Bagger On The Go

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Oops!!!

Our plans for making it home on Tuesday were foiled. We had been skirting bad weather all day and made it as far as Monroe City, MO before having to succumb to the rain. The farther east we rode, the darker it was getting. We decided to take a break and give the weather a chance to clear up. While waiting we encountered travelers coming the other way, they were full of tales of hardest rain ever and water covering the road. Repeated checks on the weather radar confirmed that things were serious and our intended route would be compromised for quite some time. We decided to check into a local motel, spend the night there and not temp bad weather and oncoming night conditions. Under most circumstances traveling by motorcycle is the greatest experience ever, however there are times where good judgement and caution need prevail.

Heading Home

Monday morning and time for us make are way back to Missouri. However, we don't simple load up and look for the quickest way back. No, instead we once again get on the Iron Mountain road, just a great ride in the Black Hills with its numerous winding curves, 3 times it loops up over itself and the two tunnels that line up to give a straight through look at Mount Rushmore in the far distance.

Then it is on to Custer State Park and the Wildlife Loop Drive. Very scenic with opportunities to take in the wildlife in residence there.

As you ride along the drive there are signs posted stating, "Buffalo are Dangerous, Do Not Approach". I would like to recommend a couple of additions for their signs. "Buffalo Poop on the Road Causes Slippery Conditions", and "Buffalo Galloping Toward You Should Be Considered EXTREMELY DANGEROUS". Just a couple of our observations.

Pronghorn (Antelope) are just too cute to be dangerous, actually they are quite shy.

Leaving Custer State Park, we continued on south into Nebraska, eventually turning onto state highway 2, which takes us across a great deal of the state. Nice scenic, low traffic, 2 lane road, great drive. We made it to Grand Island for the night. A very long, but very good day.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Black Hills

Mount Rushmore

A visit to the Black Hills by a biker means at least three things, Sturgis, great roads to ride, and Mount Rushmore, in that order. I suspect that some of you made have a few others you might suggest as well. However, these would be on just about everybody's list. We had planned on just passing through, but instead we took an extra day and took in some of the high points. So glad we did. The roads and riding in the Black Hills are absolutely fantastic. This year especially so, there has been an unusual amount of early summer rain and everything is very green and lush. The Sturgis rally goers will be in for a great treat this year. And Mount Rushmore never seems to lose it's splendor either. Always an impressive sight.

Crazy Horse Mountain

We stopped by to check on the progress at Chief Crazy Horse, that work is still moving forward. This is a visit that I also highly recommend. The story of the sculptor and the sculpting is every bit as impressive as the character of Chief Crazy Horse himself. An amazing story to behold.

The Eye of the Needle

Those of you that have ever ridden the Needles Highway have this sight permanently engraved in your memory of favorites. As I have already mentioned, the menu of spectacular roads in the "Hills" is awesome. In this same area you need to make sure you experience the Iron Mountain Road as well.

Downtown Keystone

The town of Keystone itself is a very picturesque sight as well. Lots of shops, restaurants, stores and places to stay, all within view of Rushmore. A really quaint little place just to relax and spend some time, oh sure, money also....

Git-A-Long Day

After one last hearty breakfast at "Our Place", it was time to say our farewells to all in Cody and hit the road. For us that was not an easy task, we had so much enjoyed our stay and especially the awesome hospitality of Rick and all the staff at the Cody Cowboy Village. Our stay there could not have been more comfortable, relaxing or enjoyable. If any of you ever make to Cody, be sure to stay at the CCV. Highly recommend you make reservations well in advance, they are very popular.

Apologize for the lack of photos on this segment, we do have some, hopefully I will get to add them later. So be sure to check back.

The ride from Cody to Sheridan, Wyoming was every bit as spectacular as most of the scenery that we had experienced. U.S. 14A through the Bighorn Mountains will have you spellbound with every curve and crest. The highest point is about 9400 feet, so plenty of very cool air and great views. We did something that we had not done for several days, we took an interstate highway. But, we were wanting to make some time and get to the Black Hills early in the evening. That strategy worked out. We got there, made our way down to Keystone and settled in for the evening with plans to spend the next day in the local area and take in some of the sights.

Yes that's the setup for the next posting.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Celebration

4th of July, Cody Wyoming, children, moms, dads, families, cowgirls, cowboys, servicemen and women, veterans, police and firefighters.

A parade, bands, music, marching, floats, flags, waving, cheering, saluting, patriotism, pride, honor, respect, thankfulness, appreciation, love, understanding, joy.

Good people, caring people, rugged people, strong people, understanding people, hospitable people.

A richer slice of Americana I have never witnessed.

Cody Stampede

Our trip to Cody would not have been complete with taking in some rodeo. Well, that we did. During our time there the Cody Stampede was held, this is the big four day event for professional rodeo. We managed to take in two nights of the spectacle. Our first night there was punctuated with a severe thunderstorm complete with lightening and heavy rain. That didn't stop them, the show went on.

Bareback Bronco Riding