The Dakotas – Day 42 – Wall Drug

63.3 miles cycling, 2708′ of climbing (2187.1 tot) – to read from the beginning, click here.

We had a filling breakfast at the Super 8 in rapid City and then headed out for some chores, getting groceries, a prescription refill, and a couple of new chargers. Then it was on to I-90 for a couple of miles to highway 1416, a long side road for 26 miles. Lots of ups and downs to our next stretch of I-90 which was 20 mi to Wall SD. Other than one 3 Mile stretch two-way traffic on our side of the road and a very narrow bridge with with even narrower shoulders, I-90 was mostly uneventful and easier than 1416. I actually like riding on the interstate. South Dakota has no restrictions against bicycles on any roads. You could ride the interstate all the way across if you so desired. 

Dana wasn’t as happy about the Interstate, but we both made it to Wall and Dana got to take in the kitcsh that is Wall Drug. We hung around there for a while then went to check in at the Sleepy Hollow Campground and get set up. Then we went back into town, (anywhere in Wall being .3 mi from anywhere you are) to the Red Rock Restaurant where Drew took good care of us during happy hour. While we were there, we met a couple from Columbia, Maryland, Sally & Dave. He was wearing an Eagles shirt and he saw my Penns Valley Pedals & Pints and we started talking. They later invited us to go along with them to see the sunset inside the Badlands Park. We jumped at the chance and rushed back to the campground to get ready. We hadn’t been in a car since Eric’s & Wanda’s in Minnesota, and we appreciated that we were able to experience something we would never have ridden another 16 miles for. Sal

The sun itself was hidden behind clouds, but it was still a very colorful sunset, and Dana’s first look at the Badlands. Also saw some bison and antelope on the way in which added to the charm. Tomorrow. We head into the Badlands on a short day for us. I’m sure we’ll figure out a way and make it longer.