Day 21 / July 27 / Sundance, WY to Deadwood, SD / 64.5 miles and 3,550 feet / 82 degrees

We rode out of Wyoming today. They say Wyoming is windy and it didn’t disappoint. Today we were grateful for a big tail wind and a downhill start. It was like the first 20 miles were free – not much pedaling necessary to get to the South Dakota State line.

We rode up the Spearfish Canyon about 20 miles of a gradual uphill climb. We enjoyed a stop at Bridal Veil Falls (does every western state have a Bridal Veil Falls?).

Our lunch stop was along the creek in the canyon and was wonderfully shaded – so different from yesterday on the way to Devil’s Tower.

We ended the day on the Mickelson Trail into Deadwood, SD. We hit the end of their celebration of the Days of 76 (commemorating the gold rush that started in 1876). It includes a parade and rodeo. We also hit the weekend before the rally in Sturgis so there are hundreds of motorcycles in town and running up and down the canyon.

We are staying at the Historic Bullock Hotel and have the Bullock Suite, complete with a jacuzzi tub. I guess it pays to be a married couple on this trip. We have the four windows on the left side of the third floor.