Day 2 Is In the Books

92 miles into Hot Springs, South Dakota. It was an early start this morning, in a steady rain that lasted off and on all day. It was hard to dress. First the rain gear is on, then it is off, then it is on.

You may wonder what happens when it rains? You keep riding, unless there's lightening. Fortunately that wasn't the case this morning, nor the rest of the day. Lightening while on the route would be especially challenging as today's route was particularly desolate as far as towns and farms or ranches.

The first order of business upon arrival at the motel was to clean up the bike. Second order of business was to go to Dairy Queen (next door).

We entered South Dakota at mile 56 today. It seemed everyone was stopping for the obligatory photo opportunity out in the middle of nowhere. Finally a passing driver asked what we were up to with the normal surprise when he was told.

Prior to that we went through Mule Creek Junction, then after the state line Edgemont. Needless to say, we were pretty rural today. We are out of the Wyoming high desert and into the plains. Things are getting a little greener, and more hilly.

We had two big climbs at the end of the route today, one was four miles and the other one mile. Other climbing was rolling hills. Normally long climbs are rewarded with great descents. Today's descents weren't quite as rewarding with narrow shoulders and rain. Makes coming down a little tricky.

The consensus right now is that South Dakota drivers aren't quite as courteous as Wyoming drivers. Shoulders are very narrow, and on more than one occasion today we were met with passing oncoming traffic. With tomorrow's climbing into Mt Rushmore, traffic could be a huge challenge if these road conditions continue.

We saw several prong horns today, and I believe we're hearing a lot of prairie dogs too. Sounds kind of like a bird, but when you look there are no birds around.

Tomorrow we go to Rapid City via Crazy Horse and Mt Rushmore. Looks like a lot of climbing on a 72 mile day, the majority prior to Mt Rushmore with one big climb following.

I was speaking with one of the German riders prior to route rap tonight. She and her husband (also on the ride) have a bicycle tour company in Germany. She said it was very nice to be a guest instead of staff. They organize about 16 tours a year throughout Europe, mostly in Germany. This is her first time in the United States. She said she was very concerned about being strong enough to do the tour since they don't find much time to ride when at home. My understanding is they hammered out the route a few days ago in order to get to the destination to see Germany in the World Cup. They are strong riders. It was interesting to hear about how they run their company and do their tours. Anja is really enjoying experiencing the towns we go through.

Tomorrow should bring lots of news and experiences from the road! ~Lisa