Lewis and Clark Cycling Trek

Sunday, June 26, 2005

Lewis and Clark Recreation Area (Springfield) to Pickstown, SD- Day 13- 48.73 mi.

Wow…what a day…the temperature soared into the 90s, with heat indexes into the 100s. The major energy-taker today was the wind. In the morning, it was mainly a tailwind, 10-20 mph. As we came into Pickstown, the wind became a cross-wind and strengthened. It was about 40 mph! I was blown off the road into some loose gravel 7 times. Once, it brought my bike and I down to the road. I was okay, though. Through all this, we were going uphill. Our speed was only 5-6 mph. We didn't get an early start and that forced us to bike in the heat and high winds. We certainly paid the consequences for that extra hour of sleep this morning. The route we biked today was one of the most difficult we have had so far. It was desolate but beautiful. From the time we left Springfield until we arrived at Pickstown, almost 50 miles away, we did not see one convenience store, gas station, grocery store, or restaurant and less than 15 cars had passed us. We were forced to cook a modest noon meal along the roadside in the hot sun. We also nearly ran out of water today. We both carry 3 waterbottles, and, luckily, ClarkWheel had filled a Nalgene quart bottle as well. At the top of several hills, we could look around and see nothing but more rolling prairies….no towns, farms, or even buildings. We found only one shade tree at a Native American boarding school in Marty, SD. This brings us to our question for the day.

Seventh Grade Question: This Native American boarding school for boys and girls for the Yanton Sioux Tribe has a program much like our D.A.R.E. program. This program is targeting tobacco use. It is called T.A.T.U. Just like D.A.R.E., the letters are an acronym. What are the words for this acronym, T.A.T.U.

SpokeWrench

3 Comments:

  • Hey guys! Haven't been on line to read for a while. This trip sounds wonderful, but really hot! I can't wait to hear all about it. What an experience! Hope the heat and wind subside for you!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:26 AM  

  • Hi Josh,
    I'm glad you're staying with us. Thanks for the sunscreen tip. I never thought about burns taking energy. We were pretty faithful about applying sunscreen for the first week and half but haven't done it for a few days. Of course, we are both so dark now, there is little chance of burning. If you have any other tips, pass them along. As of today, June 29th, we have biked a total of 602 miles. Our maps take us all over the backcountry. Longer, more hilly; but safer. Today was another day that we had no place to eat or get water until about the last 7 miles of the trip. 602 miles makes this the longest bike tour of my life. The next longest was to Jeff and Jane's in Rochester, NY. That was 600 miles. Good to hear from you.
    Dad

    Lisa, thanks to you to for following along. We can't seem to get a day without either heat or wind. If it is not hot, it means a cold front has moved through and that usually brings strong northwest winds, our usual route direction. That was very true today (day 16), so I guess we'll just have to put up with it. I hope we can report an easy day soon! Take care.
    pg

    By Blogger ClarkWheel, at 6:19 PM  

  • Belated comments:

    Snail_blazer:
    We haven't caught any re-enactments yet, our timing just hasn't been right. Our maps don't usually take us to larger cities either. That's probably another factor.

    Kiki:
    Wow, New York City! I'll bet that was a fun experience. So all three of you went? Was NYC ready for that? Take care and continue to have a great summer. Thanks for checking in here.
    pg

    By Blogger ClarkWheel, at 6:26 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home