Cycle Across America – Day 51 (Part 2)

There was a downside to yesterday’s cycle that I can just about bring myself to think and write about without developing post traumatic stress.

Much of yesterday’s route was pleasant, if not particularly exciting. We had explored and discussed two route options and all agreed to take the highway. Initially, the highway had a decent quality, more than adequate width hard shoulder which gave the feeling of being a safe distance from the traffic as it thundered past. However, as we got closer to De Smet, our destination for the day, the hard shoulder all but disappeared, the traffic increased and the proportion of colossal trucks increased dramatically.

In case there is any question that I might be exaggerating when I say colossal, here is a little photographic evidence of colossal.

As cyclists, the area of gravel that had once been the hard shoulder, was no longer useable so the hard shoulder that was ours to use was a narrow strip of tarmac with rumble strips every few yards. To avoid the rumble strips, the choice was to turn into the gravel an almost inevitable skidding off our bikes or to veer onto the road where the traffic was hurtling past at 70+ miles per hour. Again, photographic evidence included.

These truck were noisy, dirty, fast and often sounding their horns. As one passed either direction there was a backdraft of strong wind the threatened to destabilise our bikes. In short, it was terrifying.

I stopped and considered my options. The gravel section – not possible to cycle on. Walking – not sensible and not necessarily much safer. Giving up altogether – not a real option. With the encouragement and support of the others, I finally got back on my bike and cycled the last five miles to arrive in De Smet, one of our last towns in South Dakota.

Getting through town was not easy either but for different reasons.

Still, it was a relief to have arrived safely.

PS. Sorry mum for worrying you. Nicer roads ahead…..