Team 2 day 27 (Rogan)

Richardton to New Salem

Oh boy guys today was a slog (rogan btw!). We woke up to pouring rains on what was supposed to be an anxiety producing long day with bad winds. We were all tired and a bit beaten down, nervous to get to our rest day in Bismarck by tonight. So this downpour was not great news. 

We decided that we would wait for the rain to pass and then see just how far we could get. But this day decided that it was gonna be one of those days, and so we had to start our ride walking up a (now, muddied) dirt road for three miles before getting in a paved road. 

So now we’re on a good road heading out of Richardton and towards beautiful Bismarck, right? Nope!

The winds were immediately apparent and terrible. Fierce headwinds with never ending rolling hills battered us every mile we struggled towards East. The day continued like this for forty wretched miles. When we arrived in New Salem, we knew that that would be our destination for the day. It was unfortunate to have to put ourselves one day behind, but it was dangerous to keep going (a bad thunderstorm rolled in town as soon as we got settled). 

Thankfully, we were in a motel that night so we would have 4 walls and ceiling, although that is honestly about all I can say for that stay.  

But to be able to stay in a room while a storm raged outside was a comfort that has been quite missed during this trip. On this trip, we are usually deeply at the mercy of mother nature, and this day was an excellent example of that. 

What lessons did I learn? None. Would do again. 

:0




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