Our ride today to Nowhere, SD turned out to be to Billsburg, SD. When Julie met us for lunch she asked around for a camper spot down the road. The locals gave her good tip. Billsburg is a restaurant with a few camper hookups in the shade. Perfect. We had dinner at the restaurant, cooked and served by Trudy, a fun gal with lots of stories. Showers in the back room of the restaurant even.
The ride through South Dakota went well except for a couple mishaps. We often stop at the top of long hills to catch our breath and rehydrate. At one stop we left Terry, not realizing he had a flat. Terry didn't panic; he got out the spare and got to work. Trouble was he didn't have the right equipment and was stranded. Five miles down the road we did a head count and realized he was missing. We gave ourselves extra credit for the mileage not tabulated on Garmin. Later in the day Dave's front tire hit my back tire and Dave went down, giving him a nice road rash. The Doc patched him up and we continued down the road.
Today's ride was gently rolling hills. Dick's comment was this is softer landscape than our first three states. We saw hay bales everywhere we went - especially the first 80 miles. We smuched our share of grasshoppers. We spent the whole day on SD highway 34, a nice road with very little traffic. Every couple hours we spotted Pearl down the road and Julie would be waiting with tall glasses of ice with Coke, Gatoraid, Lemonade, and Fresca. She cooled us down and we hit the road again. This afternoon was hot and we agreed for a departure at dawn tomorrow.
Roe
Well this morning the guys rode out of Sturgis like a scene from easy rider. They hopped on their one horse ponies and rode into the sunrise. I only wish I would have had Kecia design the boys a jersey that said "Hogs Gone Mild" They got a later start than they had hoped to try to beat the heat.We are getting closer to another time change so you can really see the difference in the early morning light.
I have mastered the fly swatter today as the Flies were invading Pearl. It might of had something to do with the wet swamp dog riding next to me.
I just everyone to know in the 5;15 am spinning class that when I return I will do a lot of slow fat lady rides as I have not been on the bike in over 2 weeks. I will have to replace the bike seat with a tractor seat. I also want to say thanks to Trish & Penny for my manicure set they gave me. I have used it several times already.
I will try to post something tomorrow night about our camping location in mn. so if anyone wants to meet up with us they can make arrangements too.
Ready to shut the eyes!
Julie
Great to hear you are progressing along your route! I loved the picture of Doc grinding up the hill and of the guys sitting in front of the store!
ReplyDeleteJulie, I noted your comment about camping in Minnesota. Can you post the spot you will be in Volga? I'm staying in Brookings but will meet you in Volga on Wednesday evening - assuming you make the projected schedule.
My brother - a sherriff in Olmsted Cty - is checking with Wabasha Cty about the best detour for the bridge that is out between Zumbro Falls and Wabasha. Let me know if you have figured anything else out there rather than taking the detour through Lake City which would add atleast 10 miles on top of the schedule 138!
My cell is 612.751.4878 if needed. Thanks!
We are all excited to see you in MN/WI.
ReplyDeleteJulie, as you head into MN will you post as much detail as you can with regard to your next day routes and end of day locations so people can head out to see you :)
Butch and I have been in the store in Aladdin, along with Russ and Mary on our Goldwings a few years ago when we covered Sturgis, Lead, Mt Rushmore, rode on the "pigtail" road. Fun area. Enjoy our beautiful country and be safe. Butch and Marilyn ( from Longville coffee shop on our way to Cloquet.)
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone can stay upright from this point on. Terry, sorry to hear they left you high and dry. We look forward to seeing you break the Minnesota boarder this week. Good talking to you Dad. I cannot believe how many miles you have covered so far.
ReplyDeleteIt's so fun hearing about all the small towns that you guys are passing through and the interesting people you're meeting along your journey! I'd be curious to hear some of your favorite stories at the end! :)
ReplyDeleteMy best wishes to all six of you!!
Another day! Jerry your cousin Dan would be so proud of you and I'm sure he's riding with you in spirit! Keep it up...you can do this! Take care all...
ReplyDeleteCindy Hanson