The Black Hills

AUGUST 11, 2010 - DAY 7 - STURGIS AND BEYOND

Once again last one asleep and first one up. So will the excitement and activity
of each day ever seem normal so I can sleep? Probably not while I'm on this trip.

We decided this morning what all we wanted to do and where all that we wanted to ride today. We were going to try and be efficient, taking scenic routes and seeing sites while heading to Sturgis from where we are staying. But the number one thing is to get to Sturgis, so we put that at the top of the list and decide to make it a direct non-stop ride. We will do the scenic routes, towns and historic sites as time permits later in the day. We even plan what we think is the minimal day excursion.

As we arrive in Sturgis we aren't sure just where Main Street and the Rally are. No worries, because there are few cars on the road and everyone is going to the same place so we just follow all the other bikes. As we were stopped for a train at the entrance to town we look at each other with a big grin because we can hardly believe we are really here.

It is hot and there is no breeze. Between the weather and the the set up we both immediately think of the old Hollister Rallies. Bikes down the middle and sides of Main Street, the storefronts all filled with biker items, tattooing and restaurants. It spills out onto the outer streets as well but Main Street is where you cruise through to see and be seen, just like Hollister once was in it's heyday. Only this is on a much larger scale. And though it's crowded the sidewalks are passable. However, if you do encounter a sudden mass of people not moving just look in their direction and you will find some woman either topless or having her shirt airbrushed on. The woman behind me was frustrated and couldn't believe they would all stop and stare as though never having seen such a site!

But we did find the massive crowds at lunch. I'm not sure if everyone was inside because they were hungry or just hot. When we saw a gentleman sitting alone at a table we asked to join him. Turns out he rode out here alone from New Jersey and was happy to have company.

We are trying to be quick and still see as much as we can, but time flies and we never even finish Main Street before we decide we best head out if we want to see anything else. As we reach Deadwood it isn't nearly as crowded as earlier in the day, but we still couldn't find street parking and had to pay in a lot. Not only are there historic sites but the entire town itself is a national historic site. We walk up one side and down the other taking pictures and doing a few stop and shops, including the H-D shop. I know, you are shocked!

Neither one of us admit it but we are hot and tired at this point. Instead we plan to continue on to Custer and do the short loop, but along the way we stop first at the Crazy Horse monument. We immediately decide not to take the bus trip up the mountain, but go inside the visitor center. It is large with an awful lot to see for two tired, exhausted women who've been in the sun all day. By the time we are done we are really dragging. We grab a bottle of water and decide to head for the Lodge. Besides, we also realize it's already 7 p.m.

We quickly change, throw our hats back on and head to the restaurant for dinner before it closes. Seems like not as many people are out tonight or perhaps they just are't back yet. But everyone is still laughing and sharing stories and friendly. It's fun meeting and seeing people from so many different places.

We head to the room to pass out. We need the rest as tomorrow is our longest riding day, east across all of South Dakota.

Today's stats: 10 hours and 141 miles