94 miles ridden – 2677 feet climbed.
It was very hot again today so I was actually pleased that we had a slight sidewind most of the way – it was like having a fan blowing across my face. We had one big climb of about 4 miles and during that the breeze was blocked by hills and trees and for about 30 minutes I felt like I had my back against an open oven. Aside from that there were more vast, open spaces.
We had two very exciting events during the ride. Firstly 45 miles in we had a right turn. This was very exciting as the previous turn had been a left out of the hotel so after 3 hours the anticipation and excitement among us was palpable. Some stopped to take pictures, some picked up water from one of the vans, others just took that right turn savouring the change in direction. The second piece of excitement another 10 miles on was the state line where we crossed from Wyoming into South Dakota.
The only immediate change on crossing the state line was the poor quality of the hard shoulder, otherwise it was more wide open spaces for the first 15 miles and then once over the ridge with the 4 mile climb it became a bit greener and more densely farmed.
The town of Edgemont broke the monotony a bit as the gas station we stopped at had a pretty impressive selection of sandwiches to add to the usual SAG fare. There was a massive group of Harley Davidsons with the obligatory leather-clad bikers who turned out to all be German and coming to the end of a motor cycle tour. I imagine the staff in that gas station had never had so many foreigners in at the same time. Edgemont also seems to be an important railway junction as there were a lot of carriages in sidings and major track interchanges. No steam trains though so not a match for the Bluebell Railway.
As we neared Hot Springs which is in a valley the temperature seriously started to rise apparently peaking at 105F/40C although we had probably all made it into the air-conditioned hotel by then.
Tomorrow we are cycling through the town of Custer (location of Custer’s last stand), going past the Crazy Horse monument, and then to Mount Rushmore. Not only that but we have another right turn – I must get some sleep.
All sounds great although I am not too sure you should shave your head – although i guess it would grow back by the time you get home. I hope that Hot Springs is as good as it sounds – no doubt a good dip in some spring water would do you and your “ar*e” the power of good! Well Jell about you getting to visit Mount Rushmore – Its on my bucket list but definately not going to go there by Bike! Have fun x