The title of today’s entry should be “Ride baby ride”, cause that is what we did! The rally is really about the riding. Once you get past the t-shirts, bike accessories, crowds and scantily clad girls, it is, and always has been about the riding. The Black Hills is one of the most beautiful parts of the country and the best way to take it all in is on a motorcycle. This year’s rally seems less crowded than previous years. There is available parking and short lines to eat. While this certainly makes for a great trip, it sadly reflects the state of our current economy and the fact that unemployment is still so high, even after all the money our congress has urinated away. I could go on, but it only makes me angry. 
Okay, I’m back to the trip. We decided we would start by riding the Badlands. We had never ridden it before. Repo Man took the lead and directed us towards Rapid City and the Badlands. At first the ride was along the flattest, straightest road I have ever ridden. Prairie grass lined both sides of the road for as far as the eye could see. The only interruptions were the occasional trucks hauling ass and something that must have been the devils creation. Each time they would blast by there would be a crazy buffeting effect followed by a blast of gravel, grain or something nasty that would pelt the bikes and sting the face. I watched each rider’s technique for protecting themselves from this onslaught. RM ducked behind his windshield for cover each time it occurred. Outlaw would move to the edge of the road for protection. Snake did a little of both, learning from the others. Eventually and thankfully the trucks stopped coming. At one point there was a sign that read “Badlands loop”. RM pulled over and contemplated the gravel road leading into the horizon. I had several thoughts about the Badlands Loop…bad idea, bad for the bikes, bad for the riders, bad all around. We did not take the loop, and it did not matter. We stayed on the asphalt and it did lead to the Badlands Park, thankfully. If you have never had the experience, I highly recommend visiting the Badlands at least once. It is very unique in the rugged terrain with sharp peaks and serrated edges. The pictures do not do it justice, but may help you get an idea of the rugged beauty. Outlaw aptly described it as the lunar surface. We had an interesting experience driving through the park. We came upon a bike with passenger who had no shirt. Yes, she had no shirt on. With great care we were able to get some evidence… I just wonder how she managed to survive those gravel trucks with only pasties for protection…
After exiting the park we shortly entered Wall, SD. The entire town is built around the Wall Drug Store, I’m sure you have seen the big bumper stickers. We had to stop; there was no way I was going to pass up a 5 cent cup of coffee no matter how hot it is outside! Yes, a nickel! Not bad at all! Being the cheapest guy in the world I balked at the nickel refill, after all, refills should be cheaper than the first cup! Wall Drug takes up an entire block and appears to be many connected shops and services all under the same name. Perhaps it is the original mall… Regardless, we did not shop, just looked. Speaking of looking, our nude friend came riding up right as we were leaving. There is something unusual about a woman walking around in public with only pasties for a shirt. She appeared to be very comfortable with the entire experience which included families all around trying to enjoy their vacation without soft porn on the siedewalk. I’m not certain I understand a guy who likes his girl running around like that. I guess it takes all kinds…
We left Wall and headed to the hotel for water and the opportunity to rest and plan the remainder of our day. Refreshed, we left for Mount Rushmore. MR is a fantastic experience. It is an exceptionally beautiful setting, both the natural background and the park facility itself. They have really done a nice job. It is also amazing to think that a man had a vision to carve faces in a mountain and was able to carry it off. I’m certain the permitting and environmental impact report would make it prohibitive today, although there is a similar carving of Crazy Horse going on nearby. Having been there before, we took the obligatory MR pictures and soon left.
We rode to Deadwood, Lead and Spearfish. The Spearfish Valley is unbelievable, beautiful even in an area known for its beauty. The ride was a winding ribbon of black asphalt with sheer vertical cliffs on each side, complete with a pristine creek running along the valley floor. While there were not many homes along the valley, the ones that we saw were sprawling estates with large garages. They must have been in the multiple millions of dollars… Once in Spearfish, RM parted ways to drop his bike off for shipment home. Outlaw and I proceeded back to the hotel. On the ride back we followed a bike that was creeping along. With no where to pass we patiently waited for the first opportunity. Why are you snickering? We waited… When the lane became two and we started to pass, this guy found his throttle. I know Outlaw well and thought, “it is on” and it was. Needless to say, we lost the guy in the curves like two fighters in formation, Outlaw leading and Snake as the wingman. We made it to the hotel, picked up the truck and went to meet RM in Rapid City.
It was a long day of riding, between 325 and 360 miles depending on who you believe. It really does not matter. It was a great day of riding and that is why we came. With some sadness we depart the beauty of the Black Hills and head to the beauty of Northern California, home to the NorCal Mild Hogs and one of the most beautiful places to ride anywhere.
Thanks for following our trip. I hope you enjoyed it.
See you on the road!
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