Today we left Rapid City at about 7:00 AM. We had the continental breakfast in the Super 8 and then stopped by the Safeway Store and I had two bagels and a banana as we rode out of town. We had many turns to make as we left Rapid City. It was fun but it was also slow. We left early to try to beat the heat and the wind. We failed on both counts.

As the morning unfolded the wind increased. This was supposed to be a rolling rest day but it turned out to be anything but that. We had to ride on the shoulder of I-90 for the last 20 miles. The shoulder had rumble strips and fairly fresh chip seal. Chip seal consists of fine rock laid over a tarry surface. It is difficult to ride on and from time to time there is loose gravel. That wouldn’t be so bad except you never know when you might come upon the loose gravel. This challenging surface, along with strong headwinds, made for what most riders would call a hard day. Bob, one of the staff members, hit some of the loose gravel on the shoulder and took a spill. He was banged up pretty good and may need stitches on his shoulder. We came upon Bob shortly after his spill and Danny for the third time jumped in and did his professional thing.

We arrived in Wall at 11:30 AM which isn’t too bad except it took about twice as long as it should have and took twice the effort. When we arrived in Wall we headed straight for the Wall Café. We got milk shakes and large lemonades. We were very dehydrated and needed to replace fluids. After this rest stop I got checked into the motel and proceeded to go for a short swim and then it was off to the laundromat to do the wash.

When I returned everyone was ready to go into town for lunch and shopping. I bought post cards to mail to the grandkids and Mary and I bought some items that may border on the mischievous.

Tomorrow we are scheduled for about 116 miles. The wind is expected to be the same as today. This could be our most challenging day yet. Most of the other riders are taking a nap. The riding conditions today reminded all of us how good we have had it thus far on the trip. At lunch Danny, Steve, Mary and I all talked about what it would take tomorrow. It will take a positive attitude and a lot of hard work. We are up for it. We will need to remember to hydrate, hydrate and hydrate. If this was always easy, anyone could do it.

As a result of the riding conditions today, I did not take many pictures. I was too busy hanging onto my handlebars, holding the bike steady, and riding hard. I did not drink enough water today. I have to be more careful tomorrow.

Good news. Karen was released from the hospital last night. She joined us today and was up walking around and in very good spirits. She is very banged up and covered with bandages. She is one brave woman.

My present thoughts are that this is like life. We can ultimately only take each day as it comes. Worrying about tomorrow will not change anything. Every day is a good day, the easy ones as well as the tough ones. Who knows, we could wake up tomorrow to find that winds have shifted and are now out of the west! We are up for it.

I need to go now to road rap and then oil my chain tonight. Thanks again for joining me. Having you along has sure made this trip more enjoyable for me. God bless you.

Click here to see more pictures from today!