Days 19 & 20--Friday the 13th

We got an early start (6:30 am) on Day 19 for our ride from Newcastle, WY to Rapid City, SD. Although this was Friday the 13th, the bad spirits were kept at bay for most of the day. It was a day of steep climbs across the South Dakota state line (pictured) and into the Black Hills National Forest, including a 1.5 mile 7% climb, followed by a 1 mile 7% descent--with no shoulder. Fortunately, traffic was very light on that section. The day started at 4,200' elevation, topped at 5,700' at mile 30, then ended in Rapid City at around 3,500'.

While the ride through the town of Custer, SD was easily forgettable (though I did have a memorable iced mocha there), it was followed by a spectacular trek through Custer State Park. The temperatures were still fairly cool (80's) as we followed the winding roads through the ridges and trees. The riding was glorious and the scenary stunning. I can see why the Native Americans have held the Black Hills sacred. The only buffalo I saw from the bike was the statue in Custer (pictured), but the weekend was young.

Not to be disappointed on Friday the 13th (the day was just too perfect), the headwind demons appeared for the last 15 miles into Rapid City. It was a slog that seemed to last forever (and an hors d'oeuvre for what was to be served up in the coming days in South Dakota).

Friday the 13th ended on a very positive note. My darling wife Betsy and I had planned a rendezvous in Rapid City for some months, and we synched up at the South Dakota School of Mines (how romantic), then went to the Holiday Inn Express. I've really come to appreciate the simple pleasures of sheets and a/c. We spent Day 20 (Saturday) touring the area in a rental car, visiting Mt. Rushmore (pictured), the Crazy Horse Mountain project, and other touristy spots. She and I went back through Custer State Park and drove the Widlife Loop--and we did see some real buffalo! While some of them roamed, most conserved their energy, hanging out in the shade and muttering as tourists went by with their cameras. I overheard two of them snickering, "What can't those people get it straight--we're BISON, darn it!

More to come.

Marty