05/05 Took a while to get to sleep last night but that was my fault. Have to remember not to eat cookies 30 min before trying to go to sleep. Weather-wise today was perfect. Light wind, partly cloudy and not too warm.
Rode along mostly quiet, rural roads until I arrived in Yankton. It’s not a huge city, only 14k people or so, but there was a fair bit of traffic on the roads. Stopped at a bike shop in town and grabbed some new brake pads. The rear ones only have a couple hundred miles left on them and I’d rather head off into the great expanse that is the Badlands knowing I have a spare set. Ate lunch at a place called Muggsy’s and had a great pastrami sandwich. After that is was onto a bike trail which ran alongside the Lewis and Clark Lake (yes another one). This one was formed when they dammed the Missouri.
On the way into the park office at, wait for it… Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, I met a lady named Bernita (which I probably misspelled). She lives nearby and camps/rides a lot. We both ended up going into the office and while I was trying to find a spot on the map she offered to pay the camping fee. Wow. I’ll say it again, South Dakota has the nicest people living here. Its not even like I look destitute or anything. I shaved like 2 days ago and my clothes are clean. People just genuinely like making people feel welcome in their town/state. Anyway, thanks again Bernita if you are reading this.
It ended up raining last night soon after setting up camp and it’ll probably do the same again tonight. I’m stopped pretty early today so at least I have some time to sit outside and enjoy the lakeside view. No one else is around so I have the entire area to myself.
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WOW!!! We all know that there are nooooooooo Burnetta’s in S. FL. My faith in humankind as been reestablished once again. I think I’ll jump on Zach’s Huffy and meet you in the Badlands.
Hi Scott…Yes, I found your blog site and enjoyed checking out all the features…must have been a professional who put that together! I’m so glad you have a knack for taking in the local color…Wild Bills in Gayville…Muggsys in Yankton. That will make every day interesting for you, and with your laptop, you can research all the details.
By now the landscape has already changed for you…it takes on a spiritual quality. I hope you see a herd of buffalo…TATANKA in the Lakota language. You’ll see that word on lots of signs. Of course you’ll hear coyotes…antelope are very unique animals. Are you interested in Native American culture? You may consider stopping by Sinte Gleska University at Rose Bud, and there is Red Cloud Museum at Pine Ridge, which is south of Wounded Knee. There has been extreme racism in South Dakota over the years, but I understand that Indian Country has become more open to tourism, so I hope you have a good experience. A certain aloofness is also cultural for Native Americans…possibly a bit different from the overt mid-western friendliness you’ve been enjoying lately. And seriously, watch for drunk drivers, day or night. I plan to keep up on your exploits through the blog. I’m an arm-chair traveler at heart, and what a great opportunity this promises to be! GODSPEED…Bernita Mannes, Yankton, SD
Bernita, Sorry for misspelling your name and many thanks for your hospitality towards my nephew.
Hey Bernita! Thanks again for everything. I’d definitely like to see more of the Indian culture/sites and was disappointed when I missed the first one on my list. I’m sure I’ll see more though. I’m 1/16 Cherokee (?) so it’s in my blood.
My route after Winner is uncertain because I want to visit the Minuteman Missile Historic Site which would take me too far north to visit Wounded Knee. I can’t do both so I’ll see if I can figure something out by the end of the day tomorrow (OK, I could but it would be a lot more biking). Not having a car can be a pain sometimes. I’ve already noticed a slight aloofness but that will make me try that much harder to get the people I meet to like me. Eventually they’ll cave. Yes, I’ve seen quite a few road markers where people have died in car crashes on the back roads. Even more than in other states I’ve passed though. I’ll be careful though.
Scott — You’re lucky to have run into my mom, Bernita. There is no better ambassador for Yankton and South Dakota! Good luck as you continue your adventure!
Hi there! I’d agree with that. I couldn’t have asked for a friendlier person to meet. Be extra nice to her for Mother’s Day for me.