This was Groundhog day. Exactly the same W wind as yesterday, the same mileage, the same amount of northerly tacking against the crosswind, and exactly the same time overall, to within a minute. But this time we ran the first 100 miles out in 4:52 – a new record. 

Today there was less grassland, fewer cows and much more arable. The gas stations are slightly more frequent. At one point our hearts sank at the notice ‘roadworks for 35 miles’. Usually this means gravel or wet tar – both pretty disastrous. But luck was with us. They had just finished the main roadway and were messing about with the verges. The new tarmac was smooth as a billiard table and had almost no rolling resistance. The thoroughbred Bianchis reacted like greyhounds. We cruised at 30mph, on the flat with the tailwind. We had run out of gears and were speed-limited to 30. Another couple of gears and we could have done 35! 

The traffic was being convoyed through, and we overtook the convoy vehicle and sped off! At the end of the 35 mile section, at a gas station, one of the lorry drivers from the convoy bought us ice cream – he was so impressed with our efforts. He wanted to sing the praises of S Dakota, in all its variety. And he’s right. It is varied – and very good! 

Late in the ride we passed some beautiful lakes – I think the first of many between here and Minneapolis.     These were lined with some nice looking holiday homes. Apparently these ‘kettle lakes’ were formed at the end of the last ice age, by huge iceburg-like chunks of glacier ice becoming stranded in the draining meltwater, settling deep down into the soft glacial silt, and then melting. 

But the best news of the day is that we have now passed the zip on our cycling shirts! 

Just had another huge steak for dinner. I don’t normally eat them, but these seem almost like a different product from at home, succulent and delicious.  And they pack some much needed protein to go with all the calories. The restaurant was a very friendly family run place in a converted bank. The salad bar was in the vault! And the home made apricot pie and ice cream was fantastic too.