We came to South Dakota to see Connor, but also, it was my third time to the state (drove through it twice before on my way to Wisdom), so I had to take advantage and do a bike ride!
We arrived on Wednesday and went to the Fire House in Rapid City for dinner. Steve and Connor had memorable reubens.
Thursday we hiked the Sylvan Lake loop then drove the Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, and the Wildlife loop. All amazing. Mountains, rocks, grassy fields. On the wildlife loop we saw bison, pronghorn, turkeys, prairie dogs, deer, donkeys! We also saw a pair of yellow-bellied sapsuckers that looked so big in the binoculoars Steve thought one was a pilleated woodpecker.
Today Steve and Connor went to play golf and I headed back to the wildlife loop with my rental, a hybrid with 7 years and straight handlebars. It was a beautiful 30 mile ride. It started out rainy, but cleared up after about 8 miles. In addition to yesterday's animals, I saw a bunny and heard the bugling of elk. Of course I didn't see them! But their calls were haunting coming over the hills.
Back at my car, I didn't need any of the dry clothes I'd brought to change into. I'd thought I might come back absolutely drenched, but I was nearly dry. Another lucky day skirting the rain.
Distance: 30 miles
Speed: No data.
