Day 35, 4th of July: Spearfish to Keystone (Mt. Rushmore). Distance 64.5 miles with several climbs. Sunny 60s - 90s

Another beautiful day for a bike ride starting with a cool morning and temperature in the 60s for a fast start out of Spearfish. All were up early to ensure our arrival at Mount Rushmore for a group ride to the National Park. All wore patriotic jerseys and all bikes were carrying flags. Our journey started us on I-90 frontage road to route 85. Route 85 took us south and to our first climb of the day and then a downhill into Deadwood. I was going to ride to Wild Bill Hickok's grave, but after seeing boot hill's climb I decided to save my legs for the rest of the ride. Leaving Deadwood we turned on to route 385 and as we skirted Custer Peak we met one of the nastiest climbs I can remember. From the crest we had a great down hill almost all the way to Pactola Reservoir. After the reservoir we had rolling hills to route 16 and 16A. At Keystone we gathered together and rode as a group for a 2 mile climb to Mount Rushmore National Park.

Day 35, Spearfish to Keystone (Mt. Rushmore). Distance 64.5 miles w/ several climbs. Sunny 60s - 90s