Jul 9 - Rapid City, SD

It hardly seems possible that we've come 1,350 miles  -- 40% of Big Ride 2011 is over!  We've crossed Washington, the Idaho panhandle, Montana, the Rocky Mountains, the NE corner of Wyoming, and entered the Great Plains in south Dakota.  We've also climbed an incredible 41,000' and become acclimated to cruising at mile-high altitudes.

The change this week will be dramatic -- flatter terrain, heat routinely in 90's, and increasing humidity as we head east.

Last week was a tough one for me.  First day,, Jul 4, Billings MT - Hardin WY was fairly easy at 56 miles, but most found it more difficult than the distance would suggest -- me, too.  Seemed like our bodies didn't want to work after a day off.  Hardin - Sheridan (85mi), Sheridan - Gillette (112 mi) and Gillette - Newcastle (76 mi) we're physically painful.  I finally realized I hadn't been stretching as I usually do, and my back & arm pain we're the result.  That night I stretched really well. That and a couple of other changes made and huge difference the next day.  See next post for Newcastle - Rapid City via the Black Hills.

KOA, Hardin, WY

Noel & Cindy Gilbrough's Burro trailer , "Baby".  Cindy drives the route, they sleep in the Burro, except rest days where we have indoor accommodations, like university dorms.  Cindy visits all of the quilt shops en route.

Cindy & Noel