July 13, 2025. Day 43. Kennebec, SD to White Lake, SD
Miles: 67.15. Elevation: 1,332. Time: 5 hours 14 minutes
Total miles: 1,754.76 (2,185.76 w/ Uhaul). Total Elevation: 75,088. Total Time: 172 hours 11
As we roll out of camp, the sound the National Anthem is being sung at the rodeo arena. What a great way to start the day!!
Gas station coffee, a fun conversation with the clerk, sunshine and away we go.
We continue on I-90 passing through small towns. The road surface is notably rough with cracks/gaps every 6-8 feet apart, sometimes as much as 4” wide. As the bikes traveled over, a jarring motion occurred causing hands to go numb and backs to get sore. Thankfully, the bikes held up well. Today’s road treasure included a vice grip, Gerber knife(damaged) and 4 beef sticks in a plastic bag. We carried the knife and beef sticks to the next town to dispose of them properly. Second coffee today was in the small town of Reliance. Such nice people there. Leaving on a side road, we saw a beautiful owl perched on a sign. It may have been 5” tall and very light colored.
Continuing, we saw several dead animals-deer, raccoons, squirrels and birds. We eventually cross the Aramark Creek and stop at the lookout where a statue is positioned. The views are spectacular. At mile 59, we stop at Kimball for cold drinks. It’s been a warm and humid day. While relaxing in the shade, Jamie from Canada rolls in. And, he’s got quite the story about his tire repair yesterday. There is such a community amongst cyclists and difficult to describe to those who don’t ride. A kind of brotherhood.
A little further, we arrive in White Lake for the night. And to our surprise, we found only one business open, others closed because it Sunday. Thankfully, we still have peanut butter, rice cakes and popcorn! Maybe not the fanciest dinner but it will get us though!
Tomorrow will be a new day with its new adventures!