Missouri River in the distance. It is much bigger than I expected, and clean and quite cold.

We rode South Dakota along the Missouri River from the capital Pierre to Chamberlain today on my birthday, a not too difficult 84 miles. Terrain was generally rolling hills of 300 to 500 feet of elevation as we climbed up and down a few bluffs along the river heading in a southeastern direction. The winds were pretty light but it did get hot toward midday and by afternoon reached into the 90's. We had left at 6:00 so most everyone was in before it got too hot. I inspired what is now a growing group of penguins into the Missouri River again for a very refreshing swim. Other riders are beginning to believe me that a swim or even a walk into the cold river is absolutely the best thing for tired aching muscles, not to mention refreshing. Today it was a really nice sandy beach and there were about 12 of us who went in. I have found that the way to find the best swimming hole is to find some young kids as we ride into town and just ask. Today a group of about four 10 year old boys on little kid bicycles gave us an escort right to the best spot.

The ride today for me was very mellow. I went out late and made my way up to the middle of the pack, receiving birthday greetings from all who I passed even some singing of Happy Birthday. All day we rode very quiet, deserted back roads, so I could hear when my phone rang, and there was cell service so I was able to receive birthday wishes from from Sarah, Hannah, Harry, Sarah's sister Prudy and my sister Janice. Each time I answered my phone I stopped to talk and fell to the back of the pack. I would then rejoin the ride and pass the same people, who again wished me a Happy Birthday. It got quite funny and we had a lot of fun.

There is definitely a wide variety of people on the ride, quite a few who are in the WTS (way too serious) group mostly up front. I am sure they are having a good time in their own way, but fortunately there is also a hard core group with a more relaxed style for having fun that I enjoy.

Today's "road kill" picture was very sad, an entire family of raccoons gone and left scattered across the road in an instant. Unfortunately my photo of the whole family ...mama, papa and 3 young-ens didn't come out and this close up of the mama is a bit blurry. I think it is because I had been sweating so much that the phone camera eye was compromised. I will try to do better tomorrow.