Features, The DIRT Dad Fundo Across America

DIRT Dad Fundo Across America- Day Twenty-Four

“Embrace your sweat. It is your essence and your emancipation.” — Kristin Armstrong, American cyclist

Date: Saturday, July 2, 2022
Weather: I’ve been lucky, the rain and temps have been great. Unfortunately, the forecast in South Dakota was accurate and as much as I denied the truth, as soon as I made the turn to head East the wind hit me in the head.
Starting Point: Orin Junction, WY
Departure Time: 0615 mst
Miles: 112
Moving Time: 5:50
Total time: 6:35
Overnight Location: Edgemont Municipal Campground, Edgemont, SD

Orin Junction, WY, is known for little more than its rest stop off the highway and a terminal for tired truckers. I had no time to relax. It was going to be a long day, so I set out early.

For miles and miles, the drone of the freight trains that went on for miles reminded me that I was without a riding partner. I missed Emil, the engine that really could, so I would have to do what I could to keep my sense of humor and sanity. It was going to be a long day.

For a moment, I felt like I made a difference in Lost Springs, WY, and then it was gone.

I wonder what you get for a full hookup in Lusk?

Strava tried to give me Boner Road. I had to turn around. It was too hard! The dirt road was too hard to ride, that is.

Old Woman Creek was dried up!

When I saw these signs sporadic and frequent on the posts lining the highway, I thought, “South Dakota is a logical state, and it’s always a good reminder to think.” The signs are no laughing matter. It is always essential to think about those lost to traffic fatalities; in my opinion, they are more logical than the many memorials I’ve seen that have reminded me.

From what I’ve seen so far, South Dakota is scenic and lush. Stuff grows here, even the occasional rock formation I’ve become accustomed to marveling at along my route.

The Edgemont, SD Municipal Campsite. I would need a sense of humor to justify paying for this place. Have a heart, Mr. Iron Man! Although, the shower curtain on the toilet stall was a quaint touch.

I should be thankful that we parked the Schwenk Tank in the top spot. It seems it runs downhill in Edgemont.

One thing was for sure. I had run out of steam. It was a long day!

And this happened! I don’t think we’re in Kansas, YET!

About the DIRT Dad Fundo Pledge for Day Twenty-Four—Eric Barnhorst

Here is what Eric had to say—”I started road cycling in 2019 as a way to manage a very tough time I was going through. I found dirt in 2021 and it has been an amazingly supportive community to be a part of. Thanks to all the DIRTs and MIRTs out there!

I rode my motorcycle along a similar route with my now-wife back when we were just kids. It’s been nice to see someone having another type of adventure on a route with some very good memories.”

Amount Raised to Date—$5,045

Thank you, Eric!

Now off to Hill City, SD!

To support Chris in his effort to raise awareness of The DIRT Dad Fund, the non-profit he created to assist members of the worldwide cycling community, check out this link to learn more.

Find out where you can pledge a donation and subscribe to The ZOMs newsletter to follow along on the journey.

Chris Schwenker

Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.

Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.

His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.

His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.