Cycling from Kadoka to Pierre on Monday July 7, 2014 started out with a fantastic sunrise in the rain. We camped out in tents throughout the Kadoka city park. The mayor personally welcomed us and opened the bathrooms at 5:00 am. We packed up in a slight rain and started out the day with this glorious sunrise:
We got on the road at 5:55 am in the rain.
Paul got a flat from a small wire. Once he replaced the tube, it would not inflate. It turned out the replacement tube was defective. Charlton to the rescue with tube, bike stand and replacement tube. Thanks Charlton!
The cycling was difficult in the morning as it rained with piercing winds. The rain was coming in from our right and blowing intensely. The raindrops felt like pin pricks on all areas of exposed skin. We used our cycling rain jackets with the hoods to protect ourselves from the sharp raindrops. Once we got through the rainstorm, the wind intensified. It was a strong crosswind, with heavy gusts. We only averaged 11 mph on this day of riding because of the wind and the flat tire.
As the day got longer, the sky cleared up and we were able to take in the vastness of South Dakota.
Pierre is the state capital of South Dakota, the population is 13,646.
Dinner was in the town of Pierre, where we found this wonderful restaurant called La Minestra downtown. I had a salmon dinner with creme brulee for desert. These fine chefs gave us the royal treatment.
La Minestra Restaurant in Pierre
Cathy's Big Ride Across America 
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