T H E   B A D L A N D S

Badlands National Park
Southwestern South Dakota

Sunday, August 22, 2004

The day has finally arrived, I'm going to bike South Dakota's Badlands. My route for today is an out-and-back via a gravel road. I will first descend downhill to the mid-way point then return downhill back to my starting point.

Waaaaait a minute. Return downhill? Wishful thinking. I'll need to return uphill, I have no choice. I believe the current 100 degree temperature coupled with my preference for downhill is getting the best of me.

The gravel road (Rim Road) is well-maintained and very wide. And there's an added bonus, there is little to no traffic right now. However, there is a bit of wash on the road, making for rough and potentially dangerous riding on certain sections, especially if I'm going too fast.

As I ride, off to my right (north) is open prairie.