July 11 Hot Springs to Rapid City, South Dakota

I was in my granny gear early and often today as we entered the Black Hills. Usually we have a nice flat run for a dozen miles or so before we start climbing. Today, it was out the door and up the hill. We climbed a total of 5,100 feet today, just a few hundred feet shorter than the day when we did Teton Pass.  We didn’t have one big pass but rather lots of smaller hills. The grades weren’t too difficult but some of the hills lasted for three or four miles. Then, we’d lose the altitude in a quick descent and have to regain it with another long hill.  It’s beautiful territory but not easy cycling.

Along the way, we saw the Crazy Horse Monument.  I’ve seen  the models of what it’s supposed to look like when it’s finished and it should be really cool.  Unfortunately, it’s a long way from being finished.  In fact, here’s a bet: we’ll cure MS before the Crazy Horse Monument is finished.

We also stopped at Mount Rushmore.  For me the visit evoked memories of a cross-country trip I did with a friend’s family when I was 14 years old.   It also evoked images of Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint in North by Northwest, one of the thrillingest thrillers ever.  It was fun to see Mount Rushmore again but I was surprised that they had added Ronnie Reagan to it.

Now I’m in Rapid City which seems to be a city thriving on transportation, tourism, and agriculture.  Interestingly, the entire city and several hundred square miles of surrounding territory may belong to the Sioux Indians.  In 1980, the Supreme Court ruled that the United States had illegally stolen the Black Hills from the Sioux by breaking a treaty guaranteeing Sioux ownership of the area.  The court ruling offered monetary compensation but the Sioux said the land was not for sale.  The question of ownership is still in dispute.

Now, a special shout out to our next door neighbors, Colin and Finn (ages 9 and 6). Thanks for playing with Bella and giving her a new tennis ball.  I know she loves playing with you two and she gets very excited.  Do you think she’ll remember me?

Day’s distance: 74.7 miles (120.2 km)
Average speed: 13.5 mph (21.7 kph)
Day’s climb: 5,100 feet (1,554.4 meters)
Total distance: 1,669.8 miles (2,687.3 km)