Day 24 - Halfway Point!

Oacoma, SD to Mitchell, SD

• Miles: 78 mi

• Elevation Gain: 1,142 ft

Halfway There!
Woohoo! 🎉 At mile 38 today we officially reached the halfway point of this trip — both in miles and in days. With 24 days down and 23 to go, I’ve pedaled 1,938 miles so far. To hit that mark in the middle of nowhere South Dakota made it all the more surreal.

When I was training for this ride, I often wondered: Can I really do this? Today I can honestly say I’m proud of myself. It’s amazing how your body (and mind) adapt and find a rhythm. I also feel so fortunate to be sharing this adventure with such a wonderful group of like-minded cyclists — people who also chose to spend their time, energy, and resources on a 47-day journey across the country.

Today’s Ride
We started in Oacoma, SD with a breathtaking sunrise over the Missouri River, casting a golden glow on the prairie as we crossed the bridge. From there, the ride stretched across open country with gentle rollers and wide skies. At just 1,142 feet of climbing, it was a relatively easy day compared to what we’ve tackled lately.

The highlight after the halfway point? The quirky and iconic Corn Palace in Mitchell! Each year, the Corn Palace is decorated with new mosaics made entirely of corn — it’s a must-see roadside attraction and gave us the perfect excuse to add a couple of extra miles to the route.

End of the Day
Arriving in Mitchell was extra special because my mom was waiting at the hotel to greet me, and my dad is on his way to join us, too. Having them here in South Dakota to share this milestone means so much.

Halfway feels big — both humbling and exciting. There’s still so much road ahead, but today reminded me how far I’ve come, how strong I feel, and how grateful I am for the support of my family, friends, and this incredible group of riders. Here’s to the second half of the journey! 🚴‍♀️🌅

One pedal stroke at a time. 😘

Halfway!!!!