Thursday, July 10, 2025
Day 40

Ellsworth Air Force Base, Box Elder, SD to Wall, SD

Miles: 49.91
Elevation: 1,670
Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Total miles: 1,558.65 (1,989.65 w/ Uhaul)
Total Elevation: 71,086
Total Time: 157 hours 28

Somedays you tour. And others you RIDE.

Our morning began listening to the weather and when the report said there would be hail the size of apples, it got my attention! The sky was cloud filled and we wanted to make good decisions about our travel. Preserve the assets-us first, then the bikes.
As we left Ellsworth Air Force base, we rode past some of the planes outside their museum. A tour for another day.
Getting coffee at the local gas station, we had a great chat with a young man about the weather. His truck was obviously damaged by hail. Riding initially on a frontage road, it started to sprinkle. Painted surfaces, like the white lines on the edge are slippery when they’re wet so we carefully picked our line. And rather than trying to stay in Zone 2, we were riding hard, trying to outpace the front that was closing in on us. Staying very focused, the Wall Drug store sign appeared around a corner. 33 miles. Not only my lucky number but a sign from Mom that everything would be okay. We’d almost made it New Underwood when the rain began to cascade from the clouds. Quickly, we made our way to an vacant car wash at the edge of town where we took shelter until the rain lightened a bit, then made our way down the street to a gas station/ convenience store. Under the eaves, we watched as the clouds continued to move northeast. After about 20 minutes, it had passed. The locals said it would. They also helped us with explaining road surfaces and conditions. We continued riding Highway 1416 noting any and all areas, like bridges and drainage culverts where we could take shelter if absolutely necessary. Finally, we returned to I-90 as it was our best option.
Tailwinds were a welcome assist pushing us along although at times, an occasional cross wind.
Arriving in Wall, we secured the bikes and went to Wall Drug Store to check out all the hype. OMG! Not only was it huge, but so incredibly crowded and stuffed with every kind of souvenir. After 2 minutes, we’d had our fill and left to grab lunch somewhere else.

Back at the room, we studied weather patterns to prepare for Friday. Wind and rain can make or break the day’s ride.
And now safe and sheltered, we are grateful for our blessings.

#RoadrunnerTour2025

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