Monday July 11th, Hot Springs SD to Rapid City SD, 73 miles, 6400 feet of climbing
My last cycling day was challenging, inspirational, and in the end, a bit emotional. We pulled out of Hot Springs into a stiff headwind. However, a front had come through the prior night and with it cooler temperatures. which were welcomed. As a result of the winds and a number of steep, challenging climbs, I averaged only about 13 mph for the day, easily the slowest ride of the tour. But no one cared because our efforts were so well rewarded.
Shortly after leaving Hot Springs we entered Wind Cave National Park where we got to see a number of prairie dog colonies. My attempts at getting a decent photo of those rascals failed miserably. Also sadly, the bison herd had decided to take the day off from encounters with cyclists. After leaving the Park we had our first SAG in the town of Custer. Leaving Custer we made steep ascents into and by the Crazy Horse Memorial and ultimately, the highlight, Mt. Rushmore. Our views of Crazy Horse were limited as we weren't particularly interested in paying the admission to see the impressive, but still yet unfinished site. However our lucked changed dramatically as we finally ascended into Mt. Rushmore and were able to park our bikes at the entrance and enter without charge. All the riders who had never been there were quickly blown away by what they saw. After we all snapped our requisite individual and collective photos we bought and enjoyed lunch there. The day had perfect sun, with moderate, even brisk temps. Just a glorious time to be in the Park. But alas, we had more work to do. After a steep descent we had our second SAG in the nearby town of Keystone. Then 20 more miles, including a couple additional tough climbs into Rapid City. A truly memorable day on the bike.
Then the emotional part, as fellow rider Jim and me, had to say our goodbyes to all the other riders and staff who were continuing on across the country to New Hampshire. We were allowed to speak before the group before dinner. In a short three and a half weeks I was able to make a number good friends. We had a lot of laughs together, primarily at each others expense. Very interesting people from all over the country and the world. All good folks. I wish them the best and look forward to charting their progress over the next several weeks as they accomplish their goals.
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| A service station that time has forgot, outside Hot Springs |
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| The First Prez from an interesting angle |
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| The Money Shot |
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Proof I made it up the steep climb
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| Taken from the SAG van, I'm second |
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| Murray and Heather from Adele, Australia |
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