Fort Robinson: Reflections on the Educational Experience

Since I've had a couple days to mull over the events from the past week, I decided to break up one massive blog entry into two still relatively massive posts. One is focused on the learning experiences, the other entirely on my riding while there.

I learned that at 85mph, the miles really peel off on a car



I leraned that some heroes are touted with massive monuments



Some choose a more subtle remembrance



And still others that are incredibly worthy are nearly (and sadly) forgotten by popular culture




And that some monuments are are just plain ridculous


I learned that too many turn a blind eye to blatant problems


Lakota food is amazing (especially the buffalo stew)



Also, 150 years ago, people were just as eager to leave Ohio as me


Obviously, there were many others as well (ruts worn into rock from the Oregon Trail)


And, lastly, getting caught in a storm in South Dakota is entertaining to say the least. Chris was almost blinded by opening the window to the car.

Mt Rushmore

did a gravel/jeep trail/road ride today. Up Smiley Canyon, out some jeep trails in a Wildlife Management area, some gravel down around the base of the buttes. Mt. Rushmore one friendly donkey, and some Bison.

Nebraska Teaser

We interrupt the regularly scheduled blackout for a short commercial break. A few photos thus far.

Westward!

So, tonight, I take off for my journey to the high plains. I'll be studying the Lakota for about a week then heading back to North Carolina. I've been incredibly excited for this trip as the sioux have always been a special area of interest to me. Now, I'll get to see some of the major historical sites relevant to the transition of power in the Plains: Wounded Knee, Pine Ridge Agency, Fort Laramie, Fort Robinson. I'll also get to visit some of the current reservations, share a traditional meal or two, and get to Mount Rushmore.




This morning I got out for a short ride before catching the tail end of stage two of the TDF (what a crazy descent). I hit a familiar loop around my house and spun around Bethania. I'm definitely taking my cross bike with me this week so that I can get in some good gravel road miles, the only problem is, is that I'll be in class basically all day. Headlamp mileage is in effect! Don't expect many, if any updates as there is no internet (and likely no cell service). Though, upon my return, there will likely be one massive cluster of a post!

Mystery Trails

Mystery Trails were ridden today. Mystery Trails are not their real name, it's that they are a mystery and are not yet open. I hadn't been on the bike with Billy in a while, so it was cool to catch up and get a ride in on some new trails.


If you know your local geography, this will give you a hint as to the location of these trails

Poseur Prologue!

Erich, Kristin, Jill's dad, and myself did a city loop this morning before the Tour prologue. Dubbed it the poseur prologue.



Someone (not to be named) chalked up West End Boulevard for encouragement.

Blueberries!

Lisa and I went and picked some blueberries this morning, productive time. We've got about 5 pounds!! I can almost taste the whole wheat blueberry pancakes, and yogurt smoothies right now....