A beautician, a carpenter, a professor and a rocket scientist walk into a bar…. No joke, we were just thirsty and hoping to numb a little tenderness. The kind of tenderness reserved for those who tottered about on bicycle seat across the state of South Dakota. The Highway 212 Gut Check was this past weekend, and Lignite was represented well with Susan Dixon, Tim Chrest, Jay Stevens and myself completing our 414-mile leapfrog across South Dakota in a bit over 27 hours.

A wind out of the west had all 28 of this year’s participants smiling as we chit chatted and milled around the SD/WY border awaiting the high noon rollout for the SD/MN border. The miles between the borders may have caused smiles to fade on occasion but temporary discomfort generally yields to the permanent satisfaction brought about by accomplishment.

Our team had a great time and lots of laughs at one another’s expense. Fueled by scotcharoos and boiled raisin bars we finished in a very respectable time as well. I’m hoping that my elder relatives can keep their minds and bodies in sufficient working order so we can give it a go again next year. Well, the bodies anyway. The fact that I was able to talk them into this in the first place is proof that the mind is faltering.

As our favorite shop teacher would say, “Ignorance is bliss.” If only ignorance was bliss enough to erase the discomfort of a bicycle seat.

Some team highlights for this year have to be Susan setting out at around 1:30 a.m. to, “Maybe do 10 miles,” and rolling into Gettysburg at 3 a.m. with 26 miles behind her. Jay expertly maneuvering around a large rattlesnake warming itself on the highway in the darkness of night (which we decided not to tell Susan about until after her ride). Tim hammering the pedals faster than a one-armed sheet rocker and catching the same guy twice. I’m sure he will fill you in on my grueling 40 mile day and I’m sure most of it will be true.

Thank you to all who donated to the cause, it is greatly appreciated. They say you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your relatives….whoever picked mine did a fine job.

See you next year.