I'm sitting in the house of Paul's parents just south of Belle Fourche, SD after a 102 mile day and about 6:20 on the bike. Notice I had the same time on bike yesterday for 66 miles. That's worth digesting.
I don't really have time to do a thorough update since I'm hanging out and being social. The ride was good, started with a sidewind, then a tailwind, then a sidewind, and pretty much swirled all around. The hills weren't too bad, though, and it was mercifully overcast most of the day.
The first 28 mile push was over a divide and into some town with a name I forgot, where I ate in the shade of the post office (that was the only building) and uploaded photos. There was no water there, but I was ready for that and was carrying tons. I was accosted by a few annoying bees when I left, and I think I left my bike lock there. Oh well, first loss of the trip. Stupid bees.
The next push was to Alzeda at about mile 57, where there is a great old saloon with signs that say things like "Welcome to Montana, set your watch back 20 years." We slept next to that saloon in 2007, but the memorable lady did not remember us. Such is the life of a traveler, what is meaningful to us is just a flash in the pan experience to others. We are easily forgotten since we are not part of an epic adventure for them.
At mile 60 I hit the Wyoming border, and at mile 80 I hit the South Dakota border. That was break number three, taken in the shade of a semi-truck who's driver I assume was sleeping in the back. Those breaks tend to not be the most restful. At this break I decided to use my Mio Energy Caffeine drink additive again, since I was at about five and a half hours of riding and knew fading was likely. That stuff is great! My legs switch to auto-pilot and my brain stops thinking about biking. I spent the 15 miles into Belle Fourche singing Devil Makes Three and Old Crow songs as loudly as I could, having a hoot. I'm pretty sure I made good pace, but really I have no idea. I was too busy jamming out to pay attention.
I ran some errands in Belle Fourche and met Steve Fugate from www.lovelifewalk.com who has walked across the country six times, and currently is walking into every state in the country (I'm assuming he means the lower 48). You should certainly check out his website. By the way, Tommy the cross-country walker from Townsend also has a website: www.tommywalks.tumblr.com
Then I rode 7 more miles south to Paul's families house where I was treated to a great dinner and amazing views. Paul is going to ride with me tomorrow: 66 very hilly miles through the Black Hills and in to Rapid City, where I will meet up with my inlaws. I biked with Paul from Iowa to Boston as part of my 2003 trip, and he is a founding member of the illustrious Team RoadShow and a fellow Iowa State Juggler. Tomorrow will be a hoot!
Alright, back to being social! ILYI
Thursday, July 10, 2014
St Labre Indian Academy and Cheyenne museum in Ashland, MT
As usual, these are all out of order. These pictures go will with our 2007 pictures of the church in Lame Deer. I didn't want to take them again, however. (Those are online but I can't link them from my phone, look to the bar on the right.)
Both do a great job of blending cultures, I think at least. The Cheyenne seem to support it. This church is a mission in Ashland, MT run entirely of donations. Not funded by the main catholic church. Most of you know I'm not religious, but I do like studying it. Www.stlabre.org
The stations of the cross are all carved in stone
The museum
The chapel is a TP with a cross laid down, to symbolize the congregation carrying it like Jesus
The inside stained glass is amazing, it creates an arrow to direct prayers
The colors and layout of the chairs are all symbolic to the Cheyenne
The front has rigid hard edges, symbolizing western culture
The back is round like a teepee and symbolized Cheyenne culture. The sacraments are in the back, unlike most churches. Here you can see more of the carved stations of the cross.
The campus
An old photo of Lame Deer from the museum
Lame Deer to Broadus photos
Home for the night in Broadus, behind the store. Thanks Anna!
Nothing out there but HOT WIND
My favorite kind of sign
Trucks are good for some things
Broadus is an oasis in the desert
Forsyth to Lame Deer photos
As usual, these are all out of order. This building in Lame Deer had an extra door.
Deacon Joe!
"Custer Camped Here" memorial set in 1942. I'm guessing they had a different opinion of Custer back then.
Hot rocks
From inside the church
Forsyth is on the Yellowstone River, the source of which rowboated with Iris once.
The fireworks hill in Lame Deer
Soft bed!
Home for the night
The back of my bike has a multifaceted relationship with the sun. There solar charger powers my phone, while the blue bandanna shelters my rear water bottles and keeps them from getting crazy hot.
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