Day 16

Sunday's highlight was worshiping with the people at Freedom Baptist. It is good to know the family of God reaches much further than our home church. If weather permits (doubtful), I'll attend their Memorial Day Picnic today. Right now it's spitting rain and 53 degrees, with wind advisories.

Miles-0

Ray

Lunch at Mr. Bob's

After worshiping at Freedom Baptist Church, I had lunch at Mr. Bob's Drive In. It's raining again so I'm relaxing in the tent. Pretty exciting stuff, I know. Might go check on the pool if it stops raining.

Day 15

Quiet day here in Selby. Watched the community pool fill with water for a while, then walked around looking at the sights. There's a county jail here. There is also a library. It's open on Mon. Wed. And Fri. There are also three churches. Think I'll be Baptist tomorrow. There are three eating establishments plus the truck stop. There's also a food mart. They gave me a spoon for my yogurt. Now that's service. Think I'll turn in early.

Parts will probably arrive on Wednesday.

Miles - 0

Ray

Picture Gallery

Since I had some time I uploaded all the picture and videos to-date. Try this link to view them.
http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/3910250/1/L%26C?h=8c8077

Ray

History

Relics

Storm

Parts Have Been Ordered

What an incredible day. It started with great riding weather and ended with God's hand directing me to the right place at the right time.

The ride up 1804 is a biker's dream. Great senery, excellent roads and small traffic count. Even "surfing" a thunderstorm add to the thrill.

By the time I neared my destination, I realized, I'd not done my homework and started looking for a campsite. But first, I needed food so I found the nearest grocery store; in Selby. As I was approaching Selby I decided to search once more for a closer camp spot. I found "Hilltop Motel & Campground". Anything beats another 25 miles to the campground, so I settled on it. One mile out of town I heard and felt a horrible sound as I down shifted. My rear derailleur was mangled. I walked one mile and found the nicest and most economical camping of the trip. I'll call this home until replacement parts arrive. I've ordered them from Sean, my new favorite bike guy from St. Joseph MO. I may be back on the road as early as Wednesday.

Today's mileage - 97 + 1 mile walk

I could not have planned this layover if I tried. Thank you, God, for directing my path.

Ray

Simple Impressions (N 1804)

Today's goal. Alaska

Ray

Day 13... Down day

In spite of the great tailwind, I decided to stay in Pierre today. There is much concern here about flooding. The Missouri is a series of reservoirs in SD. In fact they call them the "Great Lake of SD". One of their purposes is flood control and because of heavy rain up stream, massive amounts of water is being systematically released, causing local flooding. Fortunately one campground has been spared so far.

Pierre marks roughly the 1/3 point of the trip. My challege is to find a balance in each day and not let the routine become monotonous. One of these days I'm actually going to do another sketch!

As I write this some kids are riding by on their bikes talking about s'mores. I think I just thought of a way to break up the monotony!

Ray

Fighting Stallions Memorial

This beautiful bronze statue is on the SD State Capitol grounds, in Pierre and commemorates the lives of 6 SD statesmen who lost their lives in a plane crash in '93.
Ray

Replica Corps of Discovery boat

Weather Conditions from The Weather Channel

This message was sent from a friend.

Now for Fort Pierre, SD (57532)

Temp: 49F
Feels like: 49F
Sunny
Humidity: 66%
Wind: ESE at 1 mph
Updated: 5/26/11 8:25 AM CDT

Early morning friends

Welcome sight

Ft. Pierre National Grassland

Day 12

Chicken corn chowder never tasted so good! I am camping in the Ft. Pierre National Grassland tonight, after another amazing day. It started with a tour of the Native American Museum, in Chamberlain. Because of headwinds, Pierre was out of reach, but I decided against staying in Ft Thompson, wanting to make more miles on a fine day. The Grasslands turned out to be a great option (thank you, Marilyn, once again).

The antilope were not sure what to think of this strange intruder, but finally moved on. Next an owl hovered above, assessing me. Adding to the night sounds are the occasional coyote howl (I hope it's a coyote; parts of "Dances With Wolves" were filmed here).

Good night.
Ray

Just another vista.

Weather Conditions from The Weather Channel

Now for Lower Brule, SD (57548)

Temp: 64F
Feels like: 64F
Sunny and Windy
Humidity: 37%
Wind: N at 20 mph
Updated: 5/25/11 5:05 PM CDT

For more weather information, visit www.weather.com from your PC or mobile device.

Ray

Just out of West Brule

Lake Francis Case inlet

Watched a pelican soar over, a baltimore oriole, muskrat and a few other new birds me, during this short rest stop.

Day 11

Challenging keeping up with daily posts. Low battery last night. Stayed at "Happy Camper Camp Ground" off I-90. Much cheaper than on the river.

May 24 was challenging, with wind and rain. Same forecast today. Did laundry, so feel like a new man! Would like to see the Native American Museum in town, but hate to wait until 10:00.

Very cool. Glad I packed winter gloves.
People tell me this is the best time to see SD. Everything is green and I've never seen so many lilac bushes nor enjoyed their aroma so. The birds are also a great delight. I've flushed numerous pheasant from their roadside cover and seen ducks and wading birds I cannot identify - yet.

Mileage - 61
Ray

Rainy day photos

Missouri Relief

While I'm having the ride of my life, people in my home state of Missouri are suffering greatly. I encourage you to use one of the links at the top right, to make a donation. All of us, doing a little, can make a big difference.

Ray

Platte, SD

New day

Found an alternate route out of the campground. No big hills; well worth a few extra miles (see map in satellite mode). Headed for Fort Thompson today; 76 miles.

Ray

Day 10

Thought I'd shave 21 miles off the route by bypassing "Burke". Not sure it helped since The campground is in a remote, hilly area and will provide a challenging exit tomorrow. Definitely preparing me for weeks to come.

Met some gracious ladies in Geddes today. It is sad though, to see such towns in decline.

Platt, on the other hand seems to be thriving. Stopped by the local ice cream shop and met one of the two police officers in town. He assured my, nothing exciting ever happens in Platt. They DO play rock music though, at the "Platt Food Market.

The forecast for tomorrow is rain with East wind. That's a fair trade.

Ray

Irene & Sharon

Friends I met at the Geddes Museum, in Geddes, SD.

Day 9

Found my second wind yesterday. Beautiful weather and scenery and almost no rain. After a good lunch at "The Grill", in Springfield, I took the scenic route to Pickstown, next to Lake Francis Case and Ft. Randall Dam. I enjoyed a conversation with a local Native American couple who were concerned I was lost. Then a gentleman struck up a conversation as he passed me on a hill. He just slowed to my pace and he told me about this guy he met who kayaked across America (don't worry, Marilyn).

Had a small glitch with my odometer, but my current mileage is around 610.

Today's goal is Academy, SD.

Ray

Day 9

Great meal at "The Grill" in Springfield!

On the road to Springfield

Day 8 Vermillion to Yankton, SD