Saturday July 14, Mitchell to Sioux Falls, SD

See the bump in the road, it is considered a hill

The weather today was hot, just like most of the country.  Ride was very flat.  Too flat, no good down hills.  For miles the highest point was a freeway overpass.

The day before a rest day is "Jersey day"  we all wear America By Bike jerseys.  Looks very professional I guess.  Amazing they are all still clean and neat. 


Start of Jersey day

Everyone except one British guy wore their ABB jersey.  He got too much teasing over the fourth of July.  Had to show his independence.

Cheerful people are VERY VERY important on a trip like this.  We are fortunate to have several.  One of them is Rosie.  Always smiling, always cheerful. 


Cheerful Rosie waiting her turn to load luggage

Cantistota Festival

Today's only sag stop was in the town of Cantistota.  Nice place, very friendly.  Today was their town festival.  Morning events are for the kids. 

Girls tractor pull

Determination!!

We were at the last SAG stop of the day and the support van ran out of ice.  Not a good idea when the temp is 95 and there are 10 thirsty riders around.  I couldn't imagine no ice or cold water so just went into the store and bought a 5 lb bag of ice.  Dropped it on the cement a few times to loosen the cubes and suddenly  I was surrounded by 8 new best friends.  I never saw a group go through a bag of ice so quick and there were smiles all around.
The other big use of ice these days is icing knees.  It is becoming more and more common as a preventative measure as well as to relive soreness.
My current ache is two fingers on my left hand.  Hoping today's day off the bike helps with the numbness.
Tomorrow Sunday is a rest day.  SLEEP LATE  (7:00) Laundry etc.
See you down the road
Sam