Day 21, Sunday July 8, Lusk WY to Hot Springs SD

Today's ride divides into two segments, part 1 cool, foggy and fast, part 2 Hot, sunny, uphill and slow.  Day started with a 35.2 mile nonstop ride averaging 17.2 mph.  everyone with a flasher on their helmet or bike had it turned on because of the fog.  Great fun and enthusiasm (yes, it was down hill). All the way to the first sag was great. 
Soon as we turned the corner at mile 45.9 we were going into the wind, uphill and the sun had come out and was beating down.  (Thanks Evonne for the sunscreen.)  Plus Lynne had another flat tire.  I have gotten better at changing tubes so now one person changes the tire and everyone else gives advice.

Changing the tube on Lynne's wheel.  Lynne is in blue.

Crossing into South Dakota was second item on today's ride.  Anything to measure progress and celebrate.

Bad case of helmet hair

We are now below the tree line and off the high plains.  Scenery gets a LOT better.  More like northern Wisconsin with pine trees and farm fields.

Below the tree line so we saw trees and greenery again. 

Downhill run, wide clean shoulder is also nice

With all the uphill we climbed there is SUPPOSED to always be a downhill.  It may take a long time to get there, as in 1,000 miles, but for every hill or mountain you go up there will be a downhill.  I have gotten several questions about the elevation and hills in WI.  The hilliest day in WI doesn't even rank in the top dozen of the trip.
I learned more about the rider who crashed while descending.  His blood oxygen level was in the low 80s when he arrived at the hospital.   100 is normal.  most activity should stop at oxygen level of 90.  Judgement and coordination become impaired.  How low his oxygen level at the time of the crash is unknown.  In other words we all need to continue to be extra careful when in the mountains.  The picture shows a nice straight clean smooth downhill run.  I now ride slower and enjoy the view more than the speed when going down hill.

Sunday dinner at the bowling alley

Dinner tonight, Sun, was at the local bowling alley.  Actually it was quite good, chicken, salad, mashed potatoes, vegetarian lasagna, rolls and ice cream.  Plenty of food for seconds and thirds.  Several people are already concerned about cutting down on portion size when the ride ends.  We all eat a big breakfast, nutrition bars and fruit all day, then as much as we can for dinner.  Several people went to Dairy Queen twice today.  Those of us on the ride who are appreciate good custard have told the DQ fans to wait until we get to WI for a GOOD desert.
Time for Bed
Sam