Looks like we are in a "weather pattern" here in the Black Hills: cool, comfortable mornings; warm mid-day; then afternoon rain or thunderstorms. We decided to head out on the scoots this morning, with a plan to be back before the rain. Destination today: Hill City.
We heard that Hill City would be shutting off their downtown area for motorcycle only parking (just like Sturgis... OK, on a much smaller scale). We enjoyed plenty of twisty roads on the way there...
And then, into Hill City...
It almost reminded me of what Sturgis used to be before the size of the Rally crowds became so huge. It was easy to get around town, on the scoots or walking the sidewalks. We did some crowd watching, had some ice cream, Joan did some accessory shopping (a new small bag/purse for the scoot), and then off to ride some more.
That photo above seems appropriate: we are parked in front of the Dinosaur Museum. ;-) Obligatory selfie below...
I am liking the tie-dye Rally shirt - something different from the sea of black T-shirts you see here.
We took Hwy 244 past Mt Rushmore, then onto Iron Mountain Road. Considering that yesterday was the first "official" day of the Rally, the crowds on the roads were blissfully light. Some fun riding, with only one slow-down due to some rental mopeds (pretty gutsy renting those out during the Rally).
Back to Hart Ranch, some grilled burgers, and patio time... before the rain came. It was light and didn't last long. One never knows.
I shot some video today and put together another fun "movie trailer"...
2 comments:
It's interesting to see your pictures of Sturgis. That event rattles round my head as some sort of mythic biker rally but I've never really looked too closely at it. As a scooter rider I've parked amidst some Harley gatherings here where the collection of leather, tattoos, beer and sunlight reflecting off chrome made me dizzy. No one complained that I intruded on the scooter but then again no one talked to me either. I suppose I was tolerated.
Your video was great. Was pretty interesting and the fast paced cutting made it easy to watch. Looks like something that iMovie might make.
I've only begun to follow your blog. You've been at it a long time making a lot of posts. May take a while to explore it. Not sure if I learned about it on ModernVespa or ADVrider. You and your wife have a life of adventure! Thanks for sharing bits of us whose adventures are largely in our heads.
Steve Williams
Scooter in the Sticks
Hi Steve - Thanks for the note; I've seen and appreciated your posts on both of the forums you mentioned as well as your blog... really nice photos! We share the Vespa interest and I had a BMW K75 when they first came out - fun bike!
We used to live in the Black Hills, and have taken many bikes to Sturgis over the years. The Rally makes for some interesting people-watching. We didn't come back for the Rally, but the great riding... I enjoyed it when we lived here and it brings us back when can. The riding has been a real treat for me this year, after my hip-induced hiatus from riding.
There is every manner of two-wheeled conveyance at the Rally, but Harley is definitely the vast majority. We've not run into any problems, regardless of what we ride. Even with an extra half million or so folks in the Hills, the riding is still enjoyable, but we do pick our times and places. It is fun to make at least one trip to downtown Sturgis, just to experience the mass of humanity, the roar, and the people.
See you on the forums!
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