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.
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