Day 9- Saturday- An Early Ending- The Ride Home (Final Challenge Mileage 4,394)

It's been said, the best laid plans are often interrupted. I found this out Friday evening when my worst fear was realized. My group number for jury duty this coming week was assigned to report at 8:00 AM Monday. I had hoped to at least get a break from day one of reporting, but I was not so fortunate.

Rather than stay in the Black Hills area Saturday and spend all day Sunday riding back home, and risk falling asleep during my civic jury duties, I opted to cut my time in the Black Hills short and head back today. Having been in the areas since Wednesday evening, I had already ridden the scenic routes around the region and secured all the desired memorabilia from the 84th Sturgis rally. 

After breakfast and double checking to make sure everything was secure, I headed out. Having sufficient mileage with any route home, to surpass my targeted 4,000 mile goal, I opted for a more direct route back to Topeka, rather than looping through Badlands National Park as originally planned.  I did however choose to ride one last time past Mt. Rushmore and took Iron Mountain Highway for one last section of technical riding. 

Mt. Rushmore in the morning sun

Riding down western South Dakota and western Nebraska was a basically a repeat of northeastern Colorado and eastern Wyoming, flat plains.  Once into Nebraska, I turned east along the North Platte River basin, which did provide some relief from the heat of the day. 

The flat plains of South Dakota and Nebraska

Seeing the many fields of corn in Nebraska, it is easy to understand why the University of Nebraska mascot is the Cornhuskers.  I contemplated stopping in Nebraska for the night but opted for riding during the cooler evening and nighttime hours. Riding a little longer today was more appealing than another partial day riding in the sun. The only negative would be more bugs on the front of my motorcycle and windshield. A sacrifice I was willing to make.  In addition, the appeal of sleeping in my own home was a driving force to press on.  

Apparently I was a bit too eager to get home. After a very nice and gracious Kansas Highway Patrol officer welcomed me back to Kansas and complimented me on my efficient riding skills, I finally rolled into our garage at 11:21 PM with a final log of exactly 4,394 miles on the dot, easily surpassing the 2024 challenge mileage target of 4,000 miles.  

Final mileage 4,394.0

Many thanks to those who prayed for my strength and safety during the event. I definitely felt God's presence each and every day and was never anxious or extremely fatigued during the event. The only harsh weather I encountered was a brief 30 minute thunderstorm in central Colorado my first day of riding. Throughout the challenge I was able to be a "God wink" to several individuals during my journey.  I wish to also give a special thanks to my fuel sponsor for the event, REDI-Refrigeration.

For those who were able to pledge support for the Children's Ministries at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, please know your contributions will impact many lives for Christ. 

Pledge contributions can be made directly to the church via their giving link noted on my blog home page or mailed directly to the church at the address also noted on my blog home page.  

None of us know how much time we have remaining on this earth. For me, each day is a gift to be used by Christ. I am truly blessed to be able to do these challenge rides for various ministries down through the years. Through these rides, I get to see the beauty of God's creation, establish new friendships, encourage others, and point others to Christ. My motto is 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV), "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have." 

Looking forward to the next adventure!  

 

 Day 8, Stugis SD (Total Miles logged 3,599)

Today was the shortest riding distance with just north of 100 miles. I used the morning to relax and wash the motorcycle before venturing out for the day. While cleaning the motorcycle, I met and chatted with a nice Christian couple, Brian and Leslie from California, and shared about my challenge ride. 

I rode up and down Spearfish Canyon Highway taking time to stop for photos along the stunning canyon route. As anticipated, the roads were noticeably more crowded with the pending official start of the Sturgis rally this afternoon. 

 

I decided to check out shops and galleries along historic Main Street in Deadwood.
Given my proximity to Sturgis and the fact I had never attended a rally kickoff event, I decided to attend the event this year and even found a parking spot on the very crowded Main Street.

While in Sturgis, I grabbed a late lunch and checked out more shops and vendor tents. I also took time to admire (but not covet) several custom motorcycles and trikes. Definitely some very impressive and expensive machines out there. (The following pictures are for the motorcycle enthusiasts who read my blog.)

  

Last but not least: 

As for the rally kickoff, it was short and sweet.  It consisted of a police escorted parade of about 50 motorcycles, adorned with several US flags, riding down Main Street and then down Harley Davison Way to the Harley Davidson outdoor event plaza where an announcer proclaimed the 84th Sturgis Rally was officially underway.

I guess I’ve now checked attending the Sturgis rally kickoff off my “been there, done that” list.  I don’t think it rises to the level of a “bucket list” event. 

Cumulative mileage through today is 3599. I will easily surpass the 4,000-mile target with my coming route back to Topeka.

I know many have been praying for my strength and safety during this event. I’ve definitely felt the closeness of God during my prayers, praise, and worship as I’ve experienced the beauty of His creation each and every mile.

Thank you for your prayers for my safety, and for your support for the children's ministry of Wanamaker Woods! 

Day 7,  Lead SD  (Total miles logged 3,483)

This morning, I headed south toward the Mt. Rushmore area. As anticipated, the volume of traffic was relatively light, which made for a great day of scenic riding with many twisting and winding roads.

Iron Mountain Highway never disappoints, with three pigtail-loop bridges, split-traffic lanes that wind up the mountain, and three carved tunnels that frame Mt. Rushmore. It’s a fantastic ride, that never gets old! 

The summit view was clear in all directions. What a view! I also got a great view of Crazy Horse monument.

Wildlife is abundant here. As I made my way into Custer State Park, I saw antelope and bison grazing the grassy meadows. I also saw several deer casually grazing a safe distance from the roadway. Apparently, my reputation for killing deer with my motorcycle has been widely spread within the deer community.

As I was making my way through the farthest end of the park, traffic suddenly came to a standstill as several jackasses decided to stop in the middle of the road, blocking traffic, to ask for donations. Yes, literally jackasses. There were several, wild donkeys trying to bum food as toll from drivers and riders.  I think I heard someone yell, "Get a job!" (smile)

Nearing the exit of the park meadows there was one last bison "traffic monitor" posed for pictures in his well-worn spot. He's pretty photogenic.

Riding the Needles highway I captured a sunbeam that seemed to pierce the eye of the needle rock at the summit of the roadway.

Speaking of the Needles Summit Tunnel, they have taken security to a new level with an Imperial Storm Trooper standing guard.

 

Overall, a fun day of twists and turns with a dash of sunburn. I stopped by Black Hills Harley Davidson to cool down as I admired the wares of many custom bike accessory vendors and treated myself to an $8 corndog and equally expensive fresh lemonade.

The day ended with a cumulative mileage of 3,483 miles.

Tomorrow my route will include Spearfish Canyon routes to the north of Sturgis and I will ride out to some of the smaller towns in the area.

Day 6, Lead SD  (Total miles logged 3,256)

Wednesday was a special day in my 2024 journey. I spent Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning catching up with special friends, Cathy and Mike Campbell and Cathy’s mom, Ruby Nell Kitterman. 

We had a wonderful visit over homemade dinner and breakfast and chatted into the evening.

I am obvious in highly favored with the Campbell’s, as Mike moved his truck out of the garage for me to park my motorcycle. He also took time this morning to clean the bug splatters and road grime from it this morning before I left.

Riding the flat plains of Colorado and Wyoming I didn’t have to worry about riding in any cold temperatures this morning. It was also nice the states removed all the trees and mountains so I could see for miles, and miles and miles. For the record, if you took away the Rocky Mountains and Continental Divide, Colorado and Wyoming would be as flat as western Kansas.

The wheat harvest is still underway in Colorado and Wyoming as I encountered a few harvester crews repositioning equipment north along Highway 85. Fortunately, no major delays getting around them, as traffic was relatively light.

As if by cue, the clouds gathered and temperatures cooled as I came into the Black Hills region and progressed toward my hotel destination in the city of Lead, SD. The ride into the Black Hills area was further enhanced as I rode along a crystal clear mountain stream, complete with beautiful wild flowers, and small waterfalls.

At my hotel, I have an added bonus of indoor parking so, should it rain during the nights, the shine on my motorcycle Mike worked hard to produce this morning will be preserved. 

I did ride through Sturgis Main Street as they were preparing for the official start of the rally this Friday.  I even collected my mandatory rally pin and patch, so I’m all set for souvenirs.

Tomorrow I will be riding local routes will include Custer State Park, Iron Mountain Highway and possibly Needles Highway. Getting here before the rally means the roads will not be too crowded.

Mileage through day 6 is 3,256

 Day 5, Denver CO (Miles logged 2805)

After an early breakfast, I said farewell to Jeff Whisler, my personal police escort riding partner for Sunday and Monday.  We had a fun two days of adventure together getting to know each other better and sharing stories during good meals.

I rode out solo once again for a day of riding several Colorado mountain passes. My decision to don full leather gear at the start of the morning was a wise decision as I quickly rode into 40 degree temperature heading into the Gunnison Canyon area.   

The chipmunks and ground squirrels on the winding Highway 92 were out in force on the roadway playing their version of chicken, as they held their ground for my approaching motorcycle or darted away at the last second.  It felt like I was playing the part of a bull running the streets of Paploma Spain with the chipmunk playing the part of brave mozos trying to not get trampled.  I am happy to report the dozens of “mini mozos“ were unharmed.

The day was stuffed full of gorgeous scenery no camera could begin to capture to do justice. Colorado is truly best experienced in person. The countless rivers, streams, lakes and woodlands were spectacular. The majestic spruce and pine trees along the valleys and gorges stood firm and proud while the aspen groves framed the mountainside like formidable white and black picket fences or soldiers dressed for battle.  While their Fall yellow leaves are always striking, the summer glisten of light and dark green against the white bark was just as soothing.

I traversed  Independence Pass, the third highest pass at 12,095, along with  Hardscrabble Pass, Hoosier Pass, and Berthod Pass to make a day.

I finished the day riding Highway 6 through the canyon and Golden CO on my way to spend the evening with good friends Mike and Cathy Campbell. in Denver.

The cumulative mileage through five days now stands at 2,805 miles.

 Day 4, Montrose CO (Miles logged 2294)

Jeff Whisler and I left the hotel in Kanab, UT at 6:30 this morning to get a jump on what we knew would be a long day of riding with frequent stops for photos and to enjoy the scenery. Apparently, we were oblivious to the 4+ magnitude earthquake in the Kanab area yesterday evening. 

The day required multiple changes in riding gear,  as temperatures ranged from the upper 40s to over 110 degrees.

Our route took us by Bryce Canyon, the Grand Staircase, Glenn Canyon and Capitol Reef, UT, and Telluride CO. Each area had spectacular views and fun technical riding. I'm sharing just a few of the pictures below, but as you know, pictures hardly do the scenery justice!

We did have a little excitement with a couple of cows while riding through an open range area when a young calf decided to dart in front of Jeff as we were riding by them. Jeff’s keen riding expertise helped avoid what could have been a disaster. It was definitely enjoyable riding with Jeff and sharing the day together.

Finished day 4 with just under 2,300 miles.

I will say farewell to my friend Jeff tomorrow as he heads back toward Phoenix and I head to see friends in Denver area. Looks like another good day of riding for both of us.

I captured some beautiful pictures from the Capitol Reef Park and Glenn Canyon, Utah. The first one is "The Grand Staircase."  

The next few photos are from the Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. A bit of information about the area follows the photos.

 

Capitol Reef National Park lies in Utah’s south-central desert, an oasis of colorful sandstone cliffs and impressive domes. This area is referred to the area as the “land of the sleeping rainbow” because of its beautiful contrasts: multi-colored sandstone. The photos below are from Glen Canyon, Utah.

Day 3, Kanab UT (Miles logged 1712)

The ride from Phoenix AZ to Kanab UT was enjoyable, even with heavy, weekend traffic in the Sedona area. For days three and four I will have Jeff Whisler, retired Topeka police officer, motorcycle division, riding with me.

Leaving Phoenix we quickly left the heat of the desert floor as we wound our way into the mountains through Yarnell,  Prescott, Jerome and Sedona.  We then made our way around the eastern edge of the Grand Canyon and along the north rim.

The mountain vistas were stunning in the morning sunshine. The majesty of natural formations and the cutting erosion of the Colorado River sure makes one feel small.  It’s truly awesome to think God spoke such massive beauty into existence.

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Ending mileage for Day 3 was 1711.9

We have an even greater experience in store for tomorrow. I can’t wait!