Today had everything. Heat (105 degrees by local report), Humidity (we got to the Missouri River today), Hills (up and down long rolling hills all day long), and Headwinds. We started out with a brisk wind in our face for 20 miles, then rode 30 miles with a strengthened wind at our side or slightly at our head. Then the road changed for the 40 mile run into Pierre (pronounced Peer by locals). We pounded into a 25 or more mph headwind for the last 40 miles.
Today we made the transition from ranches with grazing cattle, to large spreads growing winter wheat, and corn to feed their cattle. The terrain looked more fertile, even though there is a drought. Someone is building a very impressive pipeline from the Missouri River to carry water to the towns and farms.
The ride today was as difficult as we’ve had. The heat combined with the headwind really made the riding hard, and people were still arriving 11 hours after they started.
In the hero’s journey, great hardship is undertaken for great gain, but, the real battle is in the hero’s mind. Today was tough physically, but mentally was even more so. The urge to chuck it and get a ride was very strong at times for many of us. As we ride on our own voyage of transformation and achievement, our inner journey is the real story.

Scott is my rider of the day. He really dug deep and found what it took to get in. Of course, that included a lot of Gu and Red Bull, but a man has to do what a man has to do.