Day 2 Lusk to Hot Springs, SD

Mileage: 91
Temperature at start: 60
Temperature at finish: 81
Overcast and foggy in morning - sunny in afternoon
Elevation gain: 3891 feet

Breakfast was at 5:30 with a 6:30 rollout. Erin and Bob rolled out and maintained a 20 mph pace until the first SAG stop at mile 35. The terrain had opened up to beautiful vistas and ravines with isolated farm houses and many, many cows. The wind was mostly favorable until the first stop.

Erin was ready to drive so I was able to ride starting at mile 35. Bob and I maintained a quick pace with a crosswind from the southeast. Life was good until we turned almost due east at mile 46. The terrain immediately had large hills and the wind was directly in our face. I remember topping one hill and assuming a sprinters tuck and only being able to accelerate to 12 mph going downhill!

At mile 57 we crossed from Wyoming into South Dakota.

The terrain continued to rise pretty steadily until we stopped for lunch in Edgemont at mile 67. We ate at a restaurant that took a record amount of time to cook a ham and cheese for me and eggs and toast for Erin. We probably stayed at that SAG stop for at least an hour. Bob took over the driving and Erin and I headed for the mountains.

Soon after leaving Edgemont Erin and started on the big climb of the day. It was a four mile climb that averaged between 4.5% to 8% grade. Doesn't seem to steep until you've been on it for a few miles. I told Erin that I would give her $5.00 for each minute she beat me up the hill. The ride leader, Mike Munk, timed the gap at 2:45 minutes, earning her $13! Soon after the summit, we went over a high mountain bridge with a staggering, beautiful view.

Erin mile 72

Beautiful view mile 72

Craig mile 72

The last twenty miles consisted of beautiful, mountainous climbs with sharp climbs and steep descents. With four miles to go the steepest climb of the day came upon us. It was an 8% climb for a out a mile. We were rewarded with a two mile descent into Hot Springs. A note about this climb was that it was steep enough to require trucks to pull over and test their brakes before making the climb and descent. We arrived at Hot Springs at 2 PM and rested until dinner time, served at a local bowling alley!

Erin even bowled a game with some fellow riders and her team won!

Tomorrow we ride to Rapid City, SD and make a stop at Mt. Rushmore along the way.