July 5, 2016
Day 33 - Chadron to Merriman
Another night with little sleep - this time because of all the fireworks in Chadron. Seems the town allows private fireworks until 1:00 a.m. So, I got a later than usual start - but it turned out I got a cloudy morning with a tailwind.
| Heart | 0 | Comment | 0 | Link |
US 20 was busier than I like - although it has a shoulder with bumps. The road crosses Pine Ridge - a last glimpse of western forests. I had to stop for three horses. They headed straight for the fence as I approached. So, I put the bike down on the side of the road and walked over to the fence. The white one is 25 years old or more.
| Heart | 1 | Comment | 0 | Link |
I got a couple of replacement seat bolts in Rushville. Seems my posterior is breaking bolts these days. Then it was a quick 15 miles to Gordon - where I spent 4 hours lazing around. Lunch, nap, and the library.
| Heart | 2 | Comment | 0 | Link |
When I got back on US 20 heading east into the Sandhills, the traffic disappeared. What a lovely way to cross the Great Plains - with natural rolling grasslands stretching out in every direction. Then again, some of the hills went straight up - requiring the granny gear. (In the Plains!)
A Few Climbs, But a Serene Landscape
| Heart | 1 | Comment | 0 | Link |
Got to the little town of Merriman - pop. 128 - at 7:30p. The only thing open was a tavern with two people inside - a rancher and the bartender. I ordered two soft drinks and a bad of chips. We chatted for a while with an old John Wayne movie on the TV. Then it was off to the town park to camp and a giant, Great Plains storm as soon as the sun went down.
Today's ride: 77 miles (124 km)
Total: 1,611 miles (2,593 km)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 1 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 0 |