Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Day 23 - Wall, SD - July 11th 2006
Weather: Sunny 90sLocation: Wall (Drug), South Dakota (from Rapid City, SD)
Miles per day: 52 (attempted to 57)
Average miles per hour: 13.39
Elevation climb: not enough to care
Blizzards/Ice Cream to date: 16 (todays: Oreo Cheescake - rating 3 out of 5)
Flat Tires to date: 1
Today was just a completely unpredictable day (to the frustration of many). Firstly, Rapid City is not too bike friendly. I felt just getting out of the city alive was a big accomplishment. As we headed out, within 10 miles, we hit a bridge that was out, many had to retrace steps and then head
onto the highway. I had to do just an extra 
mile or so. Given today was meant to be easy, the extra miles were not appreciated, even by the most experienced riders. A few bushwacked their way across to the highway. The views were flat with very little to see (apart from the Wall Drug signs)and very little hills.On the latter part of the day, we stumbled on to Highway Construction. They were paving the road for at least 5 miles. Oil and tar was everywhere (not good for bikes). It turned into a day of mayhem and confusion. What should we do? One lane was closed. Highway crews and police were giving mixed messages. Crews advised to go into the left lane and on the left side. But was that safe? There was a rumour that Police were ticketing riders on the left. A few managed to walk a few miles. With no choice, I was coerced into a 'mandatory sag' to Wall (about 8 miles). On arrival to the hotel, everyone had a bike to clean - the tar and oil was stuck everywhere and very nasty to clean. Fortunately, my bike was not too bad. Everyone's experience was different but all concluded it was not a safe day.
With that done, a few of us managed to find a local who gave us an auto tour of the Badlands. Amazing place - like Grand Canyon but more open and arid, a total of 244,000 acres. We saw more Bison (Buffalo), Prairie Dogs and Mountain Sheep.
And to top it off, Lois and I made it to Wall Drug for dinner and a quick walk through America's greatest tourist trap.
The story goes that in 1931, during the depression, the locals were struggling to make ends meet. As druggist gave out free water, Wall Drug came up with the idea of Advertising this fact to all the tourist heading to the Black Hills. Signs were created and distributed as far East as Chicago and as far West as Idaho. A huge success for this town of 800. Today it continues to thrive as a successful tourist trap. Entrepreneurism at its best!This has been one of my personal best days of the trip (few co-riders will say this).... But remember this day as there is the 'rest of the story' to be told at a later date!
