Sioux Falls SD to Hot Springs SD

June 8, 2025

I awake early in Sioux Falls SD just before sunrise. I packed up and was back @ Marilin's Family Resturant about 7 am. I am getting quicker at packing. I knew it was going to be a long day today. The GPS said 5 1/2 hours. I had scrambled eggs, sausage patties, and cinnamon roll french toast. It was a yummy start to the day.

My stops were too numerous to count. My first stop was for gas and water. Today turned out to be the windiest day I have ever experienced on the bike. We had strong winds in Newfoundland, but nothing compared to the winds of South Dakota. It was a relentless 24 mph with gusts. It was from the North. When it gusted, I felt like it was going to blow my helmet right off of my head. Gust after gust. I had to go slower than yesterday to feel I had any control. I sweared at it to no avail. There were moments of less wind. They were little calm moments in the wind tunnel I found myself in. I decided that this would need to be a day of stopping more often. Each little bit would add up to more. I would stop when I needed to . When I didn't need gas or food. I choose the rest areas to stop. My first one, as luck would have it, turned out to have a large exhibit on Louis and Clark. They were asked by the government to go across the mighty Missouri River and make friends with the Native tribes. There is a huge statue of a Native American Princess called Dignity. There are plaques that tell about all the different native peoples that make this land their home. The area was on top of a large hill. There was a walking path that led you to an amazing view of the River and the surrounding hills. It was so nice to get off the bike and take a walk.

As the day wore on, I needed coffee, so I stopped and had a cold brew(very sweet ). There wasn't much choice for lunch, so chicken nuggets, sun chips, and gatorade would have to do. I met a group of bikers that lived in the area. Leather vests covered with patches denoted that they belonged to a local group. We chatted for a bit and I wished them safe travels. I dreaded getting back out into the wind. Going over bridges was even worse. It moved me back and forth and then shot you out the other side. I almost liked when the big trucks passed me, as it blocked the wind for a moment. Another couple of rest stops later I made my reservation at the Hot Springs SD KOA.

With my adrenaline up I have the energy to do the final push to Hot Springs. The scenery had changed from the am. It was now hilly green flowing grasslands and I was starting to see hills and rocky outcroppings. Finally, I got to Route 79 South. It was heaven compared to 90. The wind was much less, so I could enjoy the last 45 minutes to the KOA. I arrived safely and drove to my off road, but beautiful tent site. I have a view of the hills and sunset through the trees. I have alredy seen turkeys, Robins, and bunnies. I went up to the store and bought a drink and some stickers for the bike. While I am writing this, I hear a noise behind me. I realized the turkeys were going up into the trees to roost. Time for bed.