Day 16 - Rapid City SD to Murdo SD, 147 miles, 4180' cumulative climbing

Now the really high mileage days start, with 147 today and 950 total over the next 7 days.  If there is a grind segment to the trip we have arrived at it!  The trade-off is less climbing on average, though today had quite a bit of elevation gain, including a relentless series of long rolling hills that were punishing in the heat of the afternoon.





Before talking more about today's ride I want to mention something from the other day.  On Day 14's blog entry I talked about being tired and struggling a bit on the hills after two weeks of uninterrupted days in the saddle. Some family and friends sent me nice, supportive comments and I appreciate the encouragement very much.  However, let's be clear here - I came on this trip to ride across the country, knowing full well that there would be challenges and tough days, hot weather, rain, discouraging moments, etc.  Don't think for a minute that my resolve has been tested yet.  Just let me complain a little bit here and there and I'll be fine!  My intention is to ride every mile of this journey as long as I'm physically able to do so.  There.  Point made.  Thanks for listening! 

Lots of sunflower fields in South Dakota!

Today's route was pretty straightforward:  Go east and don't stop until you reach Murdo!  Murdo???  Never heard of it.  One of many small towns you either have seen or you don't know they exist.  We had dinner in the Buffalo Steakhouse, which looks pretty decrepit on the outside but serves a nice meal.  Homemade soup, locally sourced steaks, all inside a rusty corrugated metal building. Our waitress was on her first day after moving here from Milwaukee.  Who knew?

See the Bighorn Sheep?

Lots of comments have been made by members of our trip about South Dakota, not any of them very flattering.  I have found the last three days in this state a real pleasant surprise, as the diversity of geology and landscape is really quite beautiful. First we had the Black Hills, then abundant wildlife up close, and today the Badlands, a stunning moonlike panorama of sandstone carved by water over many years, and rolling farmland with crops ranging from corn and beans to sunflowers, hay, and lots of cattle. All this made up for an afternoon of fighting a headwind/crosswind in the mid-90's heat. It sure was good to see old Murdo come into view!  These long days leave little time for anything but shower, dinner and bed.  More tomorrow!

The Badlands

Our group in a tight paceline to deal more efficiently with wind