Miles: 7.35 Elevation: 160 Time: 50 minutes
Total miles: 1,805.91 (2,316.91 w/ Uhaul) Total Elevation: 75,661 Total Time: 176 hours 47 minutes
Wow!! What an Unscripted amazing day!!
Just days away from RAGBRAI, we’ve worked hard to stay on schedule and to make good decisions. The weather apps are showing we may get some weather during the ‘week in the corn’ and we woke up to multiple weather alerts showing severe thunderstorms and lightning. Time for Plan B. There is a local Uhaul facility and we can rent a truck and drop it off in two days helping us navigate around and through the impending storms. Yep. Let’s do it.
As we ride from the KOA camp to the Uhaul facility, the direct route is closed. A construction crew is rebuilding the bridge so we chose to ride the I-90. Along the way, the roadside was painted with white feathers, one which needed to be with me so I picked it up. Take a look at what it means to find a white feather. So interesting.
Once on the interstate, my favorite numbers appeared-333, another sign of an amazing day about to happen. Nearly half way to our exit, we hear the chirp of a highway patrol vehicle behind us. We pull over and have a great interaction with her. Apparently, someone called concerned about our safety, not knowing we are permitted to travel the interstate. The officer assured us we weren’t doing anything wrong, encouraged us to stay safe and have a good ride. A few minutes later, we exited and went to Sinclair gas station for our morning coffee. There, we sat, drinking our coffee and watched the weather reports. Yep. Things were changing. While having a conversation with the store staff and explaining our ride yesterday was shorter than most because we wanted to see the Corn Palace, he quickly made a call to the Corn Palace to arrange a private tour with the director Dave Sietsema. Who does that? Such kindness and how lucky are we?! After coffee, we rode to the Corn Palace and met with Dave. Over the next hour, we learned so much, not only about the Corn Palace but Mitchell and South Dakota. The stadium transforms from a basketball court to a music venue to a bull riding event, whatever is needed. How cool!!
Thank you for sharing so much with us, not just about the Corn Palace but life in South Dakota!
Onward to the Uhaul facility, our 26’ steed awaited. Sadly, the smaller, 10’ trucks were only rented for local trips. Well then. Go big or go…home or into the storm.
Off we went, back on the I-90. And yes, the expansion joints in a relatively empty truck is as bumpy as a bike. And thankfully we were in the truck as shortly after leaving Mitchell, the interstate was narrowed to one lane each way while construction was being done. It would have been dangerous and frightening to ride that section.
We arrived in Sioux Falls and checked in. Taking advantage of our easy transportation, we picked up reserves at Walmart and found tires for Drew’s bike. The locals recommended Taphouse 41 for food, especially their burgers. And what a great recommendation! While we headed back to the truck, we both started to laugh!! So many people lose track of their vehicles in mall parking lots. Just drive a 26’ Uhaul and you’ll never lose your vehicle again.
It’s 8:30 as I write this, and we got another notice of severe storms with damaging hail.
Know we are safe. We are blessed. And we are so grateful for you.
