Day 22, Mon July 9
Hot Springs to Rapid City SD
Today was another great day. Billed as the second hardest, it didn't seem that hard. 5,000 ft of climbing over 74.5 mi. Must have been because it was fun and interesting. We went to Wind Cave National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore. Plus we had 3 flat tires today. I have now changed 5 tubes in three days. Each tube was changed without using tire irons, (levers to pry off the tires) I took the tires off using only my hands and skill. Taking the tires off with tire irons increases the chance of damage to the tire or tube.
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Entrance to Wind Cave National Park
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We had a great ride through the park's rolling hills and steadily climbing. Animals in the park include: buffalo White tail deer, prong horn deer?, Prairie dogs. All unfenced. this is a park worth visiting again for a longer time.
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Deer crossed the road in front of us. This guy stayed on his side of the road
Pictures of the deer and prairie dogs didn't turn out |
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Crazy Horse Memorial
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The size of the Crazy Horse Memorial is hard to convey in a photo. It is several times larger than Mt. Rushmore. When it is finished it will be impressive. As it stands now was disappointing. There is a wealth of information on line about the memorial, the sculptor and his family if you are interested.
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Pringle SD Where old bicycles go to die. There is not much else in Pringle.
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Karen, one or the tour leaders, Karen is the hero of several women on the trip. Her speed and climbing ability on her bike is incredible
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George Washington from the road leading to Mount Rushmore
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Mount Rushmore from the viewing patio
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Mount Rushmore is more impressive than I expected. First time I have been here. The viewing patio is at the end of a walkway lined with flags and columns showing the date each state was admitted to the union. Really a nice tribute. Much better in person than movies or tv.
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Sam, Diane, Crist, Janel, Jeff, Lynne
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Leaving Mt. Rushmore we went through Keystone SD. SD version of Wisconsin Dells. Glad I did not see Keystone until after Mt. Rushmore.
As a group we had three flats today. Mine came on a great downhill while doing 25 mph. Hit a rock or debris and the tube punctured. Didn't lose control of the bike and stopped safely. Janel had her flat on the way to breakfast. Lynne's flat was on an uphill so no problem to stop. She was just irritated to have a second flat in two days.
All in all a fun day
Sam
Hi Sam, Trip of a life time man! You are seeing some of the best sites in the world. Brings back alot of memories for me. Crazy horse was not to far along back in 2001, and it doesn't look much further now, but I am sure it is! Getting good at changing flats hey, I still have not had to do that, (thank goodness) you know being a women and all, if you just stand at the flat, some nice guy usually comes along and asks if they can help! Has worked for me anyway:=D And Mount Rushmore, you have some great shots. Can you imagine how difficult it had to be to carve these guys in a mt? I have a hard time just trying to carve anything. So have a wonderful rest of your ride. And see you in Wisconsin. Love you Nancy
ReplyDeleteGreat post--I particularly like that you are posting photos that include you--thanks. It's like adding a visual to the narration, and I find it to be important. The crazy horse memorial was new to me... wild--all four Rushmore heads would fit inside of that one head... incredible! 563 feet high? Is that like a 50 story building? Great narrative of the tour. We are enjoying it very much. Energy and smiles! Ginger
ReplyDeleteSam, we envy you for being able to see all these wonderful locations close up and personal! It sounds as though your trip is going very well and it is fun to follow you each day. Take care. Shari
ReplyDeleteHi Sam, I agree with the other posters...the pictures are a wonderful addition to your narrative. Enjoy your time and stay safe. -Jeryl
ReplyDeleteWow! Every day it gets more impressive - the scenery, the endurance, the camaraderie - and the manhandling of those flat tires! And, I'd love to see Mt. Rushmore. Love, mjkb
ReplyDeleteLoved the buffalo...Carol D.
ReplyDeleteSam-the parks are beautiful there. We were out there a few years ago. You are doing a great job of taking pictures, some of those sights are impossible to capture on a picture. I am so proud of you and the rest of your group-such a trip. Stay safe and you're right take it easy and enjoy the sights.
ReplyDeleteTake care-
The Better Half of Cheesehead in NYC
Crazy Horse looks about the same as it was in 2006.
ReplyDeleteYou should consider saving your blogs for a travel book.
Joda