Sturgis, Day Two...Four Presidents, Two Monuments, One Saloon

Day two found us up and out early, trying to beat the crowds and the heat. Man, it is hot out there. Sizzling!

Because we were only in Sturgis for 3 nights, we had to do the quick version of all there is to see, so we crammed a lot in to the day.

First stop was Mt. Rushmore. Husband's friend told him to save the $11 admission fee because the views are just as good driving around the park.  Driving up to the park, you do get quite a view, but seriously, when will we be back to Mt. Rushmore...if ever. Cough up the dough, ya cheap-o.

  Got to gate and was pleasantly surprised to see that admission for all bikes was discounted to $5.00. Went inside, and it was very crowded and hot.

Plenty of tours and trails to hike but we had our 'Chevy Chase' moment, said hello to George, Thomas, Theodore and Abraham and moved on.

Out in the parking lot, found this Patriotic bike under America's 'Shrine of Democracy'...seriously, how awesome is this? We almost walked right past it.

From Mount Rushmore we drove over to Custer State Park, roads were awesome...incredible views, bridges, tunnels...

 

Plenty of turns and windy roads...

 

Husband's friend was right though (shhh...don't tell him I said so), there really are amazing views from so many different areas.  Probably could skip the admission to park. So much better on the road, away from the crowds.

 

While we were at this viewing area below, we heard a lot of sirens, saw several response vehicles and an ambulance speed by.

Soon, the life flight helicopter showed up and we all thought the worst. Said a silent prayer and hoped for the best...

Just a mile down the road, we ran into the accident and the road was closed. While we were waiting, we heard several stories...a van hit a bike, a jeep hit a bike, a jeep hit another car...not sure what happened, but a woman who was on the scene said everyone was thankfully okay. I'm sure by the end of the line they were hearing something along the lines of 'a bear ate a biker'.

Road opened and we passed the vehicles...looked like cars. No jeep, no van, no bikes.

Left the Monument and drove off to Custer State Park

Another nice ride...smooth, windy roads. Think we paid $10 admission for the bike, cars were $15. Made our  way to Wildlife Loop Road hoping to see some buffalo

Eyes were peeled but no luck...saw several antelope and deer and were starting to get discouraged until we came over the hill and saw this incredible scene.

Had to drive up this dirt road to get to them...gravel and dusty, but it was worth it.

An even better surprise was ahead...wish I had brought some carrots or something.

These guys were NOT afraid of the bikes, they were not moving...

From Wildlife Loop, we drove over to Needles Highway...still in Custer Park. 

Highway is a must-do, if you are in the area. Tons of rock formations, hairpin turns, and tunnels.

Great photo-ops and scenic overlooks

After the highway, we decided to head back and saw a sign for Crazy Horse. Had kind of decided I did not want to see it because I did as a kid and remember not being too impressed with the 'hole in the rock'.  It being only 8 miles from where we left the park, it was another moment of 'when will be here again, let's do it'. So we did...

 

Driving up to the monument, you can see the rock just as good as you can see it from within the park. At the gate, the sign indicated admission was $10 each...aw, hell no, $20 bucks to look at an incomplete rock?

The attendant told us it was 50% off for bikes so we did it...and gotta say, even that was too much. I understand the historical significance behind it, and do not mean any disrespect, but was very surprised to see the formation has not changed all that much from the 1980s when I last there.  Still a hole in the rock. Although the Visitor Center was beautiful and had some interesting pieces, clean bathrooms and a small cafe. Passing on it next time...

Driving home, a storm came from out of nowhere. Dark clouds rolled in, and bolts of lightening were lighting up the skies. I was petrified and not at all reassured that I 'was grounded' because of the rubber tires. Thankfully, we came across the Silver Dollar Saloon and pulled in for a few quick ones...along with several other bikers caught in the storm. Beers were cheap, staff was fun...

Thus ends our day of nature...Day three...bring on the bars!

First, but Certainly not Last, Trip to Sturgis

Took the long way to Sturgis. Would love to be able to say we 'rode to trailer week' as many so proudly claim, but work and life are in the way and taking two to three weeks off is not an option. No shame. My butt couldn't handle that anyway.

The bike had a nice cushy ride in the back of an air-conditioned semi. I'd like to say my travels out to Sturgis were just as comfortable but alas, just not so.  I bet we are not the only household where the bike gets better treatment than the old lady, are we?

Had to fly to Utah from Boston, spent a couple of nights outside of Salt Lake City, picked up the rental and off we went.


The route from SLC to Sturgis took us straight through Wyoming. I was extremely excited to drive through the 'Cowboy' state...I was expecting tumbleweeds and saloons. Instead, we drove through an extremely 'green' and innovative state.

I was pretty impressed with the many 'wind farms' that out my way can't seem to make it past Massachusetts taxpayers. What I wasn't too impressed with were the 'green' rest areas that appear to have normal toilets but really are toilets with a hole in the ground, no septic. Ugh, the smell and flies were beyond disgusting. It is clearly a state that cares about its resources, so can't complain. If I ever go again, will just put a hold on the water consumption.

Because we left after a full work day, we decided to stop five hours out in Rawlins, an industrial town south of Casper. I pre-paid the room on a booking site and based on reviews, it seemed okay.  Again, if we ever make it that way, just going to keep on truckin' through. 'Ick' is all I have to say 'bout that.

Got an early start and made our way up north to South Dakota. Went through Douglas, Wyoming, home of the 'jackalope', which I was not aware is not a real animal, but more along the lines of 'Big Foot' or 'Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster'. Thankfully, my husband only let me search out my window for them for a short while before he broke the news to me that the jackalope is a fictitious animal. Wh-wh-what?? Bunnies can't have antlers?

Arrived 6 hours later to Rapid City where the old man and his baby were reunited. Not a scratch on her...she was well taken care of.

Finally made it to the hotel that we would call home for the Sturgis Rally. Mt. Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn in Rapid City.

Much nicer than the flea pit we stayed in the night before...cost twice as much but it was certainly worth it. Didn't have to worry about being shanked in my sleep. Not a bad location, but I think when we visit again we will stay in Deadwood, and perhaps one of the parks in a cabin for a few nights. Rapid City is like any other city, chain restaurants, strip malls, nothing exciting.

Threw the bags in the room, and off we went.  About 20-30 minute ride to downtown Sturgis.  We arrived on a Thursday so traffic was okay, but was pleasantly surprised to see the crowds. It appears that many start to show up a day or two early.

Our first stop was at The Knuckle Saloon and Grill for a cold beer...it was hot as hell and the beer icy cold. The Knuckle describes itself as the largest entertainment venue in Sturgis. Loaded with Sturgis memorabilila and old antiques and signs, it is a great place to stop. During the rally, it is home to local radio station, KNKL, who broadcasts live each day.  There are several bands all day and some type of extreme street fighting and other events held all week long. Pretty cool place.

Took off for a cruise down Main Street. Bars were starting to fill but still plenty of room on the balconies on a late Thursday afternoon. Several bars along the downtown strip have long balconies to watch the bikes ride through.

Continued  towards the Full Throttle Saloon, since I am a fan of their reality show. It is outside of all the madness of downtown, maybe a couple miles away from the action on Main Street. Next to Buffalo Chip.

Looked just like they show on television...this was Thursday before Rally as I mentioned earlier..not too crowded but still some action happening, including some karaoke. Eek.

 

There are a couple of bars...this was the back bar which was closed for filming at the time...

Full Throttle is more than a bar...they have a Wall of Death stunt show, lots of entertainment and dancers, including Flaunt whose leader, Angie, is the owner's girlfriend. Angie has her own special area called 'Angieland' where you can get your picture taken with her butt on your head, if that's your thing. There is even a zip line that goes across the back of the property. Wish I tried it...maybe next time...might even have my picture taken with Angie sittin' on my head...we'll see.

Since I am a fan of the show, I was very excited to see the film crew on site. I was not excited to see the scenes that were being set up that will probably be shown as their 'reality'.  If I was a bartender there, I'd be pretty pissed to see them bring in the 'A Team' for filming while I did all the work, but I guess us average girls do not make for good TV. Eff them, I say!

'Nuff about that..I still love the place and will watch the show...

Jesse James' America's Outlaw Beer seems to be the beer of choice at Full Throttle. Who first comes to mind when you hear the name 'Jess James'? Jessie, the Outlaw? Jessie, the Biker, who cheated on Sandra Bullock? Ahole. Nope there is another infamous Jesse...it is the creation of Jackyl front man, Jesse James Dupree. Who knew there were so many famous Jesse James'?

All types of characters at this place. Outside there was a couple, dressed in pink...even the dude...pink wig, pink shirt...whole nine yards. They were raising money for breast cancer awareness and had already received over $25,000, I think. Bikers are a generous group.

 There is plenty of parking...in front of bar and in a huge lot adjacent to the cabins.

Off we went to the next destination, Deadwood, about a 15 mile ride from downtown Sturgis. Deadwood is steeped in history and home to one of the last gold rushes of the country, as well as Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane.

There is a bar, Saloon 10, that sits on the exact spot where Wild Bill was shot while playing poker. In the lower level of the bar, there is a scene reenacting the poker game and his death. He was found holding a pair of eights and pair aces, now known as the Dead Man's Hand.  You probably already knew that, didn't you?

A lot of history in Deadwood, and I really wished we had stayed there. Great bars and saloons, gambling is legal, and it is convenient to all the attractions. Great little town. 

Called it a night after a nice steak dinner in town. We were off to bed early eager to get up early and explore this beautiful part of our country.

Game Time...

Let's play 'Where in the world is Michele now'?? Well, that's what a lot of my friends have been asking about me so I suppose you may be wondering to? No? C'mon...you haven't been laying awake at night wondering when I am going to post next? Excitedly clicking on my page hoping to see an update only to be disappointed to see the same post?

Well, you can't be too disappointed, I posted the chick pics to keep ya coming back...and you're still here...so my plan worked, and I thank you for that.

So, let's play...
  
   


Where have I been, you ask? I have been out exploring, doing some 'serious' research for my blog...traveled 9 hours on a plane, 12 hours in a car, stayed in a dingy, cheap hotel room (for only one night, thank god), saw some presidents, rode the bike in a thunder and lightening storm, had a beer in the same spot where a gunman from the wild west was shot and killed, drove through the 'eye' of a needle, watched a reality TV show being filmed...hmmmm...that's a lot of action for one area, isn't it? Any guesses?

Here's a hint....I was at a rally. Daytona? Myrtle Beach? Don't see any palm trees. Can't be the south, can it?

There were lots of casinos...Vegas? you ask. Getting warmer...head north.

While in this location, one of the famous bars had a crew there filming for its 'reality' television show...owner has a famous girlfriend who likes to sit on people's heads.

It is not unusual to run in to a few of these guys while riding here...

Or these guys...but let's hope you don't actually 'run' into them, that would hurt...

 Alright if ya haven't guessed yet, you're not going to...throwin' ya a bone...

Did you guess Sturgis? Of course you did! Where you there? If not, I have lots of pics and info to share with you over the next month.  Keep following and it'll feel just like you were there with me.

Best of Bike Week...Bikes, Babes and Beers

So, if there was a calendar version of the babes and bikes of Laconia, which I am sure there is, this would be my version.

And, I have come to realize the old man can't be trusted with the camera.  Plenty of babes, not enough bikes...we are going to have a little chat. Some of our better shots. Enjoy!

See ya next year, Laconia!