August 6, Day 35 of TheHopeLine Tour of 2014
I saw some strange-looking critters during our 29-mile ride t
o Newcastle today. I believe I saw antelopes and pronghorns. You be the judge.
Another early afternoon buildup of dark billowy clouds foiled our efforts for a 60-plus mile day and entry into South Dakota. Given the 36-mile serviceless leg that awaited us, we holed up in a local Subway to see if the skies would clear. They did not. Hence, we scurried around in late afternoon for shelter from the impending storm. We were disappointed as we had more miles in us with a church down the road ready to host us for the evening.
Drats! It seems the clouds came, but the storm did not…at least from where we sat. Yesterday’s tempestuous weather had intimidated us into staying put. Was it a good decision? We think so, even though restraint is not one of our favorite vocabulary words. Who knows? Maybe it was hailing golf-ball sized hailstones ten miles down the road, or we averted a journey into Custer using headlamps.
Thus, we’ll embark tomorrow, prepared with a good night’s sleep for the construction that lies ahead. Wyoming has been very good to us, despite the regular afternoon onslaught of black thunderheads and high winds. We like the roads, the low traffic, and the scenery. Now if South Dakota can retain those features and deliver calmer weather with more services, we’ll find ourselves in biker’s heaven.
Regarding roads, here you see Debbie’s illustration of a quality road. Rumble strips can be difficult for cyclists, but not here, as the wide shoulder is more than enough, and the rumble strip acts as a guard against wayward traffic. Add in long-range visibility and great pavement, and you have a bicycling delight.
Interesting how we are influenced by past experiences. Yet, history does not always repeat itself. Or as they say in the investment world, past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Clients on TheHopeLine are also impacted by their life experiences, often negative ones. The paralysis that sets in can be debilitating. We’re not apt to let that happen to us too many more times on this trip. We have too far to yet travel! There’s more work to be done.
Hey Tim and Deb,
You are in some country that sees severe summer as well as winter weather. Caution is often called for even though it becomes maddening at times. Golf ball-sized hail could inflict a bit of damage–probably ruin your whole afternoon.
Now, as for critters; saying pronghorns and antelope is a bit like saying bucks and deer. A pronghorn is the buck of the western American antelope family. Looks like the picture is showing a bunch of does and young-uns.
Although a few could have had some small horns there, I just couldn’t see them. Be well, stay safe, and good traveling….Jim
Thanks Jim, I was wondering what the definition of pronghorn was!! Learn something new everyday!! Safe travels dear sister and brother-in-law!!