Thursday June 17 to the Badlands, South Dakota

Entering the Old West

A sunny morning , I woke up very early and by 7 am I was riding towards South Dakota.

The first 100 miles passed very fast and I stopped for gas at Buffalo Ridge. The owner, Dean of Norwegian decent, ran a herd of buffalo behind the store and exports buffalo meat, which is very low in fat and cholesterol. I bought some jerky which was quite tasty.

Riding West I stopped at Mitchell site of the Corn Palace, a building which since 1892 every year is completely covered in corn cobs and wheat to promote tourism in the town.

I had heard of Lewis and Clark exploring the Louisiana Purchase and crossing the Missouri at this point. There is a friendly visitors center that explains this expedition, including a model of the keelboat used on the river.

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the Corps of Discovery as a scientific expedition to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. The expedition's goal was to explore the Missouri River and its communication with the the Pacific Ocean for the purpose of commerce. In addition, the expedition was to learn more about the Northwest's natural resources, inhabitants and possibilities for settlement; as well as evaluating the potential interference of British and French Canadian hunters and trappers who were already well established in the area. However, the expedition found that an easy water route across the continent did not exist.

Crossing the Missouri one gets the distinct impression to enter the Old West. Rolling prairies, ranging cattle, the western flavour of the towns, and native American culture and handicrafts.

Chamberlain on the Missouri is such a town. It is home to the St. Joseph Indian School Atka Latoka.

Its mission is similar to Ak Tenamit: Since 1927, St. Joseph's Indian School has provided care and education for Native American boys and girls. Its stated mission is to provide for the basic welfare of children (food, clothing and medical care) with special emphasis on the spiritual, emotional and educational development of each child, while respecting their culture and heritage.

It also houses a museum with exhibits that give a vivid description of the life, culture and implements used by the Latoka, or Sioux.

After crossing the river I was hit by strong SW winds, which were forecasted to reach 40 knots. It was difficult riding, leaning against the wind to balance the bike. The weather stayed sunny and the forecasted tornadoes did not happen.

On the way I visited an 1800 era town built as a movie set. It contains many historical items, such as Wyett Earp's .44 Smith and Wesson and movie props of Dances with Wolves.

After 400 miles I finally reached the Badlands, one of the reasons for taking this trip.

It is a impressive formation where softer sedimentary rocks and clay soils have been extensively erodes by wind and water. It has a spectacular color display from dark black/blue coal to bright clays to red.

The badlands are some of the fastest eroding landscapes on earth with erosion rates averaging 1” per year in their fragile layers. However, in areas where sandstone is found, the erosion rate may be 1” in 500 years.

There is a 35 mile loop of good road towards Wall, but the area itself is very large.

I will have to bring the family here.

South of here the famous massacre of the Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee happened.

I stayed at the Frontier Cabins at Wall, a very nice little hotel with excellent log cabins, and a very comfortable bed.

Lonny and Sherry are doing a great job managing the place!

Tomorrow I will head up Keystone and Mount Rushmore.

The Trans America ride
is a small effort to help transform the lives of poor Maya children. During my trip I will speak about the importance of educational projects like Ak Tenamit, and especially girl´s education, and its connection to illegal immigration in the United States.


YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE TRANS AMERICA RIDE!!

The target of the ride is to raise $10.00 for each mile of the ride.

I you decide to support this ride, you may:

1. Buy miles: Buy one or more miles at $10.00 per mile. There are 3,500 miles to be sold.
2. Sponsor a local event when I am in your area (a ride, a barbecue) for a $200.00 minimum.
3. Become a Student Sponsor at Ak´Tenamit for $30.00 (one month) or $360.00 per year
4. Become a Health Care Partner for $10.00 or $120.00 per year.

All funds should end up in the GUATEMALA TOMORROW FUND in the United States.

If you would like to sponsor a child, become a Health Care partner or simply want to buy one of the 3500 miles of the ride , just go to http://guatfund.org/

Tick the box ¨Trans America ride¨and authorize a charge to your credit card.

If you prefer to not to use a credit card, just see Chapter 5 of this Blog on how to donate.

JEAN , THE RIDING DUTCHMAN

transamerica.tenamit@gmail.com