Friday, July 11th: Philip, SD or ... is there a headwind?

Hurray - it's Badlands National Park day! The sun is already out and the air feels crisp. Breakfast is served at the lodge of the National Park: they clearly were not so well prepared for 50 hungry cyclists, but the food is good. We are not in a hurry and my boss takes her time browsing the shop... There are very nice things for sale, but ... Keep on dreaming, boss!

Back outside my woman puts the sunscreen on and once that's done, she puts herself on Sweet Machine. Off to a great ride. We first cycle at the base of the plateau: different shades of green contrast with the rocks. It's fun to cycle here - it looks as if everyone is already far away, but the winding road is just hiding everyone. 

Then the road curls up to the plateau, giving my woman a bit of a work out. But she's got that happy smile on her face! On top of the plateau we get a chance to walk on a walkway and read some information boards. I guess I'll stay in  the bag again!

The views are astonishing - the colors just perfect - the route is not simple flat but gives us rollers.

Near the exit of the park the flowers align themselves along the road.

A tough climb brings us to the highest point of the park. From here we can see - in the far distance - how a roller coaster road will take us to Wall. 

"Look woman, those black cows are going to their meal, I think". It looks funny: the cows seem to walk two by two and are heading to the billboard. Are they looking for shade? They do not mind the cars, but as we stop to take their picture, they all start to talk cowish. I do not understand that language, but I hope they do not like to eat dogs!

It's impossible to forget what our destination is: WALL! http://www.wall-badlands.com/ 

The town is busy and inside the building is a crazy atmosphere - too many people here! My woman eats a mint chocolate chip ice cream and then heads out again.

Meanwhile the wind has picked up - and clouds were forming high in the sky. The rest of the day we cycle along this almost flat road - with a headwind. Alan pops up and cycles with us... I think he just wants to keep an eye on us - making sure we'll do fine! The tracks of the railroad remain empty. There is one shop along the route, but it doesn't serve anything cool nor warm to drink! What a bummer. The highway is most certainly not the most scenic thing on earth, but we just must take it. 

The darker sky is now very threatening - but we make it to small town of Philip. My woman walks to the gym, noticing 3 girls playing volleyball. I encourage her to join them and very soon a bunch of Cycle America people (Staff Hillary, Sweet Shawn and Phil) are playing against the Philip locals. My woman is enjoying herself! Too bad dinner is served at 5.30 pm - I believe she could have kept playing! After dinner is the award ceremony. My woman had an award, but she gave it after the meeting to the person. Now it's time to pitch the tent. Isn't the Green Turtle standing too close to the big flag pole? Way in the distance a light show is going on - another thunderstorm we've escaped from!