Saturday, July 14, 2007, Mitchell, SD to Sioux Falls, SD, 73.3 miles, 6 hrs, 5 hrs 46 min on the bike, Ave. speed: 12.6 mph, Climb: 747 ft.

Today was another "easy" day, but it felt harder that yesterday - I think it was mentally harder, because it was "only" 70 miles with not much wind or climbing, but it seemed to take forever to get to Sioux Falls.

The terrain did flatten out and it was hotter and I can really feel the moisture in the air and there wasn't much to distract you - just miles and miles of road ahead.

We rode through farmland - some grasses and cattle, but mostly corn and soybeans. The folks were quite friendly today. Our SAG stop was at the local grocery store in Canistota, SD and we had several people come over and ask us what we were doing. It's fun to watch reactions when they find out we are cycling across the country.

I had a novel experience today - someone to talk to for the first 20 miles of the ride! Gerard (our other Dutch cyclist) slowed down to my pace and chatted with me for several miles. It was very enjoyable but strange, I'm usually all by myself and lost in my own head (Jean's World). Finally he had to "stretch his legs" and took off to cycle at his normal pace - about 10 mph faster than I go.

Got in to Sioux Falls around 2-ish and actually had time to relax a little, clean my bike and just wind down from the day. We said good bye to my buddy Tracy (he's finished this leg of the trip and is headed back to IN tomorrow morning). But, we also welcomed Dave to the group - he'll be with us until Niagra Falls.

I brought my bike to maintenance and Jim put a new chain on my bike - I had 2100 miles on the old chain and it was getting stretched out. The new chain should get me to the end of the trip. My bike has served me well so far - no problems to date. It is holding up much better than the rider! It does feel good to rest and to know that tomorrow I don't have to ride. My only chore is laundry.