Tom says: As we rode east out of Pierre, through the shadow of the state capitol building no less, we followed the Missouri river valley. The sun cast shadows on the far banks making the cinder-like patches in the bluffs even more interesting. The higher than usual rainfall in the area has everything much greener than normal. The morning air was cooler than I had anticipated and I was wondering if I should have worn my baselayer under my jersey.
After we meandered away from the river a ways, the prairie just rolled along. Then we came to the first of many steps up to a fresh plateau. This picture doesn't do justice to the intimidating height the road climbs.
In what seemed like the middle of nowhere, we passed this abandoned little house on the prairie. I wondered what stories it could tell, possibly of a hardworking pioneer family. It shows the rolling prairie we passed for miles and miles.
Before plunging down into the river valley that we had just labored to climb out of, we spotted this group of horses with their noses into the stiff wind that was pushing us toward Chamberlain. The horses are standing in one of those patches of bare earth that appears to be volcanic ash from a distance.
This was a momentous day in that we passed the half way mark in our trek across the country! We have traversed over 1800 miles on those amazing little 19 pound (max) machines!
After we meandered away from the river a ways, the prairie just rolled along. Then we came to the first of many steps up to a fresh plateau. This picture doesn't do justice to the intimidating height the road climbs.In what seemed like the middle of nowhere, we passed this abandoned little house on the prairie. I wondered what stories it could tell, possibly of a hardworking pioneer family. It shows the rolling prairie we passed for miles and miles.
Before plunging down into the river valley that we had just labored to climb out of, we spotted this group of horses with their noses into the stiff wind that was pushing us toward Chamberlain. The horses are standing in one of those patches of bare earth that appears to be volcanic ash from a distance.Chamberlain is located right on the Missouri River, which is clearly dammed downstream a ways. The picture of Chamberlain shows long bridges crossing the lake and our motel is located right at the end of the truss bridge.
This was a momentous day in that we passed the half way mark in our trek across the country! We have traversed over 1800 miles on those amazing little 19 pound (max) machines!
Prayers for good weather have been answered. Last year the temperature was near 100 F here at Chamberlain for the ride. The SAG vans ran out of water last year trying to keep riders hydrated as they climbed the steep bluffs overlooking the river. Today the temperature was 73 F and a near record low of 52 F is predicted for tonight.
As we have commented before hay is evreywhere here. In many places such as this they even mow and bale the road banks. so hay is very valuable, and yet there is hay stacked around that has obviously been there for more than a year. Possibly that is determined by the severity of the winter.
This is my idea of an oasis in the desert, with nothing for miles and miles here is an opportunity foor a cold drink and a snack when we need it most.
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