Tour de Kota - Day Two

I rolled out of my tent at 3:45 - Yikas! It actually felt good to get up and out, the night was long and much too hot to sleep. As planned, we were biking by 5, the predawn light was rather sparse but no suprises on the road. I did learn of a biker who adorns select roadkill with Mardis Gras beads- just for kicks! Lots of characters among the TdK crew. I think I lathered on my first coating of sunscreen about six. Several stops this day and we needed fresh water, energy food, and more sunscreen at each. The winds kept up pretty steady all day as forecasted, often we were straight into it! At times we rode in a cross wind, better than head on, but still a strain. As we came to Canova, the fourth stop of the day, we were feeling it. Since we had started so early, this stop was not ready for us, which was a pity, as they had advertised pie. Bummer. We had to be content with granola bars. We headed off again. Each tree claim provided a reprieve, there was an exact line that we crossed where the grasses were suddenly idle. The wind is the main factor each day. The Epiphany stop had plenty of goodies and a welcome respite from the elements. The day continued to challenge us, but I must say, not once did I consider the sag wagon. I could do this. The last stop was the site of the former Plano school, which was just a little spot on the side of the road. Everyone there was laid out in the shade. An apple, water, and the standby granola bar was going to have to tide me over until Mitchell. As we approached the James River valley, I was faced with my first gut busting hill. I did have a brief moment of doubt as this hill was intimidating, but instinctively, as I geared down and started my ascent, I started in with the Hail Mary's. The rhythm of that prayer gave me the momentum I needed. There was one more long steady gradient into town, then past the Corn Palace, and the finish line at Hitchcock Park finally appeared. We found a shady spot, set up tents, and hopped on the shuttle to enjoy a well deserved shower. Joe pulled into camp, he had ridden with Casey, a Sioux Falls friend, and they both agreed that today was a beast! A comment was made that of all the Tours ridden, today's ride ranked among the hardest five overall. I conquered it- Yes! We opted for vendor food for supper, a chicken wrap and mango smoothie- ice cold brain freeze! I tried to nap a bit, but no luck. Denise, my next new acquaintance was trying to do the same on a picnic bench. A conversation began, she is a young twenty-something from Oregon who rode the bus to SD with her bike to ride the Tour. She worked in the field of Environmental Science, and I knew she and David would enjoy visiting. The band performing on stage was way too close to our site, but we toughed it out. LeAnn Suhr came along and introduced us to several riders from Aberdeen. We also touched base with Christine, who we spent the evening with in Madison. There seems to be a, "We're all in this together" mentality. As everyone comments about the day's ride, we can connect with one another - a bond is formed. Today was a gratifying day-73 miles. Good news for Wednesday, cooler temps and the wind should be in our favor. I found myself wondering if I could actually pull the rest of the week off. I had two days in the history books, but three to go. As Joe puts it, "Just think round and round!" My mantra - "One mile at a time..."