Sunday, June 2, 1996
Day 22
Gillette, Wyoming to Custer, South Dakota
Today's Miles: 115
Cumulative Miles for the Tour: 1390
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Flat to Rolling
Find of the Day: The Old Fashion Ice Cream and Fudge Factory
Wyoming didn't want us to stay within the its boundaries any longer, so it provided us with a tailwind that took us 80 miles in 4 hours.
Leaving Gillette along the main freeway out of town, Lee and I were pushed along at a brisk 25 mile per hour pace in pursuit of David Wallace. Dave was running on pure adrenaline because it was his first day with us. He had taken out a half hour ahead of us. We didn't catch him until Newcastle, 80 miles later.Our first stop was in Moorcraft. When ever someone names a cafe after themselves, it's a good bet there will be some kind of pride in ownership if you'll stop in and check it out. Donna's, in Moorcraft, is that kind of place.
Bob, our local connection
at Donna's Cafe, Moorcraft, Wyoming
As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by Bob, one of the main locals sitting at the counter having his morning cup of coffee. Bob was interested in our internet site. He said that the local telephone office had just made the switch over to new switching, installing fiber optics for all of the phone lines. Even middle America is getting wired. It's kind of amazing.
Sitting next to us, were two 20 year old men who were hitchhiking from Montana, on the way to South Dakota. Their car had broken down in western Montana and they were trying to get to a truck that was waiting for them somewhere in South Dakota. We passed them on the way out of town as they headed for the entrance to Highway 90, hopefully to get to SD by the end of the day.The wind continued to be at our back, a constant 20 mile per hour push that got us out of Wyoming in record time. We reached the border of South Dakota, 90 miles and five and 1/2 hours after leaving Gillette. Our plan was to stop at Newcastle for the night, but we couldn't turn down the tailwind push. We pushed on into South Dakota, headed for Custer.
Entrance to South Dakota
Five states down... nine to go
The terrain changed immediately upon entering South Dakota. The unlimited views of the flatlands gave way to rolling, forested hills. The Black Hills of South Dakota will be with us for the next couple of days as we explore Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore.
The find of the day came as we were looking for dessert in Custer. Donna and Sarah had scouted out the town before we setup camp. They found a "purple palace" that looked enticing with signs about homemade ice cream, pies and fudge.Darrel and Carole have had the "Old Fashion Ice Cream and Fudge Factory" since the mid 80's. They came over to our table and sat with us as we were reviewing the pictures of our trip so far. Their pride in the pies came through as they recommended the strawberry rhubarb pie with a side of homemade ice cream. No brag...just fact. Darrell and Carole know what they are doing. This place is definitely worth a stop if you need your sugar fix for the evening.Darrell also took the time to explain how Custer, South Dakota got its name. George Custer, yes the original one, used this area as the basis for his exploration of the Great Plains. There are historical markers everywhere, tracing his path through this area, as he was headed towards his destiny at Little Big Horn.
David Wallace, reviewing our tour pictures
at the Old Fashion Fudge Factory in Custer, South Dakota
The 115 mile day didn't seem to bother us much, especially with the monster tailwind that pushed us out of Wyoming. It will make for a short riding day tomorrow, more time to explore Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore and the Reptile Museum. It's been a great way to start the week.
Bike America Tours
dblair@wtp.net
1-800-738-7271