Since I had plenty of time to get to Buffalo, WY for the night, I was in no hurry getting out of the hills of South Dakota. I decided to check out the Rapid City Harley shop - it’s a massive undertaking during the rally - 3rd party Harley parts and custom specialty vendors set up shop outside the dealership, like a small county fair. Lots of eye candy, and of course, stuff every serious Harley owner needs.
Black Hills, SD Harley fair.
I picked up a few items of necessity ;) and then went back to Rapid City to catch the 44 out to the 385 up to Deadwood and Lead. From there, I ran with many Harley buddies through Spearfish Canyon - definitely one of the “must do” rides in the area. That dumped me out in Sprearfish and the I-90 junction. From there I headed West and got beaten up by high headwinds and major blasts... so I took the Devil’s Tower loop through Sundance to Moorecraft. I stopped in Sundance to eat and bring myself down to a tolerable level of head noise... the wind really did a number on my equilibrium. I’ve never approached Devil’s Tower going West before - it’s a very different, unique perspective.
Spearfish Canyon Devil’s Tower in the distance.
I did indulge myself with a detour to the Devil’s Tower station to get some water, and get a shot of the huge Harley flag waving in the wind. Pic at the top of the entry.
Once I got back on the I-90, the wind had subsided, and I had a fairly smooth ride to Gillette - I stopped at the Harley dealership to to get out of the heat - temps had been over 100 degrees... pretty hot riding. Checked out their shop and merchandise, and then mounted up for my last leg to Buffalo. I checked into the Roadway Inn, and settled in for the night.
Rodeway Inn, Buffalo, WY.
I’ve got some stories to tell about the Rodeway, but they will have to wait until tomorrow. I’m beat, road weary, and need to sleep. This has been one very cool road trip. The Bighorns and Tensleep are calling me.. need to be fresh for tomorrow’s ride to Dubois - I can’t wait to ride through Wind River Canyon again... in reverse ;)
Time passes too quickly! E
