Posted on by Greg

Bike Across America – Day 22

Monday, July 10, 2017

Start: Hot Springs, South Dakota
End: Rapid City, South Dakota
Mileage today/cumulative: 74 / 1,609
Elevation Ascended: 5,617′
Weather: Sunny, 74° at start; sunny, 93° at finish
3D Relive Video (approx. 1 minute)

There really aren’t adequate words to describe today’s ride but, hopefully, photos will do it some justice. Great climbing, nice temperatures, good roads and amazing things to see at every turn. We made virtually no eastbound progress today because we headed north for tons of cool stuff! The morning began by riding through Wind Cave National Park, where we were greeted by prairie dogs. They were everywhere and even I, with my hearing loss, could hear them barking up a storm at us. Then, we were lucky enough to come across a small herd of bison making their way across the road. The Wind Cave bison are a herd of 250–400 American bison. It is believed to be one of only four free roaming and genetically pure herds on public lands in North America.  From there, it was into the Black Hills National Forest on our way to the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mt. Rushmore, where a lot of strangers asked about our ride and offered words of encouragement. The entire day was simply spectacular.

Tomorrow we resume our ride eastward to Wall, South Dakota, home of the kinda famous Wall Drugs. Cheesy souvenirs await!

Our regular gang before rolling out this morning. Deana, an ABB staff member, is wearing the infamous duck on her helmet.
Another National Park checked off the list!
Hmmm. This was an understatement. See below…
Why did the bison cross the road? Because he’s enormous and he can do whatever he wants to.
Bison in Wind Cave National Park, early morning. Photo credit Martin Stabler.
Bison herd in Wind Cave National Park. They are HUGE.
Prairie dogs barking at us in Wind Cave. Photo credit Martin Stabler.
South Dakota humor.
Crazy Horse Memorial. It has been under construction since 1948. If it’s ever completed, he will be riding his horse and pointing into the distance. Photo credit ABB staff.
Somebody had a bad case of helmet hair…  and I promised my Mom a photo of me without a helmet and sunglasses.
Team Pea selfie at a very cool place.
Team Pea photobombed by George Washington.
Hot Wife hanging out with the boys.
Just spending time with four important guys.

9 Replies to “Bike Across America – Day 22”

  1. Ha ha, love the helmet hair. Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse are definitely a sight to see. I can’t imagine riding 100+ miles a day. You guys are mentally and physically strong!!

  2. Well, Mom got the photo and is still laughing. We are in a state of big envy right now and love every blog and the great pictures. Never got to see the famous guys but we thank you for sharing. You are just an amazing group of cyclists! Love you tons! 3-D video not coming through!

  3. Why yes, that’s my son Pippi Longstocking. He looks a bit different without his helmet and sunglasses….

  4. After this adventure is all over people will ask you what was the best day. Something tells me today might be the answer. Utterly epic!

  5. What a fun day . . . great photos . . . bison and prairie dogs . . . neat! Ride on . . .

  6. You sure did have an amazing day! Love all the pictures. I did not know about the Crazy Horse monument – what an enormous enterprise! The Presidents sure are cool 🙂 The Sandwich misses Bev!!!

  7. That whole area is one of my favorite of all the places we have been. The bison and prairie dogs are all fun to see. The bison are amazing. I’m glad some were saved for us to enjoy. Safe ride tomorrow.

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