What a fabulous day in so many ways! After two days of riding on trails and gravel where I risked my life if I lifted my eyes, we were back on the road today. Nice shoulder, for the most part, and little traffic on the narrower sections. The scenery was spectacular! Rolling hills, grassland, Ponderosa pines - really gorgeous. We spent much of the day riding through Wind Cave National Park (famous for both a complex cave system underground and a thriving buffalo/bison population above). It is also a protected area for the mixed-grass prairie of pre-white man civilization days. The cave tours were not operating but the Visitor Centre was very well done. Custer State Park abuts the national park and has much the same landscape and wildlife. Apparently I missed the excitement at the lunch stop when a bison marched right through our setup. All the riders jumped in a vehicle, the bison bypassed the lunch table, stepped over a bike that was lying on the ground, and carried on across the road. I was stopped in a couple of “bison jams”, passed lots of herds right by the side of the road, and near the end of the day got caught in the middle of one as part of the herd reversed direction after they were almost across the road. Felt a bit exposed on that one..... I also saw lots of pronghorns, some wild burros, some wild turkeys and a gazillion prairie dogs. All great diversions to keep my mind off all the climbing we did today.
We’re staying in a lovely campground in Custer State Park tonight. Third night in a row camped beside a babbling brook. Zen.....
As I get to know more people on the trip I’m more and more impressed with them. It’s not an easy trip and just about everyone is riding it all. I don’t know what the average age is, but it sure ain’t young! Lots of people seem to have had various medical challenges and some have had big bike crashes. But - they persevere and do it all with great attitude and a sense of humour.
Stats for the day:
Hot Springs to Custer State Park
42 miles. 69 km.
3934 feet up. 3211 feet down.
Temps: 5C to 31C and not a single cloud all day.
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