Day 16 - Murdo to Mitchell, SD

Today's post will be brief unlike our day on the bikes. We set out from Murdo this morning knowing that the temps were already rising and the wind was already blowing. Our 145 mile ride turned into a ten hour day. The conditions limited picture taking. Actually this had to be the least scenic day of the trip thus far anyway.

One of the daily rituals is loading bags onto the trailer, which can't happen until the atomic clock on the trailer door shows the appropriate time. On a long day like today, people are anxious to get started, so there was a line up this morning. It may sound strict, but having things well organized and structured really let's everyone focus on the tasks at hand when necessary and enjoy cycling the rest of the time.





We crossed the Missouri River today at Chamberlain, SD. It was nice to see the river, since it means we're getting closer to home. We ride to Vermillion tomorrow and then to Denison, Iowa on Wednesday. Will be nice to see some family and friends before we head across Iowa and points east. We've put the two longest days behind us now, but still have many more 100+ mile days ahead. It is easy to get discouraged after a day like this where we fought the wind all day as the heat and humidity sapped our energy. A number of people "sagged" or got picked up in the support vehicles to get to Mitchell. No shame in that on a day like this. Dave and I slogged it out and were pleased to completed the ride albeit later than some of our fellow riders.

The stop at mile 121 in Plankinton included the opportunity to have an ice cream. Dave passed, but I ordered a cone. Not such a great thing to eat when it's so hot. It began melting immediately and quickly made a mess of my hands and face like a little kid. The twist cone hit the spot though and fueled the remaining 24 miles nicely.

Dave wanted to let everyone know that his ankle has been good on the bike as long as he doesn't have to get out of the saddle and pedal. It's still a little tricky walking around in cycling shoes, but he's doing well.

We've got no other maladies at this point, but things are getting a little sore here and there. For me, the biggest point of concern today was my feet. After about 10 -15 miles after each stop, they would begin that tingling, almost burning sensation that some of you who bike have probably experienced. I'm hopeful this was something that will pass, but we'll see.