get my photos, I’d share some of that info. grrrrr

We went for a lunch and then picked up his friend Angel and drove to a rock where the travelers through the area signed their names. Some names are dated back to the 1800s. The rock is a huge piece of granite that sits all by itself in the flatlands. We actually climbed up and down it without any special equipment but I went slow and careful.

After a nice Mexican meal, we were off the The Beach Boys concert. It was a fun show but I was glad they kept it to a 10ish ending as morning would come quickly.