Originally Posted by jamawani

A note about riding of reservations -

I've ridden and stayed on reservations all over the U.S. and Canada.
Here are a few things in relation to what others have posted.

First, riding across the Wind River Res. on the TransAm is different than riding on the Cheyenne River Res since the Shoshone and Arapaho on the Wind River Res. are accustomed to seeing touring cyclists while the Lakota on Cheyenne River are not. Also, Cheyenne River is one of the poorest of reservations. Even people on Pine Ridge Res in southern SD see more cyclists. So you will be viewed as someone unique - for better and worse.

Second, the poverty and substance abuse issues on reservations are extreme. The issues are far more complex than can be addressed in a few paragraphs on a blog post, but a non-Native cyclist should be aware of them. At best you might be panhandled since you are likely to be seen as a rich white/black/Asian person. At worst you may be targeted by angry young people - esp. if you are solo.

Third, about locals. Yes, they may have more knowledge about the situation; however, there are long-standing racial animosities that have played out over generations. Some - by no means all - people in nearby communities may give you information colored by their own prejudices. If you have the chance, ask a priest or minister - you are more likely to get a sensitive and honest appraisal from him/her.

Let's face it. You will be seen as a non-Native who has access to sufficient resources to ride a bicycle across the country. Given those differences and the long, often bitter history of race relations, that can be a problem. You would be prudent to act accordingly. Plus you are alone, right? Since the Cheyenne River Res. is so large, it may not be possible to ride across it in one day. DO NOT CONSIDER guerrilla camping on rez lands. There are two small motels in Eagle Butte. Even if they allow camping in the community park, I would suggest not doing so since they are usually filled with people partying at night.

You can have a wonderful trip across Cheyenne River Res. if you are prudent and non-judgmental, but you will be riding thru one of the poorest areas in the entire nation and among a people who have had generation after generation of negative contacts with the dominant American culture.