Day 54 – Crossing the Missouri It was hot. Really hot. My goal was to make it as close to Sioux Falls as possible so I could spend the holiday weekend with my mom. I rolled out of Presho in the morning, aiming for Chamberlain before the worst of the heat set in. For most of the day, I stuck to the I-90 frontage roads. The riding was peaceful, low traffic and open views. Unfortunately, about ten miles before Chamberlain, the shoulder disappeared and I had to hop on the freeway. It wasn’t ideal, but it got me where I needed to go. Trying to stay cool was the real game of the day. I stopped at every gas station I could find for a slushie, chugging down icy drinks just to keep the heat at bay. The sun was relentless, but those little breaks made a big difference. The reward? A big moment in the journey, I crossed the Missouri River, and crossed the 3000 mile mark of my journey. Chamberlain greeted me with a beautiful riverside park and a cool breeze off the water. I waited there for my mom, who picked me up so we could drive the rest of the way to Sioux Falls and spend the holiday together. Don’t worry, I’ll restart my ride right where I left off. No cheating here. 😆 Fun fact about Chamberlain: The city sits right along the Missouri River and is home to the Dignity of Earth and Sky sculpture, a 50 foot tall stainless steel tribute to Lakota and Dakota women. It’s a powerful symbol and an incredible sight above the riverbank. If you’d like to support the cause, I’m riding to raise funds for Veterans Expeditions, a nonprofit that helps veterans heal through outdoor adventure and shared challenges. Every dollar helps support their mission. 👉 www.OneMileFundraiser.com