Day 22, July 6, 2015, Hot Springs, SD to Rapid City, SD,74 miles and 5100 feet of climbing. What an awesome day!  I remember as a young child learning about Mt. Rushmore and being enthralled with it.  Well, today I got to see it first hand and it was an absolutely incredible experience.  We awoke to overcast weather that was threatening rain and it was a cool 65 degrees.  Right out of the motel we began climbing, and climbing and climbing.  Within the first hour we entered Wind Cave National Park and were treated to some up close and personal encounters with Bison.  What an incredible animal!  The park was all prairie land and it was absolutely gorgeous.  The park went on for about 15 miles and upon exiting we began climbing towards Mt. Rushmore which we reached at about 50 miles into the day.  As we got closer we entered magnificent pine forests and incredible rock formations.  Though the day was overcast the views were still stunning.  I was left having to imagine how much better they would have been had it been a bright sunny day.  Prior to reaching Mt. Rushmore we briefly visited Crazy Horse Memorial.  We decided not to enter the park due to the fact that there was a $12 fee per person and the overcast views detracted from the experience.  So we pushed on to Mt. Rushmore.  Upon reaching the park and viewing the sculptures I was totally overcome with emotion.  It was truly magnificent.  I called Leisa and could hardly talk to her I was so choked up.  It was truly an emotional experience that I will never forget!  I stayed as long as I could and only left when I figured out that all of my fellows riders were gone.  To date this was certainly the best day of the trip.  It was especially good because the night before I discovered a serious problem with my bike's shifter that left me unable to shift.  For awhile it looked as if I would not be able to ride today.  However, due to the exceptionally skill of our mechanic we were able to "cobble together" a fix.  When we reach Sioux Falls I will have to buy a new shifter.  Oh well.....at least I am able to ride, even if the bike is wounded.  Still living the dream and riding on!

 

My first close up encounter with a Bison!

 

Riding through the prairie grasslands

 

I wanted to read the plaques at this interpretative center.  I asked these Bison if I could join them.  The big one responded, "Forget about it!"  So I road on.  Later I read that in 1911 they reintroduced Bison to the park and they used stock donated by the New York Zoological Society.  I guess that explains the "Wise Guy" response I got from the Bison!!

 

 

When approaching the summit I saw this profile of Washington.  It stopped me in my tracks!

 

Wow!

 

 

 

Pic from the entrance of the viewing area.  The park was very crowded but there was a unique sense of friendliness and kindness amongst the crowd.  At dinner other riders noted the same thing.

 

 

From outside the park.