Friday July 23

Today was an 88 mile day which turned into 108 after a ride around town looking for a hotel. There is a tractor convention in town so all hotels are booked and downtown looks like a parade of trucks and trailers. This was the most smelly ride yet. Farmers obviously using lots of cow manure ! Big trucks carrying cow manure by the tons. When they pass you the smell hangs around for the next mile or two . The road was bumpy with occasional tail wind. I left early heading out of town into the wind . At about 25 mi a guy pulled up beside me - proceeded to take the pull into the wind. We clipped along at 19- 20 till we got to a coffee shop in Clara. 10 or so folks came in for pastries and coffee. Sorry for the food details but food is a real focus everyday.
Our route included gravel - not for too long - RR tracks - several miles of no shoulder, a big hwy for 22 mi., some new pavement which was wonderful. The roads had a sparkle to them - diamonds come to mind- as the guy i was riding with and i shared some life / death stories we decided the ride was to be called "life stories on a crystal highway." The scenery was corn fields, soy fields and sugar beets, very flat, but you could see from one farm house to another. Yesterday there seemed to be miles between farm houses. elevation gain was only 1070 for the entire 88 miles. The corn fields made a great cover for those necessary stops along the ride.
We went through a little town of Olivia, corn capital! , and unfortunately there was a big building for Monsantos research. I got nauseated at the reality of that company.
Meeting beginning for tomorrow . More miles than predicted . Weather 70-80 percent thunderstorm tonight , light winds . Tomorrow 20- 30 % chance tomorrow plus winds . Tomorrow is another 100 mi day to get around road construction but on roads with no shoulder and busy.
The sag trailer busted a hub today !
Lots of good bye's to those leaving the tour this weekend. Eric and Dorthe from Denmark , Phillip and Trish from Austrailia and many others. I will miss them. The 5 of us plan to stay in touch. each friday we have an awards night . People are given either touching gifts or gag gifts for something that happened during the week. Ex. A gal was given an article on the legality and liability for peeing on the side of the road - especially in sight. You can be charged with indecent exposure... Article from the Bicycling magazine , not sure of the date of the issue .

Thursday July 22, 2010

To Montevideo , Minnesota today
Got out of the swampy farmland of SD. Mosquitos on the rise ! Rode 84 miles today , headwind most of the day but we did have some tailwind !!! Miracle!it was overcast most of the day , great day to ride ! Corn fields and soy bean fields dominate the views!
Still no AT&T . Their coverage is terrible = no coverage ! Wifi at the library only.
Short info today - more tomorrow

7/18 in Pierre

3 new people join us today for the next week to Minnesota.
Pierre to Miller to De Smet to Watertown to Montevideo to Hutchinson to Northfield,MN 484 mi. Sometimes they change the route and the miles increase. The miles have yet to be less than predicted! Ha ha
5 more weeks to go

Norma B

7/17 Phillip to Pierre SD

89 mi. Over 100 degrees again today. More rolling hills of 6-7-9 % grade. After half of it i signaled for a ride to camp. I was getting overheated and knew it was time to call it quits for the day. Several others did too.probably dehydrated on top of a not so good sleep last night . We passed the scene where dances with wolves was filmed. We passed into central time zone. Acres and acres of wheat were being harvested. - very windy!
A really sweet girl on the tour, Casey, and i have been wanting a manicure for weeks. On our day off in pierre we went and had a girls day of hair and nails ...pampering on a different level. Casey is 18 and passed up her graduation to come do this ride! We gave her a surprise graduation ceremony and diploma !
A favorite activity of many is indulging in an ice-cream treat daily. So the search took us to Zesto's , THE best ice cream parlor in pierre. All the locals pointed us to it confessing they go there quite frequently. Being allergic to milk i only sneak a little whip cream off the top of Casey's sundae.
We went to a country club for dinner, celebrating the last week before a couple from Denmark and a couple from Australia leave the tour.
As I was walking out i saw a table of older folks looking at me in wonderment so i answered the curiosity with an explanation of the trip and why i was doing it . They were so excited , supportive and inspired to do something out of the norm for them. One of the women was especially inspired and asked if we could stay in touch and promised me a trip to Austin. We traded email addresses .... Those interactions are such an important part of the trip for me. To see someone inspired to do something they have dreamed of - or even want to find their passion and follow it is equally inspiring to me !
Usually each night we stay at a school. Camping out on the lawn ,some get a local hotel. This weekend those who stayed at the were at an Indian educational center where homeless indian children from the ages of 5-13 came to get parenting, education and basic life skills.
Really sad situation but inspiring too . The people who work there are totally dedicated to the children for years . They are given phone numbers they can call for help if they ever go back to the reservation and need help. A small percent go on to finish high school and go on to college.
I stayed in a hotel, cleaned my bike and enjoyed the time off. However i found myself riding my bike to the stores and loving it. I could see myself being a bike cabby in downtown Austin for a while. Might have to spike my hair or something cool. No , no tattoos for me ,well Maybe a temporary one - just for fun.
Pictures of this weekend will be posted later. - can't do it from my iPad.

7/16 Badlands National Park

Mountain goats - big and small, and great looking mountains bring a smile to my face at Badlands National Park.

7/15 Rapid city to Interior

84 mi. Really tough day, hot long and what they call rolling hills is more than a gentle rolling hill!

Here is someone's Home Sweet Home - a long time ago.

Black Hills National Park -Custer, SD

Wonderful sights... including some close-ups.

7/14 Custer to Rapid City SD

68 miles today.
Getting hotter by the day- sometimes by the hour. There seems to always be a major climb to the camp site! I sure wish I was stronger and I know I am stronger than the first week ! Can't wait to share more pictures.


Thinking of John as I pass a golf course

Entering South Dakota

Then onward through Wyoming

7/12 Devils Tower to New Castle

75 miles big climb out of Devils Tower.

Entering Wyoming.

Waiting for breakfast at Devils Tower- beginning of week 4

Campsite at Devils Tower

Day off at Devils Tower

7/11 day off in DT rented a cabin instead of tenting it. Rained , cool temps at night days really warm. Days off are for recovery, laundry and preparation for the next day . Hydrate ! Or ...

The devils tower. End of week 3

Wednesday july 19 2010

At the Goss Opera house in Watertown SD having a glass of wine . Toady was a short day of 60 miles , great temperature after a big storm . We stopped by a retirement home where the old folks were thrilled to hear the stories of the trip across america.we were told that the tenants start getting excited about 2 weeks before we arrive and talk about us for 2 more weeks.
The road we were to ride was under water for a short section - closed to cars but we got through. I was taking pictures with my phone , not watching too closely to the road and dropped into a hole about 10- 12 in.deep. I unclipped quickly and saved a potentially very wet fall.one guy fell and broke handle bars ... Rider ok .This was one of the few country roads we have ridden . I loved it.The roads felt more like some of the Austin rides. ( pictures to come)
We were passing a lake and decided to jump in.after getting close to it we realized it was really slimy ,lots of algae, to the point you could not see into it. One guy did jump in with the promise of 10 beers as his bribe /reward. Pictures to come. We stopped at an Irish pub first thing ,had a few pitchers of beer,french fries , onion rings, hamburgers, fish and chips...no one danced on the tables but the owner did promise us some Irish music and dance. Never happened but a fun offer.
I went on to camp, got cleaned up, got my tent up, crawled in to journal a bit before dinner and proceeded to fall fast asleep. Woke up in time to go to dinner then went downtown to the museum and pub. A guy saw some of the riders in town and contacted the Mayor , told him about our adventure , so he paid for a driver and trolley to come pick us up and take us to the museum/pub ...restaurant . It was built in the early 1900's , theatre with balcony ... Pics later- the trolley driver played the local radio as we toured the town. The song that came on was "take the long way home" we joked that that was exactly what we all were doing.
It is now time for sleep again, raining, winds coming up, storm suppose to get worse around midnight or later. Sure appreciate a water proof tent.

Updating

Sat July 17 , 2010
Phillip SD to Pierre SD 89 miles elevation gain 3524
Head wind -as usual till the end then we got a little tail wind. - temps over 100 - choppy up and down . The ups were still 6,7,8,9 % climbs.
Amber waves of grain - wheat fileds being harvested - grasshoppers everywhere. They actually made music as some hit the spokes and others were squashed under the wheels. I mean solid grasshoppers. I didn't sleep well last night so i was pretty tired, sleepy and probably dehydrated. This combination made a not so successful ride. I got overheated and the support was really stretching to cover all the water and support for the 80-90 people riding. So , when the sag wagon came by and i knew i was getting overheated i asked for a ride in after about 45 miles in the heat. Bummed but safe . Two other folks got in trouble with the heat - more than i did.
Was glad it was the end of the week and i had a cheap hotel for the day off. It was a tough week with the heat and some competitive - sometimes rude -personalities that were new to the group. But hey the rides were great. Bad lands national park,needles hwy, mount rushmore- saw the monument from a helicopter!! , crazy horse monument, Custer memorials... More details with the daily blog for that week.
Day off : laundry , biked to the local mall for a manicure , pedicure with a fellow rider , Cassey, and a hair appointment . Ahhhhhhh afterwards several of us met for dinner at the View, a nice restaurant next to a country club / golf course. Met some wonderful local folks who were excited about my adventures . We exchanged email addresses and hoped to reconnect again another time. This has happened so many times . I love meeting new people and feeling the instant friendship.
Monday July 19, 2010 Pierre to Miller 88 miles . we began in the rain this morning , headwind was really strong. It was predicted 10 -15 but it was actually 15- 25 gusting to 30. Hills were challenging. At the first water break i nearly froze . there was a cold wind off the lake ! I didn't waste too much time there. Shortly after that we had a left turn and had a tailwind for a bit. What a blessing. After lunch i jumped on the back of a group of 4 and flew! At that point it was pretty flat so i was able to hang with them all the way to camp. We flew at about 22 - 23.
Getting into town most folks run to the closest Dairy Queen. I go for the social but skip the dairy sweets...
Today the roads were covered with frogs - all sizes- dead and alive.
Tuesday july 20,2010 Miller to De Smet. 78 miles south wind 10 mph today dead frog day , cattle drive crossed the road - cowboys on 4 wheelers- not quite the same as the good ole Bonanza days. De Smet offers the Laura Wilder home of the little house on the prarie. I didn't go do the tour. Now we at the DQSipping on a Cappuccino Moo Latte. I got the whip cream and a little sip of the coffee. Yum !
Tomorrow is a shorter day of 59 or 69 depending on if a particular road is flooded or not. Will see . Pictures to come later

Tues. July 20, 2010 Miller to De Smet 78 miles

Week 4 - monumental memories of cycling across america

Catching up on some photos and journaling.

Approaching Devils Tower

July 9 Friday - Week 3 Day 5

Good afternoon, I left Buffalo, WY this morning at 7 after a quick instant oatmeal breakfast, headed for Gillette,WY. We started out on the interstate! and stayed there till mile 67.1 It had a good shoulder and not too much traffic. It got hot pretty quick and stayed that way ! - well into the 90's. I got out my music for motivation and distraction from the heat and wind. Yes, we had a strong head wind, again.

The land was flat and beautiful in a very different way from the mountainous,tall trees and rushing rivers. I need more nature! This trip is great but definitely more focus on destination and riding which was its purpose. Tomorrow is Devils Tower! Will get the details at the meeting after dinner.

There's are so many things I think of during the day that want to write about but by the time I get in to camp my mind is blank. Maybe it will wake up after dinner.

Norma B

July 8 Thursday - Week 3 Day 4

I did not want to get up this morning so the morning followed that general flavor. I dressed for the morning temp which wasn't very cool. However, after getting my duffel bag in the trailer I realized that today was the day I would be climbing up to 9666 ft. Temp would for sure be cooler at that elevation. I finally got my knickers and arm warmers and off on the 90 mi day with more climbing than one could imagine - beginning with 25 mi of 6%.

I stopped along the way, took pictures and dipped my legs and head into a stream. That fed my soul. I also stopped in Ten Sleepers at a coffee shop. What a treat that was. They even had soy! So I got to have a cappuccino. Then back to the climb. The sag came by just at the right time, right where they had paved the road with new chip seal and oil. There was to be 6 mi of it! I got in the van along with several others. We found out that the road had destroyed 2 or 3 derailleurs. So I was real glad not to be threatening the Road Queen's vital parts.

The van took us to the lunch area which was right after the chip seal area. While having lunch a couple walked up and we started talking. They were from Boston. We had a great visit sharing my goal to raise money to help build a retreat center for a Sheng Zhen qigong in Austin,Texas.

The top of the summit was next. How awesome. About an hour and a half later my gut began to cramp. Every time I pushed on the right pedal I got stabbed in the lower right quadrant. Finally I gave in and sagged in to camp. Really tired! I went to dinner and they served 4 different kinds of pasta. I had salad , spinach and a meat ball. Now back in my tent and falling asleep. The worst thing about this trip is the fast paced destination oriented schedule - not much time and energy to do anything else.

More Later

On the road again,

Norma B

July 7 Wednesday - Week 3 Day 3

This morning was a cold and wet morning! 40's again. I made my gluten free oatmeal, splurged and put a tsp of cream cheese in it for a little variety, had my banana and orange juice, oh yes, and all my vitamins.

I did all 91 miles today ! I like going at my own pace, taking pictures, meeting folks... so i end up being one of the last ones in.

We had to go through three tunnels with no shoulder and limited visibility. That was a little nervy to me, but i made it through without any problem.

There were several rivers to cross - poison waters, bad water, big horn river, no water river.

Had our lunch at Wedding of the Waters. ( yes, pictures to come )

Today we went through the Wind River Indian Reservation. It had s totally different feeling than any area we have been through . I saw some teepees near the road had fond memories of living in the Teepee back in the 70's.

After leaving Riverton we went through Shoshoni, Thermopolis, and came to the largest hot springs in the world. For 2 dollars you could rent a bathing suit, a towel and soak for 20 minutes. What a deal! It felt wonderful and purifying - in so many ways. The only problem was there was another 35 miles, some of which was 5% climbing to get to Worland. AND - - what one would have predicted, after the southerly winds of yesterday, there was now northerly winds and we were headed north east. So...more head winds!

The temperature warmed up, blue skies and magical waters nearby. I saw 4 hawks within 30 minutes. I stopped and visited with them.

I went on into town and saw a bunch of cyclists from our group having a beer at a Mexican food cafe. I joined them for a Corona and chilled after a beautiful day of riding.

Tomorrow is another day of 90 + miles, 25 miles of 6% climb, climbing to 9666 ft, the highest point of the trip.

I best get to sleep , NB and the Texas Road Queen

Norma B

July 6 Tuesday - Week 3 Day 2

Leaving Dubois headed to Riverton Wy. Today was in the 40's with a headwind for 80 miles. I was freezing for half of the day then it got up to high 50's. We rode by the Wind River - perfectly named for the canyon and flat lands of Wyoming- pictures later.

I feel more tired today than yesterday probably because of the winds and the temperature plus the 103 miles I rode yesterday. I am really tired of headwinds! I am beginning to think tailwinds are a myth.

Tonight will be in the 40's -sleeping outside in my tent. Ahhhhh home sweet home.

Tomorrow's ride is 91 miles - from Riverton Wy. to Worland, Wy. We have been in Wyoming since July 3rd! Will get into South Dakota next Monday. Plan to get an early start tomorrow.

Norma B

July 5 Monday

Monday morning began with bags to the van by 6:15 and breakfast on our own. My instant gluten free oatmeal and a banana from the hotel was great. I headed out early, stopped by the hotel where a friend was checking out and beginning her way back to Austin with a few days layover in Colorado. She is taking a duffle bag of "stuff" home for me. Lightening my load! Amazing how little I really need. She offered me a ride home and for a moment I got homesick.

I turned down the offer and rode off to see the Teton National park. This was to be a 103 mile day. It was cold and colder weather at the top of the mountain was predicted, so I had arm warmers, leg warmers and a rain jacket just in case it snowed, hailed or ?

Climbs were gentle at first. The mountains and Snake river were absolutely amazing . The smell of the pines and the cool dry air was so refreshing - fed my soul! (pictures will come later )

After the park, the climb was 6-8 %, gaining elevation to the point of wondering if I would ever reach the top. The road was under construction in several areas.

The reward for the day of climbing was a 30 mile downhill with a few climbs in between the screaming fast descents. I did glance at my odometer as I feathered my brakes and saw 40 mph.

The tail wind which sometimes changed to cross winds, and gravel were challenging me and the road queen to stay upright. Big fun!! Reminded me of mountain biking on a road bike at times.

We made it to dinner first and were ready to feast after a full day of riding. Bed time. Tomorrow is an 80 mi day. Slight down hill. Gentle day. Today was major fun!!

Norma

July 4 Sunday

Day off in Jackson Wyoming. I stayed in a hotel and glad I did. It got down to 36 where others were camping. Days off are really days to catch up on laundry, bicycle shop ... kinds of things. There was a parade and all kinds of 4th of July activities going on in Jackson. As I was headed to the laundry I ran into some buddies from the tour in the breakfast area of the hotel . We shared goals for the day ... I noticed an older man at the table nearby with the sweetest smile. I wished him a good day and instantly we were in conversation for the next 30 min. His wife and daughters were there . We took pictures and shared email addresses...will share his picture later. I did get the laundry done and really appreciated not having to be somewhere at a certain time. I sat at a table in the sun and relaxed as I tried to recapture rides for my blog. The past 2 weeks WILL be posted, I promise. They were amazing.

The never ending reorganization of my duffle bag was yet done again. I think by the end of this journey I will have it down. Sunday afternoon we had registration / orientation for the new folks joining the journey as well as route info for the next day and a general look at the week. Excitement, fears, anticipation begins to churn. Looking at the climbs usually sparks some moans and groans.

Norma