Rapid Progress

Hello from South Dakota! We crossed the state line today and are relaxing with root beer floats at The Newman Center in Spearfish, SD. Today was a light day, 60 miles. It still gives us pause to realize how quickly and comfortably we can complete so many miles. After our longest ride - 110 miles from Sheridan to Gillette, Wyoming - 60 feels like a breeze!

With two days left until our next rest day in Rapid City, SD, we've accumulated a long list of favorite routes, pit stops, foods, people and lessons learned. Here are a few things we've learned on our rides:

• Safety first, then teamwork.
• Stretch. Before, during, after and all the time.
• Eat. (See above.)
• Hydrate. Drink before you're thirsty. Water will do the trick, but it's okay to treat yourself to a sports drink and a cold one when the day is done. Just make sure any alcohol is followed by extra water if you plan to ride the next day.
• Sunscreen - Take the few extra minutes every few hours to avoid discomfort later.
• People are very generous when you give them the chance.
• Prunes really do work... Remember: everything in moderation.
• First step when making side-of-the-road repairs: Practice deep breathing!
• For long rides, carry spare tubes AND a patch kit... Multiple flats happen (Our personal record in one day: 11 flats).
• While riding with a partner is an obvious safety rule, a riding buddy can be a great coach on the uphills, your spotter on the straightaways and copilot on the downhills. But seriously... Don't ride alone.
• There are few things better than a long downhill and a tailwind.

Until our next post, check out the stories, videos and photos on our ride journal!