Saturday, July 13, 2013

Day 27 They Start 'Em Young in South Dakota

Pretty nice bike riding day.   Headed into Sioux City for the night and a rest day.  Everybody is beat.  The weather (sun and wind) and the roads (really torn up) are taking their toll on our bikes and bodies.

A lot of the rural roads are concrete and were poured years ago.  When new, the seams between the slabs were probably 1/4 inch.  With weather and heat, these seams are now about 2-3 inches apart.  Every time you go over one of these seams - the shockwaves up through your hands and into your shoulders is jarring.  And the seams come every 10-12 feet for miles.

I have now gone through a chain and a rear tire.  These normally last me 2500-3000 miles.  I went through them in 1700 miles.

My hands are swollen from the jarring.  To the point I can't open up stuff.  Hopefully a day of rest will help.

Back to the ride....

At our sag stop we came into the town of Canistota SD in the middle of their town fair.  On the way into town we passed a Tractor Pulling Stadium where they race tractors (they have to pull large weights behind them).  The fastest wins the race..

In town we saw the kids version of the tractor pull...



The whole town was out for the event.  The kids (we were there when the four year olds were "racing") get on a tractor that you have to pedal.  They have to pull a sled across the finish line.  The older the kids get the heavier the sled and the farther they have to pedal.

The whole community was out.  It was quite the event with lots of cheering.



Every child got a ribbon for competing....


This little girl was so excited to show me her prize.  Her mother probably was wondering who the hell was this guy - with lycra pants on - and why was he taking pictures of young kids.

So I did not stay long...

Made it to Sioux City and looking forward to a rest day.  I am disappointed about our hotel.  We are out in the boonies somewhere.  We will have to either cab it into town or ride our bikes.  Will have to think about this overnight.

Signing off for a day of rest and body repair....

1 comment:

Susan said...

Looks like you are re-entering civilization...people and activity more prevalent. Corn palace was incredible. Enjoy your day of rest! Have a great dinner and have to ask... Did roommate find laundry facilities?!