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[Buy early]

After dinner we headed back up the mountain to see the lighting ceremony at Mt. Rushmore. I have done this several times and it is always very moving. If you have never seen it, be sure to add it to your agenda next trip.

I knew it would be extra special this year because they always invite serving members of the military and all veterans up on the stage for some well deserved recognition and the lowering of the flag. Being an ex-Marine, Adam would be able to make that trip. He didn't know it was coming, and we had to urge him to go down to the stage but it ended up being a very poignant moment. I got it all on video but, unfortunately, didn't get any photos of him on stage. Did get a nice one of the view tho.


O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

Katharine Lee Bates

[Buy early]

Day 3 - Sunday morning the whole team met at Hill City for a full day of riding & fun. Carol's daughter Jo and her husband Rocky joined us on their highly modified Sporty and a street rod buddy of Gary's, Bob, joined us on his classic BMW. I didn't rent a bike this year so I rode behind Paul on his Valkyre. This was purposeful as I recently purchased a new HD video camera (High Def not Harley Davidson) and wanted to shoot some video. Gary led on The Beast and Ray brought up the rear. We headed across the old Hill City to Keystone road, full of twisties and beautiful scenery.

A shot of Jo & Rocky as we entered Keystone.


Tell your Daddy and your Mama too. You got something better to do.
Stick around the house the rest of your life. Your eighteen you can
do what you like. You'll be the queen of my highway, my motorcycle mama.
We'll see the world through my Harley.

Sailcat

[Buy early]

A mile out of Keystone, a left turn, and we're on Iron Mountain Highway (sometimes known as the pigtail bridge highway or the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway). This road makes all of "The most scenic highway" lists and is nearly worth the entire trip in and of itself. The views, some of Mt. Rushmore from a distance, are staggering, the road splits a few times, there are switchbacks, curly bridges, tunnels, and enough scenery to fill a photo album. Here's a shot of Adam on Paul's classic Honda 750, Rodger on the Fury and Ray on the CVO Road King.


Well it was Neal Cassady that started me to travelin'
All the stories that were told, I believed them every one
And it's a windin' road I'm on you understand
And no time to worry 'bout tomorrow when you're followin' the sun

Doobie Brothers

[Buy early]

A few miles up Iron Mountain Road is a popular pull-out where you can view Mt. Rushmore from a distance, another reminder of this great country of ours, those who built it, those who shaped it, and those who defended it.


If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

Lee Greenwood

[Buy early]

Another unbelievable site from this parking lot pulled in just after we got there. A lovely lady from Iowa on an incredible, highly modified, Screamin' Eagle VROD. Loved it so much I posted a thread just about the bike - http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=52873.msg768838#msg768838 .


Step right up and don't be shy,
because you will not believe your eyes.
She's right here behind the glass
and you're gonna like her,
'cause she's got class.
You can look inside another world.
You get to talk to a pretty girl.
She's everything you dream about...
but don't fall in love...

She's a beauty ---
one in a million girls,
she's a beauty.
Why would I lie?
Why would I lie?

The Tubes

[Buy early]

Pressed an unsuspecting rider into taking a group shot for posterity. It's shots like these that make me realize a lot of time has passed and I've been Blessed to have great friends along the way!

From left to right - Jo, Rocky, Adam, Ray, Paul, Gary, Rodger, Bob and me.


The shoe is on the hand it fits
There's really nothing much to it
Whistle through your teeth and spit
'Cause it's all right

Oh well, a touch of grey
Kind of suits you anyway
That was all I had to say
And it's all right

I will get by
I will get by
I will get by
I will survive

The Grateful Dead

[hooligan]

looks like a good time thanks for sharing 

[Buy early]

After Iron Mountain Road, we took a short jog through Custer State Park, saw the obligatory buffalo and picked up the Needles Highway, another of the most amazing motorcycle roads in America.


I'm just a buffalo soldier in the heart of America
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
Said he was fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Said he was a buffalo soldier, win the war for America

Bob Marley

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Twisties and scenery beyond belief! Tunnels, turnouts, photos, and friends. Just doesn't get any better!


I've got two tickets to paradise,
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight,
I've got two tickets to paradise,
I've got two tickets to paradise.

Eddie Money

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After the needles, we headed up to Sylvan Lake Lodge (another must see if you haven't been there) where we enjoyed a fantastic lunch out on the deck in the shade. Everyone got to share a few stories and have a few laughs. Photo of Gary & Jo.


May the Good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
Surround you when you’re far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you’d have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you’ll always stay
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young.

Rod Stewart

[Buy early]

After some of the greatest cycle riding available in the US, we headed back down to Black Hills HD so that the rest of the group could enjoy the commotion there. The crowds were bigger than Saturday and the weather was just as hot! Lots of water and Gatorade was consumed. We saw a trike I could actually envision myself riding. Have had thoughts of converting The Beast into a trike when I get so old I can no longer safely ride on two wheels but this thing just may do the trick.


I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride
I'm wanted (wanted), dead or alive

Bon Jovi

[Chains]

Looks like a fantastic ride thanks for sharing

[Buy early]

After taking in all the vendors we could stand, we headed over to one of my favorite quiet spots in the Hills. It is a place I have been visiting since I was 7. It is just on the West edge of Rapid and is called "The Chapel In The Hills". It is a replica of Norwegian church and is just a cool place to visit at the end of the day. 3 years ago, on my first trip to Sturgis, Gary, Paul and I stopped here for the photo below.


Through these fields of destruction
Baptism of fire
I've watched all your suffering
As the battles raged higher
And though they did hurt me so bad
In the fear and alarm
You did not desert me
My brothers in arms.

Dire Straits

[Harley Guy]

Cool report and great pictures.

thank you,

[Buy early]

Three years later and a larger group of great friends in the same spot. Wore the Gino t-shirt for a purpose that day.


Brother to brother
Now we must join our hearts and hands
Yeah, if we love one another
We hold the key to the promised land.

Gino Vanelli