https://www.facebook.com/share/v/173eADAQZY/ Leaving Sioux Falls, I said a teary goodbye to Mom over coffees and began pedaling out of town. The city faded quickly into peaceful countryside, an easy mix of gravel and pavement with quiet roads and wide open skies. I took my time, soaking in the sounds of birdsong and the rustling cornfields that stretched toward the horizon. Crossing into Iowa marked the official end of my journey through South Dakota. I was pleasantly surprised by how much the state had to offer. It’s more than just prairie, between the winding roads of the Black Hills, the excellent George Mickelson Trail, stiking colors and terrain of the bandlandsnand, and the smooth champagne gravel cutting through the heart of the state, South Dakota turned out to be a gem for cycle touring. Sioux Falls, especially, stood out for its welcoming city loop and bike infrastructure. I wrapped up the day at Hawkeye Point, the highest point in Iowa. It’s a fun little park with old farm equipment and a quiet campground just across the street. It was calm when I turned in for the night, but not for long. Around 1am, a thunderstorm rolled through, bringing strong winds, hail, and one of the most intense lightning shows of the trip. Thankfully, I stayed dry and warm in the tent and eventually drifted back to sleep, curious and excited to see what Iowa has in store. Support Veterans Expeditions This ride is part of One Mile at a Time: Stop Veteran Suicide, a fundraiser supporting Veteran Expeditions, a nonprofit helping veterans heal through outdoor adventure. If you’d like to support the mission, even a small donation goes a long way. www.onemilefundraiser.com