South Dakota bound...

...but not to the race. With all the current events taking place, the crisis along the Gulf Coast, etc., a trip to the Black Hills which entailed over 7 hours of driving each way seemed "off the hook". And while the race seemed epic (50 miles of single track!), it paled in comparison to the cost and time involved getting there and back, and to the waste of gas and resources that we just don't have.

What's funny is that while *my* reasons for not wanting to go are more of the "green variety" (the waste of gas, etc.), my dear husbands' reasons are also "green", as he doesn't like to waste dough! Hence, we arrive at the same end result, albeit with a different personal agenda. (There is a lesson there, I am sure).

But, hey, we are cyclist's! And we've enjoyed bike touring trips before....so we're loading up the BOB-trailer with sleeping bags, tent, pots n' pans and heading out of town (as planned)...but "on" our bikes instead of "with" our bikes!! No epic racing, but we both prefer riding out of town as opposed to driving out of town.

The "pulling of the BOB" will slow Mike down somewhat, making it easier for us to ride together. We'll head out of Minnesota via Ivanhoe and through White, South Dakota (where we've been told there are some hilly roads), and towards Oakwood Lake. On the map there are pictures of bicycles and tents at Oakwood. I need to do more research though. Otherwise we will head to Brookings and credit card it.

Have a fabulous Labor Day weekend. Go McGuire-Langdale in the San Francisco Grand Prix. And Burke (Seasilver, have a fabulous race!) And Ed Beamon---(Go Navigators!!) I can't believe I am not there for the race.

Love, Joni