South Dakota

Spent two days in South Dakota and this is a state that loves bikers. Left Sioux Falls early to avoid the heat. Stopped in Mitchell to see the Corn Palace. We really had no intention of seeing it but after 100 miles of billboards talking about how fantastic it was, we decided we could not miss it and it was actually better than we expected, and free. Then we hit super high winds that seemed to rage all day and Erik was consistently riding at a 45 degree angle and buffeted badly by the semis. The Spyder was less affected and I know if I did not have 3 wheels I could not have ridden that day. Murdo had a cool car museum and 50's restaurant. The countryside began to resemble Kamloops a bit with sere rolling hills and ranches. At 36 degrees we decided we couldn't miss the Badlands and this was the point we both seriously regretted we did not invest in a helmet cam. Breathtaking is the only word I can use to describe this park and these roads that were made for motorcycles. We are going back to ride it again someday. Erik caught a photo of a bighorn sheep on the roadside. The road ends up in Wall. This is where billboard psychology was invented. South Dakota featured 200 miles of Wall Drug billboards and we knew we HAD to visit Wall and get our free ice water and 5 cent coffee. But what a neat town. It also offers the history of the whole wild west as well as the tacky tourist trappings. Worth stopping. Billboards also advertised spots to feed prairie dogs, see kamodo dragons and other prehistoric reptiles, and how to find God. Made Rapid City our base and only took the Triumph to do the twisty, interesting roads that make Deadwood, Lead, and Sturgess primary destinations for any serious biker. Deadwood is the old west town where Wild Bill Hickock was gunned down in Saloon ten where he was playing his "deadman's hand". Saw his burial place, next to Calamity Jane. Mom would have loved this town with its 19 casinos each with its attractions to get customers through the door. One had old movie costumes, another the old style saloon, and Erik's favorite: hot dog, chips and beverage for $1.00. We donated a few dollars to the slot machines. Lead is the old mine and surrounding town. Both these towns are built into steep hillside and their populations used to be 5 times what they currently are. They must have been teeming, bustling, chaotic towns in their time. Sturgess was quiet with most of the services closed up on holiday Monday with the exception of the T-shirt shops. We bought our obligatory shirts to confirm that as bikers we have paid due homage to the shrine. Saw another flock of wild turkeys on the way to Mount Rushmore and this time we managed a photo. Also saw several deer. Amazing road for bikes. Mount Rushmore inspired awe: it was still not complete after 17 years when it's designer Gutzom Borglum died and his son finished this legacy. He dynamited, drilled and polished using crazy pulley systems and harnesses. Cudos to the crew that assisted him. Definitely a tribute to the heroes of American democracy. Great day!