Day 21 Sioux Falls to Kadoka

A Hot Day in the Badlands

A really big day today. A later start because of a breakfast delay but off we went.. As you may recall we are assigned staggered starts with the faster riders going last so we are better supported and don’t arrive at a rest stop too early or too late. There is a trend for some to leave a little earlier each day but it seems to be working out pretty well.

We pedaled across the infinite South Dakota plains to the famous town of Wall. Or at least according to the numerous signs touting the Wall Drug Store as a must see. The real reason we stopped was for a refreshing lunch. This was needed to brace ourselves from the wind and increasing temperatures.

After lunch, a ten mile ride brought us to Badlands National Park . The fantastic views and rock formations distracted us for a while from the heat. My description and the photos do not do it justice. I would like to return for an early morning cycle through the park as the light would make the formations stand out even more impressively.

After leaving the park, we limped into Kadoka and essentially took over its only hotel. Next door we dined at what must be THE only combination steak house and Subway Sandwich shop. I’m eating a lot of burgers with red meat in the smaller towns. Trying to stay with what they know! Tomorrow another scorching century but without a National Park to distract us.