BIG RIDE June 30- July 5 Summary

Day        Destination                         Arrival                   Depart                  Mile

 

15           Hardin MT                           30-June                                1-July                    56

A very very fast 55 miles from Billings to Hardin.  26 mph tailwind kept the speed in the 20’s most of the ride.  Stopped in Hardin and watched the local ladies make rolls and bake bread in the local shop.  Upon arrival at the KOA, setting up the tent was a challenge.  We arrived at our destination before 12 Noon.  Took a side trip to Custer’s Last Stand at the Little Big Horn National Battlefield.  Took the bus tour and strolled through the displays.  Felt strange to ride in a car again, first time in three weeks.  A great dinner in camp catered by Beyond Basil of smoked salmon, beef brisket, great rices and side dishes, lemon bars and assorted deserts. 

Great little bakery with the ladies making rolls

 

The tailwinds were a blessing

Custer's Last Stand at Little Big Horn

 

16           Sheridan WY                      July 1                     July 2                     82

Crossed into Wyoming today and the temp is starting to rise.  A fast ride today with Cathy leading the charge on a mostly flat course.  Crossed the 1,000 mile marker and stopped for a ceremonial picture. Averaged 16 mph and arrived into camp first place.  A wonderful dinner tonight hosted by Terry, Michelle and Red Selig of steak , baked potatoes, asparagus and cold beer.  Among other side dishes , it was excellent.  Tommorrow is a big day of 112 miles so we are all a bit anxious.

 

1,000 Mile Marker



 

 

17           Gillette WY                         2-July                    3-July                    112

Tough day.  Started at 6 AM and got dropped on the first hill 5 miles into it and rode the ride pretty much alone.  Hot with 7 mph headwinds made for a very long day.  Over 3,000 feet of climbing made it a 9 hour on the bike day.  Kept telling myself that this is why I trained so hard for days like this.  The road just went on for miles and the ribbon always seemed to extend upward. Catered BBQ dinner at the Campbell High School was very tasty.  Food has been excellent and plenty of it.  Tomorrow is Team B breakfast duty and a mostly flat course.

Long Day

 

18           Newcastle WY                   3-July                    4-July                    76

Today we got back in the groove and Cathy, Rob and I did the ride in at a good pace despite the headwinds and long rolling hills.  The scenery was sparse although Terry raced an antelope for about a half mile until it could duck under the gate fence.  Starting to get warm and Gatorade is a good drink along with water.  Tonight we are staying at the Weston Senior Center, a converted high school to senior activity center.  Cathy and I lucked out with an indoor spot that has electricity, a bathroom and internet.  Some surprises are so welcome.  Wow it even has a coffee maker and sink.  The seniors are so organized.  Rode to the local store and got a sixer and some snacks . plus we have 2 ½ hours till dinner so now we can relax.  This is the only time that really isn’t scheduled.  After dinner you are so tired that you just fall asleep.  Today I got up at 3:50 am to do breakfast and now the morning routine of packing, bathroom, tent take down, bike prep, load baggage , morning briefing and cue sheets, breakfast and send off.  The next 6-9 hours are in the saddle and then it starts again….Pretty simple but physically, mentally and sometime spiritually grueling.  It is an endurance event.  Tomorrow is the Black Hills National Forest and then Rapid City.

 

The Weston Senior Center knows how to make a point

19           Rapid City SD                      4-July                    6-July                    81

Crossed into South Dakota early in the morning and most everyone was happy to be going into our fifth state.  As luck would have it most of the riders crossed about the same time with Gene taking a group photo.  The ride into south Dakota saw a welcome change of scenery with green grass again and pine trees.  Went through Custer SD , a small town with a big spirit who was getting ready to host a parade, fireworks and vendor fair.  We had lunch outside of town before entering the Black Hills.  Another major construction project saw a five mile shuttle to avoid the logging trucks and dirt packed roads.  Custer State Park was a beautiful area with large rock formations, flowing streams and lakes.  A super long 8 mile downhill was a great way to enjoy the scenery.  Arrived at the school around 12:30 Pm and Cathy did two news interviews with Fox News and NBC, both Rapid City affiliates.  Later that evening we all went to the Firehouse Brew Pub to wish our mechanic farewell.  He will be heading back to Seattle.  Wonderful evening until the local dorm had an open rave party to celebrate the 4^th.  The boom boom bass kept me up and I had to go to the lounge to sleep until 3 AM when I thought it was safe to return to my room.

5th State on July 4th
 

20*         Rapid City SD

Rest Day …well needed.  Laundry, bike wash and then extra duty of mid term exams review.  Got up at 4 30 AM after a short night rest to get it done.  But then the tourist fun began.  A doctor  friend of Kenny bought us all lunch at a local Nepal restaurant.  Then off to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.  BIG RIDE  rented us a big van so we could all go together.  Stopped at the Naked Winery and Brew Pub for a tasting and live music then  Walgreens for essentials and back to the dorm at South Dakota School of Mining and Technology for prep on tomorrows century ride through the Badlands State Park and rise of the temperatures.