Today I got up with the chickens, because it was going to be a long ride of 117 miles. After a quick breakfast of instant oatmeal, orange juice and a bagel with peanut butter, I was on the road at 5:30 am. One last look at the giant dinosaur that greets all the visitors to Wall Drug and I was on my way. I rode alone today as I wanted to control my own pace, trying to ride with a group that was a little too fast can wear you out quickly as you over extend yourself. I rode through some road construction where they had just laid down a fresh coat of chip-seal gravel and then had pretty good road the rest of the way. I had to deal with a steady following cross wind today, some gusts tried to knock you over, but it did give you a little boost in speed. I had bought a couple six inch subs last night and they were waiting for me at the SAG stops, they were a great addition to the normal snacks and fruit we devour everyday. I passed farm after farm, each field could be a mile or two long, I can't imagine plowing or harvesting in a field that large. Someone told me that the modern tractors are controlled by GPS. As we arrived in Pierre, we also crossed the Missouri River and into the Central Time Zone, so we lost an additional hour of a very busy day. John, Warren and I stopped at McDonalds for Chocolate Shakes before heading next door to the Governor's Inn where we are staying. Dinner is at the Chinese Buffet down the street and afterwards we will be celebrating Al's birthday. I almost forgot, today was a Poker Ride, at luggage load and at each stop, we drew a playing card, tonight after getting one last card, who ever has the best hand will win the pot of fifty dollars, my hand looks pretty poor right now, 2 hearts, 4 clubs, 8 diamonds, and a Jack of diamonds.
Want to see who I am riding with? Check this
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