Day 17 - Mitchell to Vermillion, SD

Fresh off back-to-back 140+ mile days, we were treated to record temperatures, humidity, and a brisk south wind. Our route was a mix of legs directly into the wind and some easterly jaunts that gave a little relief from the wind, but couldn't make us any cooler. Temps soared into the 90s and the heat index in Vermillion was reported at 102. All in all, this may have been the most taxing day on the bike thus far because of the heat. At an early stop I received a most excellent gift from another rider who was done wearing the ice bag on her head. It may look silly, but it felt really good. The key to the day was taking on as much fluid as you could and giving yourself a cooling shower over the head from a water bottle on occasion. Dave even filled his jersey pockets with ice.




The scenery was more of the same today, so I don't have much in the way of beautiful pictures. Unlike yesterday, we did actually enjoy some decent downhill runs, which gave us the chance to improve our rather anemic 14.8 mph average. The road seems to stretch out forever when you're hot and tired. I rode most of the day with my jersey open, like the rider in the picture. It provides a little more cooling, but hot, humid air is hot, humid air. What we should have done is followed the example of our bovine friends who knew that the only place to be on a day like this was in the pool.




The highlight of the day was that Doug Semisch joined us for the last 50 miles of the ride. He and Karen are vacationing nearby and she dropped him off in Lesterville so he could experience a little PacTour fun. As Doug said as the day wore on, quoting a line from Pauly in one of the Rocky films as Stallone's character gets ready to fight a bout "I thought I wanted to be you... I don't want to be you." Yes, we seem to be a world away from the pleasant temperatures, generous tailwinds, and beautiful surroundings of western Montana. But we were happy to see Doug, who brought fresh legs and a willingness to pull us through some of the most difficult stretches into the headwind. The picture, unfortunately, is from the top of a steep hill and Dave is ahead of Doug, but we want everyone to know that had it not been for Doug, I know I might have just sat down on the side of the road at mile 104 this afternoon. Thanks for the pull and thanks for dinner!!

Doug even posed for some other photos along the way as he flatted just after lunch and then had to be pumped up twice along the way into town. I was happy to have the break each time, but it would have been nicer had he flatted in some shade! Regarding the picture to the left, I think Dave is wondering why Doug still has his BRAN number on his bike. I know Scott Smith leaves his on to impress women, so perhaps Doug is following his lead??




We're heading to Iowa tomorrow as her begin our trek across the midwest. We're pleased to see that the forecast calls for storms tonight, cooler temps tomorrow, and favorable winds.