Coast2Coast Day 32: A trilogy, with Firestone to Rapid City, SD, Rapid City to the entrance to the Bad Lands, and the Bad Lands to Cedar Pass, SD (just inside to Bad Lands National Park and just outside of Interior, SD)
After seeing Chris and Bob off this morning, a breakfast of quesadilla with salsa, and a discussion with Brad (from Washington State, sharing his experience de-Deffing his Sprinter Van), Daniel and I headed off for a monster day! The first twenty or so miles were very much rrrolling hills with downslopes at 9+% and a few upslopes at 16+%. We did encounter chip sealing construction for 10+ miles, and the downhills were a bit unsettling on the loose gravel.
After a few uphills entering Rapid City we climbed and descend the Skyline. The views were amazing and surprising as to how high over the City we had biked, and the descent, with myriad switchbacks, was exciting. Going through Rapid City along the creek trail was great, EXCEPT Daniel’s new rear tire sliced, and did a rooster spray of sealant. PLUS, not a quarter mile later, I took a spill on a pothole underneath a bridge. (My eyes had not yet adjusted from sunlight to under-bridge-dimness, and I skinned a knee, hip and elbow. All-in-all not the worst of travails, but annoying in the context of a 100-mile day.
Leaving Rapid City, we were met with miles and miles and miles of farms. Daniel said that the farms are necessary, but counting the rumble strips along the shoulder might be more interesting. We stopped at the Country Corner, just past Farmingdale, and met Robin, the proprietor. We did pass a message onto Chris and Bob that the CC is open, and the hours, so that they can stop when they travel by tomorrow (?).
We continued riding, and the temperatures and road continued to climb! On entering the Bad Lands, our observation was that the most recent three days of riding included Devil’s Tower, Davil’s Bath Tub (in Spearfish Canyon, and today the Bad Lands! Is there some message here?
We did stop by the Cowboy Corner in Interior, as our remaining hydration was more like tea water, without the tea. Of course, Daniel had a Coke and bottle of water, and treated me to a Diet Coke and a bottle of water. All of which were consumed within the two miles that remained till we reached the campsite for tonight.
Cathy provided great recovery beverages, and dinner included spaghetti bolognese and garlic bread, with ice cream dessert!
While cleaning dishes, Cathy met Pam from Boston, who was next in line. Pam spends time working on Martha’s Vineyard, which is on Cathy’s bucket list! Between Pam (Boston) and Brad (Washington State) there was a mini-coast-to-coast connections for the day.
Cathy and Daniel headed off for an astronomy/dark skies presentation, while Phil is nursing his travel wounds from the day. After 103 miles we should sleep well, and maybe enjoy a fantastic sun rise!
