Day 23: Hulett, Wyoming to Lead, South Dakota
- rstrandjohnson
- Jun 23, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 27, 2021
Distance: 67.6 miles
Elevation: +5097/-3480
Temperature: The Gates of Hell
WHAT a fun day today was! (Are you sensing a little sarcasm here?) We started as early as we could from the nice Best Western in Hulett - 6:30am so we could get breakfast there. What a beautiful country we cycled into. The Black Hills National Forest of Wyoming has redder rock formations but the same pine forested hills and upland meadows as the Black Hills of South Dakota that we rode into today.
By 9:30am, it was blazing hot as we chipped away at the 5000 feet of elevation we needed to climb. But, as did Elizabeth Warren to Mitch McConnell’s dismay, we persisted. The gravel road we had to use was actually quite pleasant, with a smoother surface and way more downhill than uphill. Along the road, we encountered a semi truck backing into a corral so ranchers could begin loading dozens of steers into the trailer. I doubt they knew what was in store for them...let’s hope they had a great life and just one bad day! The gravel road ended in a little town called Beulah, with its “famous” Testicle Festival.
We rolled into Spearfish around noon and made haste to the Two Wheeler bike store so we could pick up needed bike parts. They recommended a great restaurant named Killian’s, and we had a leisurely lunch, knowing that it was already hot and we couldn’t get into the condos in Lead, SD until 4pm. MK was done with the heat, and after another 1000 feet of elevation in the brutal temps and highway traffic, Carol and Becky also crowded in John’s car for the last 5 miles to Lead. It was THAT kind of day. But the intrepid Katherine, Mary Jo and Kathleen stuck it out and arrived to join the group in two side-by-side condos where we will rest for a WHOLE DAY tomorrow...yay!! We’ll post again when we start back up on Friday. Take care, friends!
Highlights:
The beautiful Black Hills
Entering South Dakota after being in Wyoming for an eternity!
The beginning of a rest day!
Lowlights:
The heat (like you weren’t going to guess that one!)
Wow you guys are impressive! Every time I read about the heat and wind, I'm in awe of you all!!
So how hot was it? Glad you get a rest day!
I like your political reference! I guess you are all now under the "heat dome." Are you doing safety briefings? Keep your safety at the top of your priorities and talk about it. We want you ALL coming home safe and sound. You are making great progress and so strong. I just love waking up to your posts...but I always a day behind. Have a great rest day.
I have to say, I kind of like sarcastic Becky.
Anne told me to keep my sister in check. I can see that my efforts have failed. Good on the three of you for persisting. Can you get on the voters' rights bill next?