Day 25--Pierre SD to Chamberlain SD--July 15th
Miles Ridden 83.2
Avg. Speed 16.5 MPH
Climbing 2372 Ft
Total miles Ridden 1847
Miles To Go 1782
There are lots of milestones on this trip but crossing the halfway point today was an important one. We have gone through the most difficult terrain and the most spectacular scenery. All of the riders are still here and most are confident they can meet the physical demands (some are riding in the van part of the day as they nurse injuries or fatigue). The challenge now becomes psychological as we look ahead at weeks more riding through somewhat familiar territory with same motel rooms and mediocre food and likely increased heat, humidity and traffic with ever-present thoughts of finally getting home. I sensed a lot of mixed emotions among the group today.
We left Pierre by traveling alongside the Missouri River, took an overland shortcut and eventually came back to the river at Chamberlain. The roads were excellent for the most part and traffic non-existent as we passed through the same rolling hills and grasslands that seem to be the norm in central South Dakota. One bit of good fortune was the absence of grasshoppers.
Our first rest stop was at the official halfway point of the trip (see below). Our second rest stop was on the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation at Fort Thompson where we were the center of attention among the Native Americans who were very interested in what we were doing and where we were going.
We were surprised by several very steep and difficult hills that rose near the river but managed to get through with the ride before the temperature hit the afternoon high of 94. Chamberlain is a small town on the river just north of I-90 notable to me only for the very friendly people and the biggest and busiest McDonald's I've seen in a town this size. It looked like the only business drawing customers.
We have what looks like a fairly easy ride tomorrow to Mitchell SD where we get to see the world-famous Corn Palace and are planning to attend a rodeo.
Missouri River outside Pierre
The halfway point of the ride, 30 miles east of Pierre
Duke, a remarkable three-legged dog, at the first stop who wanted to play fetch with his flattened can.
The Missouri looks more like a lake at various points.
Looking down at the Missouri River bridges before descending into Chamberlain
Avg. Speed 16.5 MPH
Climbing 2372 Ft
Total miles Ridden 1847
Miles To Go 1782
There are lots of milestones on this trip but crossing the halfway point today was an important one. We have gone through the most difficult terrain and the most spectacular scenery. All of the riders are still here and most are confident they can meet the physical demands (some are riding in the van part of the day as they nurse injuries or fatigue). The challenge now becomes psychological as we look ahead at weeks more riding through somewhat familiar territory with same motel rooms and mediocre food and likely increased heat, humidity and traffic with ever-present thoughts of finally getting home. I sensed a lot of mixed emotions among the group today.
We left Pierre by traveling alongside the Missouri River, took an overland shortcut and eventually came back to the river at Chamberlain. The roads were excellent for the most part and traffic non-existent as we passed through the same rolling hills and grasslands that seem to be the norm in central South Dakota. One bit of good fortune was the absence of grasshoppers.
Our first rest stop was at the official halfway point of the trip (see below). Our second rest stop was on the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation at Fort Thompson where we were the center of attention among the Native Americans who were very interested in what we were doing and where we were going.
We were surprised by several very steep and difficult hills that rose near the river but managed to get through with the ride before the temperature hit the afternoon high of 94. Chamberlain is a small town on the river just north of I-90 notable to me only for the very friendly people and the biggest and busiest McDonald's I've seen in a town this size. It looked like the only business drawing customers.
We have what looks like a fairly easy ride tomorrow to Mitchell SD where we get to see the world-famous Corn Palace and are planning to attend a rodeo.
Missouri River outside Pierre
The halfway point of the ride, 30 miles east of Pierre
Duke, a remarkable three-legged dog, at the first stop who wanted to play fetch with his flattened can.
The Missouri looks more like a lake at various points.
Looking down at the Missouri River bridges before descending into Chamberlain
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