South Dakota Exit

Interior to Badlands Campground (40 miles) and Badlands Campground to Reva’s House in the Black Hills (72 miles)

It’s been a rough couple days. The steep grade hills that go on for miles and the 100 degree heat constantly instigated arguments between my water supply and me. The Badlands were beautiful but as the name evokes, inhospitable country. The torrential downpour the night before soaked through the 64 million year old backbone of the Bad within hours of sunup. The only water left lay in river beds, color of clay and thick as milk – undrinkable for cattle and unbathable for people. In short, if you bike tour through the Bad you will be humbled by the harshness of nature and inspired by its beauty.

Yesterday, I rode from the campground to Reva’s House in the Black Hills. Reva moved back to her homeland of South Dakota after her husband passed. Her three sons and their families live in Minnesota, so she visits them often.

Reva and I met on her front door step. The desert had left me tattered and the first of the Black Hills had eroded my spirit. With two days of dirt and sweat caked on my body, I greeted Reva, asking her if I could camp on her lawn. Without hesitation she said that I could pitch a tent next to the river, where her kids like to sleep when they visit. Her grandchildren had just visited last week and they had made a small dam of rocks in the river, which made for a great place to wash my body and clothes. Thanks a lot Reva! You’re the best.

Currently, I’m in Deadwood. I’ve I said goodbye to Highway 44 today. I’ve been traveling on that road since I left Sioux Falls. It’s actually kind of sad to see it go.

Badlands Video 1

Badlands Video 2

Reva’s Backyard