Day 4 Update

Backside of Mt. Rushmore

This morning I backtracked a bit to ride through Badlands NP during the daylight to see God’s handiwork. I took the roadways around Mt. Rushmore in the opposite directions of riders heading toward Sturgis. Some roads were a bit more crowded, but still an enjoyable day. I caught the backside of Mt. Rushmore and took a break in Hill City. I hope to have this same good weather when I head west in a couple of days.  

Badlands

Hill City, SD, Main Street

Needles Highway

Eye of the Needle

Day 3 Update

Today was another perfect day for riding. I rode the needles highway and looped back around Mt. Rushmore. I was a bit late to catch the moon through the eye of the needle at the summit so may try another day.

I rode another new route up Spearfish canyon along a crystal clear stream to the town of Spearfish--beautiful country to see. I also spent some time at Black Hills Harley Davidson admiring a lot of custom bikes and custom accessories which I can live without. (At least that is what Rebecca would definitely say.) 

At lunch I met three couples from Lenexa, KS and another gentleman, who owns a hotel in Jamestown, CA. I will be riding past Jamestown as I head to Tehachapie. Coincidence, I think not. 

I did pick up the obligatory tee shirt so now I can check the 2018 Sturgis rally off the list. I will spend the next three days riding a few routes again and experiencing some of the food at a few rally stops. 

The mile tally thus far is a bit over 1100 miles. Thanks all for your continued prayers to keep me safe.  

  

Day 2 Update



Iron Mountain with Mt. Rushmore in the distance
 

After completing over 680 miles on day 1, today was much easier with less than 200 miles. I started out riding Iron mountain highway that featured two pigtail bridges (where you go under a highway bridge and curl back up over the bridge) and three tunnels. The road offers scenic mountain and Mt. Rushmore views.

I also rode through Custer State Park where I encountered highway panhandlers and a gang blocking the roadway. The panhandlers were a few wild burrows begging passing travelers for food. The gang was a herd of wild buffalo that split the highway. A little excitement as I passed the buffalo when a bull decided he wanted to cross the road as I was about to pass by. I quickly stopped to yield his passage!

Custer, SD Main Street

Being the day before the official start of the Sturgis rally the roadways were not as congested.  I did get slightly wet from an isolated thunderstorm near Hill City. But at least there was no hail with the rain which is so often the case this time of the year. Also killed about a million mayflies as I hit three big swarms. I guess  they didn’t know it’s August. I ended the day with a brief stop in Sturgis to pick up a few souvenirs before the crowds get too large. Tomorrow will be Needles highway and possibly the Badlands in daylight. More pictures to come!

South Dakota Badlands

Day 1 Update

I got away from Topeka later than anticipated however I had a great day to ride. I altered my route for more scenic two lane roads through the beautiful flint hills of Kansas. 

My first fuel and lunch stop had an international flavor (Geneva, Nebraska). Rode through the first national park-Badlands in South Dakota.  Unfortunately, due to my late departure from Topeka, it was after dark by the time I got there. That loop may be a route I ride again in daylight, as I have the next five days in the Rapid City area for numerous routes around Mt. Rushmore and Sturgis before heading to the Grand Tetons on Tuesday. 

Thanks for your prayers, encouragement and support!