MIKE CARROLL/PLAINSMAN A group of bikers rides onto the South Dakota Fairgrounds Wednesday where a group of about 400 spent the night before continuing on the Tour de Kota that originated in Sioux Falls. Below, a couple in matching helmets and rain gear ride a tandem bike in the event.

After riding 68 miles from Highmore to Huron, 400 bikers were preparing to bed down for the night early Wednesday on the S.D. State Fairgrounds.

The 400 bikers were part of about 750 people that originally signed up to participate in the Tour de Kota who originated in Sioux Falls and will conclude there on Friday.

Jamie Dixon of Greater Huron Development Corp., was in the Family Living Center where many of the bikers gathered after the day’s ride.

But there also were some who didn’t leave Highmore.

As a result of the strong winds and rain turning to hail, a few of the bikers decided to stay another day and enjoy the comforts of Highmore.

The fourth annual Argus Leader Tour de Kota attracted Gerry Schlenker of Lake Vermillion for the fourth consecutive year.

Riding a Bianchi, Schlenker said he enjoys the countryside and “the great weather.”

He said it took him five hours to ride from Highmore to Huron on Wednesday. “The strong winds and heavy rains held things up,” he said.

Earlier in the week, it took some of them 10 hours to ride 100 miles. That included the run from Mitchell to Chamberlain and a 25-mile jaunt along the way to make up the full distance.

Schlenker estimated that 15 to 20 people rode the 100-mile tract.

A college professor, he was joined by his son, Jodie, who came from Los Angeles, Calif. to make the ride.

Schlenker said this is the first time he has been able to make the run with his son.

Benjamin Miller of Lennox, a U.S. Army reservist, and Cal VandeHoef of Inner Grove Heights, Minn., came together for the ride this year. VandeHoef said he made the ride last year and “it sounded like fun.”

An English teacher at Cannon Falls, Minn., VandeHoef said he didn’t have any mechanical problems except to replace a tire.

“The wind on the second day was unbelievable,” he said.

Meanwhile, a foursome from South Dakota said they liked the challenge. The group includes husband and wife, Josh and Kristen Gillen of Plankinton; Dave Waag and Mike Govgl, both of Watertown.

“I just like to ride my bike,” said Waag, while his riding partner Govgl said he (Dave) talked him into it.

Kristen said she decided to make the ride “to stay in shape,” an impression that was echoed by her husband.

“I like a challenge,” Josh said. “I rode in it last year and it was a lot of fun.”

He added: “It’s great to be outside.”

Both Dave and Mike work for WAPA in Watertown, while Josh is employed by Innovative Systems of Mitchell and Kristen is an analyst.

Dixon said five major sponsors for the food are Teno Tacos, Dakota Provisions and Manolis Grocery, Red Cross and Java Hut, Huron Elks Lodge and National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

Several people were available to give massages to the bikers and entertainment was provided into the wee hours of the night.

The entertainers were Cain Creek Band, James River Bluegrass Band, Blue City Mob and Mary Gomez and Martha Ornelas.

The event sponsors were Huron Regional Medical Center and Premier Bankcard.

Members of the planning committee were Wanda Barthelman and Megan Benker of the chamber; Heidi Blue, Carr Chiropractic Clinic; Cathy Perry and Kim Rieger, HRMC; Curtis Loesch, Premier Bankcard; John Gross, WAPA; Candi Hettinger, State Fair.

Dixon said most of the State Fair employees were participants in the day’s events, along with the chamber office.

Before embarking on the ride from Huron to Brookings this morning, the bikers were treated to pancakes by the Huron Kiwanis Club.