Day 14: Almost Rest in South Dakota

Day 14: 1 more day to half way through the trip. A short ride today, 45 miles for Mike, 74 for Tom (although he had 6,000ft of climbing) in an untracked amount of time as we were indifferent to average speed. Why so short? Because PACTour planned the day to see things in the Black Hills of South Dakota including the Crazy Horse Monument, Mt Rushmore (overrated in my book…), amazing wildlife (see pictures of buffalo and antelope), and to ride carefully avoiding the pickups towing campers and 40 foot RVs. By the way, we’re in the part of the world with drive through liquor stores and if you buy a mobile home it comes with its own junk car collection…

So… we had a short day, up and down and up and down (they are the Black Hills, after all) from Custer through Keystone and out to Rapid City so our faithful readers (both my mom and Tom’s wife Laurie) can have a short time reading about it.

Early dinner tonight, early breakfast tomorrow (5:30am), 148 miles through the Badlands and the flats in 90 degree heat await. Minimum road kill today, I don’t think anything to report in fact.

Addendum from Tom…..my “long” short day was one of my Top 10 scenic bike rides I’ve ever done! The loop through Custer Sate Park was fantastic with numerous ups and downs on smooth quiet roads through pine forest and open meadows. The highlight was cycling on the road through a herd of buffalo as they were grazing on the sides. Lots of antelope and gophers (prairie dogs) to be seen as well. The loop took us on a small road restricted from RV’s and big trucks, mainly because of some short small tunnels carved through the rock/hillsides. One of the tunnels was lined up perfectly that one could see Mt Rushmore through the other end. I must say that Mt Rushmore from a distance is just as impressive as up close. Looking forward to a nice meal in Rapid City this evening and a good night’s rest in preparation for what could be the most challenging 2 days of riding so far this trip.