Day 24!

Miller, SD to De Smet, SD - 82.6 miles, 6:12

Mornings are always my favorite time of the day. We've had very few cloudy days, so this was a nice change.
Our first water stop, and this was what most of the scenery looked like all day. We rode through more of the prairie today, but there were more towns and "civilization" along the route than there was yesterday. (left to right: Tracy, Ed, and Rosie.)
Today was a little ride on the prairie. It was also the midpoint of our ride, both in mileage and days! It's all downhill from here . . . or not. (From left to right, Rosie, Janet, me, Barb, Tracy, and Liz)


Huron, SD, where Liz, Rosie, Janet, Tracy, and I stopped for lunch, is the home of the world's largest pheasant. Who knew that South Dakota was home to so much worldliness?
Later, as we were riding along Rosie got us all singing that camp song "The other day (the other day) I saw a bear (I saw a bear) in tennis shoes (in tennis shoes) . . . " Then, she and I started composing our own Big Ride verses to that song. An example:

Out on the road
I had to pee
But I couldn't find
A bush or tree

Yes, those are lyrics of utmost quality. We've found our calling, and we'll be quitting our day jobs and moving to Tin Pan Alley. Without bikes.

On the ride today I found another new interest: hay bale formation. Riding for hours in the heat changes one's interests.

De Smet, as you all know, was the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder. What I didn't realize was that there were highways back then. "Pa, let's go riding in the SUV."
Tonight we're camping in a very nice city park. It's warm and breezy now, and I think it'll be a great night. Tomorrow, Minnesota!