Illini 4000

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Day 33: Chamberlain SD to Murdo SD

Hi everyone! Welcome to day 33. Today was a cold and very windy day which made biking not so fun. We faced strong headwinds almost the entire day and had some hills to climb as an additional cherry on top. Despite that, we had a lot of fun during the day taking pictures, and then in the evening eating ice cream and chatting to each other (the internet was really bad at our location so no other choice was left).

It was also an important day because we had a Birthday girl! Happy Birthday to Sam, I promise she is not always the slowest one in her group ;)

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We had to shuttle in the van the first 21 miles of the route because we couldn’t avoid gravel on the roads out of Chamberlain. After starting biking, we almost immediately stumbled onto an animal friend - a little salamander by the side of the road.

Chillin’ with my new friend

Then, we saw our very first Wall Drug sign! It is a truly legendary place that we will be lucky enough to visit in just a couple of days, but for now we have to be satisfied with the numerous billboards for it.

We also finally have a change of scenery - from endless cornfields to endless grass fields and rolling hills.

First photo opportunity of the day - a fire truck that for an unknown to us reason was just parked in the field by the side of the road. We asked no questions and simply climbed into it enthusiastically.

Matt calling to confirm his stayover (probably)

Next photo opportunity - we all copied Max and took about a million pictures with, on, and around hay bales.

Queen of the hay

We are getting creative over here

Last but not least - HORSES!

In other news…

Lucas took a nap in the van in a very impressive position

Bryan’s bike broke :(

And we got some ice cream :)

Our stayover was the Jones County High School and the staff very kindly provided both dinner and breakfast for us. Thanks to them from the whole team!

-Valerie