10. Day 3 & 4: Gilman, IL to Sioux City, IA to Wall, SD

Let me start by saying that yes, I forgot my camera.  Then last night Steve realized he forgot the cable to hook his camera to the computer.  So pics will have to come from the phones for now and then we can update once we are home.

So on Day 3 our original intent was to end in Cody, NE.  We set out by 7:30-it helps when you pass into an earlier time zone.  We got 200 interstate miles out of the way in time for an early lunch.  We noticed that ran may be moving in and the # of cars/trucks was increasing on the highway so we decided to head to secondary roads and hopefully away from the rain.

It was this day that I first felt the open plains wind that our friend Jay mentioned.  You sort of have to ride leaned slightly to the left to counteract the wind, but if you pass a house that is blocking the wind you better straighten up or you're gonna have a bad time.

We kept finding then losing the Lincoln highway, but it was nice to be off the interstate.  We finally hit the rain in Cedar Rapids, but it only lasted about 50 miles.  I think we would up doing around 550 miles and ended up in Sioux City, IA.  We were making good time and we felt OK so we kept going. 

When you're seen you're safe!!

We also stopped in Sac City, IA for gas.  We noticed super was cheaper than regular.  We asked a local, he said it was always like that.  We are assuming something having to do with the ethanol.

Super for less, OK.

We rolled into Sioux City around 7ish, I think.  I don't like to judge anything by my limited experience but it was very off-putting when the first people who approach you in the parking lot are obviously under the influence of something and are trying to bum a smoke.  The hotel GM was right on their tail though and he called the police to try to make sure they didn't come back.  The GM was very nice and spoke with us repeatedly throughout the evening to assure us that the bikes would be safe.  We certainly did not want to be stranded there.  There was some massive rain overnight, which is fine by me.  I'll be happy if rains every night - except if we ever actually camp.

Since we went off route we had to come up with a new plan for Day 4.  I have to say when we do 12 hour riding days it's hard to work in anything other than riding, eating, and bathroom breaks.  By the time we got to the hotel it was shower, eat, try to come up with a new route and sleep.  We were not very successful with the new route but thanks to my early morning wakefulness genes and the extra hour of the central time zone I set something up the next morning.

It wound up being a great ride.  We had about 30 miles of rain right when we left. 

South Dakota is freaking gorgeous.  I wish I had come here sooner.  I was here in 1978 but memory fails me.  Plus at 5 I probably just wanted a snack.  The scenery is magnificent.  Badlands is super duper awesome.  One thing I noticed a lot is that the cows stare back.  When we ride in Vermont, the cows ignore us.  Here they seem just as interested in us as we are in them.

The cows stare back.

The little motel I found on the internet is also superb.  The Sunshine Inn in Wall, SD.  I called from Winning, SD to make sure we could get a room.  He blocked us a parking spot right in front of the room so we wouldn't have to carry our stuff.  Very friendly, very helpful and only $58!  Forget camping.

We are taking it easier today to do some touristy stuff.  Heading to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Devils Tower.  Hoping to camp at Devil's Tower.  I know I keep saying that but really, we do want to camp.

Please note that re-reading of these posts is no longer happening.  I'm hungry and want breakfast.  I apologize for any errors.

Bad grammar be OK on vacation.