The week of extremes!

We have finished our big week of riding 6 days in a row. This has been a week of weather , terrain, sun, rain, lightning , bonking, purpose, and heartache. We had a rider hurt this week which was so hard. He and his wife are sorely missed. We went through the bad lands and may I say I see why they are appropriately named. They are beautiful in a moon like manner. It is how I would picture the moon to be. I received some heartbreaking news from home. It has made this ride even more purposeful for Greg and I . Everyday we start out with our prayers for all the people in our lives and riders. It has lifted us up . For now the only one at the forefront is my Mom. She wants us to continue and we will for now.
July 15th Rapid City- Kadoka 101 miles. I nicked named it okydoki because there have been so many cities and I have to put a nick name to it. We were chased by ominous clouds with lightning at our backs but far away I might add. We experienced our first few rain drops. The tink tink on our helmets reminded us of home.At mile 40 I was worn out and not good when you have approx. 60 or so to go. Greg said he wasn't doing so great either. We were in trouble. Well as this trip has proven you just keep pedaling and low and behold it to passes. Michel joined us and it was great to have his company. The Bad Lands are liking nothing I have ever seen before. I hope that our pictures turn out.
July 16th Kadotka-Pierre 95miles I think we were all concerned after the day before what to expect on this day. The day started out with great rolling hills that we love . Gather some speed on the tandem and we can get along ways up the next hill and stand up and grunt and over you go. We had a blast in the morning but I in retrospect think we pushed too much which effected the outcome later in ;the day. Somehow like dummies missed one of the water stops and Greg was in serious trouble. We had only 8 or so miles to go and he bonked. I dumped what water we had on him, he sat and rested and our friends came along and helped and rode with us back in. This is the day I found out Mom was in the hospital. Was able to get cell service and talk to Brother and 2 sisters. They have been so wonderful.
July 17th Pierre -Miller 74 miles this is the day of headwinds up the gazzu. We had to really take it easy not sure how Greg was going to be. Made him drink every chance and bugged him mercifully. Ok That's my job and I'm sticking to it. I am like the talking head behind him sometimes he likes it but others I am the biggest bug a boo. Not looking at the scenery much just head down and pedal.
July 18th Miller- DeSmet. You pronounce like your sneezing. Oh the corn and soy fields . The colors of green are incredible. This is the day we have made it half way. 1,650!!!!!!! At this point Papa Greg rode with us. We can block the wind and thought he would like to ride with. We were told there was a 40% chance of rain. that didn't seem like much of a chance and for Pete's sake we're from Seattle . We know rain better than anyone right. We stopped and got a pop. As we got going a few sprinkles , than the sky got dark , than we started seeing lightning, than the rain got harder, this is now when I started to get freaked out. I looked at both Greg's and they were just pedal to the medal. I kept saying this isn't good or something to that effect did they listen.NO. we rode approx 6 miles to the nearest town with sleeting rain and lightning on all side of us. This is the day that Brack fell. Not a day I want to repeat.
July 19th DeSmet -Tyler 78 miles Calmer and grateful we rode through the corn fields. We were trying to decide how many ears of corn go in a cereal box. There must be a lot. Field after field. We stopped in Brookings at our rest stop for bike stuff and free ice cream. I was so happy my cell phone worked I was able to talk to Telia and find out how Mom was. Everyone has rallied around. There isn't anything better. We left S. Dakota and now we are in Minnesota. We stayed in the most beautiful place. Danebod Folk School under huge chestnut trees. No cell service .
July 20th Tyler to New Ulm 88 miles. this was such a great day for us. the winds weren't so bad and we made good time. Cell service. We ride for you Mom. hang in there.