Thursday, July 12, 2007, Pierre, SD to Chamberlain, SD, 83 miles, 8 hrs, 25 min, 7 hrs on the bike, Ave. speed: 11. 6 mph, Climb: 3600 ft.

This day was almost as hard as yesterday and at times, seemed worse! We started out early (we changed to Central Time and lost an hour, so that didn't help either...) and it was cool and overcast. The first part of the ride was OK - we followed the Missouri River for quite a way (beautiful and serene) and there was very little traffic (South Dakota is so small population-wise, that traffic has not really been an issue). Then the rolling hills started again - surprise, surprise.

At our first SAG stop we reached the halfway point of our trip in mileage! Hooray! I missed the sign on the road (I was focused getting to the stop and taking a break), but Cindy pointed it out and took a photo of this momentous occasion. It is also the 25th day of the trip, so we are truly half way done!

After celebrating, the real work began - 20+ miles of roller hills and headwinds!! By the time I hit mile 48 and we turned south my legs were wobbly and I was shaking. Fortunately there was a little store right on the corner and I stopped, rested, had a sandwich with chocolate milk ( a biker's best friend).

The middle part of the ride was OK - more rollers of course - but not as much work. I had the pleasure of riding a while with Tracy and Alan. Tracy is always positive and he kept me going at times. He leaves the ride in Sioux Falls and I'll miss him.

Coming out of the second SAG stop, I had an interesting experience. I was riding alone (at the back of the group, there were only a few others behind me) when a car pulls up beside me and the man inside said "You must be the leader." I laughed and said "No, I'm actually at the back of the group!" He continued to drive beside me and then picked up a can of beer and offered it to me!!!! I politely declined and he went on his way.

Once again the last 20 miles about did me in. More rollers, but with a little more down hill and then two big hills to climb. I walked for a bit on each of them, but biked more than walked and at that point, I considered it a victory in endurance for me.

Tomorrow we're off to the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. Don't worry, I'll make sure I get a photo of that!