Topic: Our week in the Hills (Read 12613 times)

Buy early · « **on:** October 02, 2009, 07:27:55 PM »

Kandy and I have been planning a road trip to the Black Hills for several months now. I've ridden out to Sturgis for bike week the past 2 years but Kandy, being an introvert, isn't as interested in crowds and boatloads of bikes yet still loves the Hills. I grew up in South Dakota and Kandy and I lived in Pierre for nearly 4 years so we had the opportunity to spend some time in the Hills during the early '80's. Actually had the good fortune to take a few snowmobile trips out there riding sleds provided by the manufacturers. Still remember topping 100 mph on a Polaris. Quite a thrill. But I digress...

Earlier this year we agreed a trek to the Hills was in order. Kandy had no interest in riding the whole way and wanted to take the dogs along as well so the hunt for a trailer resulted in the purchase of a used Haulmark (subject of another thread). I had been scoping out rental properties for a few months and we settled on a very nice (pet friendly) home just outside of Rapid City on Hwy 44. We packed up a week ago Wednesday and hit the road at 6AM. First photo opp was about 400 miles later at the rest stop just east of Chamberlain. Many of you who have been to Sturgis from the east will recognize the great view of the Missouri River from the hillside above. Got to Rapid about 5:30 and proceeded up to the house to unload and enjoy a bit of dinner.

Kandy and the pups (Conner and PD)

Buy early · « **Reply #1 on:** October 02, 2009, 07:33:00 PM »

This being our first trailer excursion, I was concerned that the bikes would ride safely and that our van (a Chevy Astro AWD conversion) would pull the trailer well. All worked out fine (albiet we averaged 10 mpg) and the bikes arrived in fine condition. You could definitely feel the trailer back there but it tracked well and followed us all the way. We took along Kandy's Suzuki S50 this time (not her SE Deuce) as she has not ridden a lot of hilly twisties and we both felt the lighter bike would be a wiser choice the first time out.

Buy early · « **Reply #2 on:** October 02, 2009, 07:38:54 PM »

Our home for the week was located on Thunderhead Falls Road and proved to be a great find. We had some friends come up from Denver for a few days and had friends out from Rapid on several evenings and there was always plenty of room for all. There is a large fenced in back yard, a great garage set up with room for bikes and cars. WiFi and sat TV, great kitchen, grill, 2 decks and lots of room. The only challenging part was the 200 ft of steep gravel driveway. Had to be careful or a tipover was in the cards.

Home link is here for anyone interested in a great home:

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p142308

Buy early · « **Reply #3 on:** October 02, 2009, 07:45:54 PM »

Our friends Paul and Sue arrived about noon on Thursday and it took us about an hour to get them unloaded and geared up for our first ride. We headed up Hwy 44 and across Norris Peak Road to Nemo Road and up to 385.

Buy early · « **Reply #4 on:** October 02, 2009, 07:47:41 PM »

The trees were just starting to turn at the mid level elevations. Temps were in the high 60's with plenty of sun! Our rental house was located in a canyon with a lovely rushing creek creating beautiful background noise 24 hours a day.

Buy early · « **Reply #5 on:** October 02, 2009, 07:48:52 PM »

First stop that afternoon was one of the favorite rally haunts - Trevino's Leathers.

Buy early · « **Reply #6 on:** October 02, 2009, 07:51:19 PM »

After contributing an adequate offering at Trevino's, we saddled back up and continued up 385.

Buy early · « **Reply #7 on:** October 02, 2009, 07:53:45 PM »

Took the opportunity for a photo op with one of the second generation Trevino's. They run a fine establishment and I'm sure lots of you have given your fair share to keep them in business.

Buy early · « **Reply #8 on:** October 02, 2009, 07:56:47 PM »

We rode most of the afternoon and saw a few bikes and cars but it was a completely different experience from bike week. Little traffic, slower pace, cooler weather. The ambience was great!

Buy early · « **Reply #9 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:00:06 PM »

The days are also shorter this time of year and we tried to get off the roads by 5:30 as the deer were plentiful (as were the big horn sheep). The dogs quickly took to the house and enjoyed the ample windows, decks and fenced in yard. Conner is a big fan of Stephen Colbert so we would make it a point to watch together every night.

Buy early · « **Reply #10 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:01:58 PM »

PD & Conner loved the window half way up the stairs as they could look out and see the deer and wild turkeys parading by almost constantly.

Buy early · « **Reply #11 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:05:10 PM »

Friday morning we headed up to Spearfish Canyon. The route is always beautiful and this time was no exception. Trees were starting to turn. Another clear, sunny day with temps starting out in the high 50's topping out in the high 60's. It was nice to travel the canyon on a weekday as the traffic was light.

Buy early · « **Reply #12 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:06:39 PM »

For those that have been through the canyon, you know there is beauty around every corner.

Buy early · « **Reply #13 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:08:56 PM »

Sue and Kandy strike a pose at one of the many scenic spots in the canyon.

Buy early · « **Reply #14 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:14:12 PM »

One of lifes ultimate pleasures is spending time with great friends. I have known Paul since my college days. He got back into motorcycles several years ago and now owns a stable of 7 Hondas (including a Rune, Fury, Valkyre and 2 CBX's). He and I purchased our first motorcycles together in the mid 70's in Fargo, ND. I got a Kawasaki 350 triple and he got a Honda 350 Scrambler. We rode together all over northern Minnesota during the summer of 1976. 33 years later, we're riding together again. Life's good! If I had known he was going to develop a passion for fringe, we might have parted ways early on.

I keep my helmet on at all times because I fall over a lot...

Buy early · « **Reply #15 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:15:49 PM »

Shot of the WG2 in the canyon

Buy early · « **Reply #16 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:18:29 PM »

We spent a while at Bridal Veil Falls so Kandy could set up and take some nicer shots. She has done a considerable amount of photography and one of the many reasons it is good to have her along is the fact that the trips are documented much better.

Buy early · « **Reply #17 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:19:41 PM »

Beauty around every corner. After Spearfish Canyon, we headed down I-90 to Sturgis. Those who have been out to bike week wouldn't believe how empty this little town looks the remainder of the year. The only hint of the annual mayhem is the many parking lots with tons of electrical service posts standing unused. We stopped by Sturgis HD and were one of 2 bikes in the parking lot. Paul and I laughed at the contrast.

Buy early · « **Reply #18 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:37:24 PM »

My best friend Gary from high school days has lived in Rapid City since the late 70's. He taught me to ride dirt bike. In the spring of 1976 he picked me up from college in Fargo and brought me out to the Hills and gave me his Kawasaki 175 for a weeks worth of roaming around the paved and unpaved roads of the Black Hills. It was one of the best weeks of my life. Any trail was fair game. I probably dumped that bike 30 times but I had a gas going places most folks never see. I always enjoy paying Gary back for that experience.

Saturday found us loading up the van with the dogs and heading out to Devils Tower. Kandy and I followed in the van as Paul & Sue and Gary and his wife Carol rode the bikes. Gary is the master of the back roads and he took us through Whitewood and Belle Fourche into Wyoming on Hwy 24. This is a popular route on Wednesdays of bike week but on this day we probably saw 10 cars and 20 bikes (and 30 pick-ups).

Buy early · « **Reply #19 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:40:53 PM »

Coming up over a rise you catch your first glimpse of Devils Tower. Kandy is a HUGE fan of Close Encounters of the Third Kind so she always is game for a trip to this famous site. Took a good shot of the WG2 with Devils Tower in the distant background (straight above the ignition switch on the horizon).

Buy early · « **Reply #20 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:46:15 PM »

This is the part where we all see the Mother Ship coming over the horizon.

Buy early · « **Reply #21 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:46:47 PM »

See - you'd stare too...

Buy early · « **Reply #22 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:48:40 PM »

Paul & Sue ready to ride again. Had to lust after his boots. They were actually a HD product. Never seen them at any dealer I've been to. Maybe they just make them for the law enforcement community.

Buy early · « **Reply #23 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:53:43 PM »

Saturday happened to be Free National Park Day so we all got in for free! We're livin' large here. Park was not crowded, weather was sunny and 78 degrees. Couldn't have been nicer.

Buy early · « **Reply #24 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:54:43 PM »

"Where do those stairs go?"

"They go up!"

Buy early · « **Reply #25 on:** October 02, 2009, 08:57:46 PM »

Shot of a different mother ship at Devils Tower.

Buy early · « **Reply #26 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:01:09 PM »

Brief rest stop in Sundance, WY after our fun at the Tower. Paul keeping his eye out for the peanut thief.

Buy early · « **Reply #27 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:02:28 PM »

"Dad lets me drive slow in the driveway."

Buy early · « **Reply #28 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:03:32 PM »

Mother nature at work making gravel.

Buy early · « **Reply #29 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:07:19 PM »

Heading south out of Sundance on Hwy 585. Sue giving Paul a little driving advice.

Buy early · « **Reply #30 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:09:27 PM »

One of the nice sweepers heading up to Four Corners on Hwy 85.

Buy early · « **Reply #31 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:16:06 PM »

On Sunday Sue and Paul had to head home. The winds came up, gusting to 45mph so Gary & Carol picked us up in the Chevy Four Wheeler and we headed up on fire roads to Copper Mountain. Got to see the trees changing. Copper Mountain tops out at just over 6,900 feet. Gary hunts elk in this area so he is always scoping for the next victim.

Buy early · « **Reply #32 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:18:38 PM »

Nice view across to Harney Peak, the highest spot in the Hills at 7,242 feet. They say it's the highest point between the Rockies and Europe.

Buy early · « **Reply #33 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:20:30 PM »

The colors at altitude were stunning.

Buy early · « **Reply #34 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:34:18 PM »

The aspen were beautiful at this altitude. Reminded me of a Bev Doolittle painting.

HarleyRider2004 · « **Reply #35 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:36:07 PM »

Great pics thanks for the post. One day when the kids are older my wife and I are going to take a long trip on a bike. Well back to changing diapers for now.

Buy early · « **Reply #36 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:46:09 PM »

Signature shot of the day. Made this one a bit larger, click to enlarge.

Trapperdog · « **Reply #37 on:** October 02, 2009, 10:36:57 PM »

Mighty pretty country out there

Buy early · « **Reply #38 on:** October 02, 2009, 11:50:34 PM »

Shot of the turkeys that came through the yard a few times a day. Dogs loved 'em!

Buy early · « **Reply #39 on:** October 02, 2009, 11:52:02 PM »

PD out on the deck looking for the turkeys.

Buy early · « **Reply #40 on:** October 02, 2009, 11:56:55 PM »

The mornings were usually quite cool, sometimes into the 30's so Kandy and I would take the dogs down to Canyon Lake Park in Rapid City. It was a short 8 mile drive and a beautiful destination.

Buy early · « **Reply #41 on:** October 02, 2009, 11:59:22 PM »

Monday morning we decided to be tourists and visited Black Hills Caverns. Kandy has wanted to go into a cave for years so we took the opportunity to spend a cool morning in a slightly warmer cave. Shot of me anxious to get started.

Buy early · « **Reply #42 on:** October 03, 2009, 12:00:51 AM »

Shot inside the cave. Being used to Black Hills 'attractions" I wasn't really expecting much but it turned out to be a pretty good tour.

Buy early · « **Reply #43 on:** October 03, 2009, 12:02:37 AM »

After the temps rose a bit, we saddled up and headed up to Lake Pactola. Calm late morning conditions presented great opportunities for photos.

Buy early · « **Reply #44 on:** October 03, 2009, 12:03:42 AM »

Picture of the Master (Mistress??) at work.

Buy early · « **Reply #45 on:** October 03, 2009, 12:05:08 AM »

Obligatory butt shot.

Buy early · « **Reply #46 on:** October 03, 2009, 12:06:43 AM »

Outstanding natural beauty. Hard to believe that is water and not sky behind the trees.

Buy early · « **Reply #47 on:** October 03, 2009, 12:09:28 AM »

After Pactola we headed up to Rushmore. Kandy hadn't been up there since they redid the visitor center. We had a great lunch of Buffalo stew and pumpkin pie!

Buy early · « **Reply #48 on:** October 03, 2009, 12:11:30 AM »

Me & George. Try getting a shot at this turnout without cars or bikes present during the summer months!

Buy early · « **Reply #49 on:** October 03, 2009, 12:12:47 AM »

Shot of the blade & George.

Buy early · « **Reply #50 on:** October 03, 2009, 12:56:11 AM »

Took a drive by Crazy Horse. The work continues here and will for years to come. Got to go up on the arm in 2000 when I was out in the Hills for the Buffalo round-up. Have met Ruth Ziolkowski (wife or the original artist and mountain carver Korczak) a few times. She's the real deal! It is amazing how much mountain they have blasted away over the years.

sgchick · « **Reply #51 on:** October 03, 2009, 08:35:52 AM »

Gorgeous pictures!!! We're hoping to ride in that area next year

Great that you were able to take your dogs with you...they're a couple of cuties!

Grizzly · « **Reply #52 on:** October 03, 2009, 09:12:45 AM »

Thanks for sharing the awesome photos. They brought back some great memories of trips we've also enjoyed.

One of our best trips was riding the Black Hills in September... No traffic jams, lots of places to stay & dine, and perfect weather.

It doesn't get much better than that.

BTW, great looking pair of dogs!

sadunbar · « **Reply #53 on:** October 03, 2009, 10:54:22 AM »

Great photos! I also have been to the Black Hills earlier in the summer. The riding and sightseeing is even better - and you see so much more of it without having to spend so much time looking out for bike traffic.... Especially in area's like Custer Nat'l Park and such....

Pollux · « **Reply #54 on:** October 05, 2009, 01:49:28 AM »

Nice pics and beautiful bike

JoMo · « **Reply #55 on:** October 05, 2009, 09:53:04 PM »

What beautiful pictures showing the beautiful time you had. Thanks for sharing.

Jo Mo NYC

Georgehjr · « **Reply #56 on:** June 05, 2011, 09:46:27 PM »

Great photos , we are looking to do this type of trip in July this year.......

Author Topic: Our week in the Hills (Read 12613 times)