Another warm day in the Black Hills. After getting Rufus set up for a slightly early lunch, we took off on the scoots; today, heading a bit north, then west, then north, then east. We left Hart Ranch, heading towards Rapid City to pick up a by-pass that will take us to Sheridan Lake Road...
Some construction on that by-pass...
Sheridan Lake Road is another nice riding road, with plenty of curves and some elevation changes...
From there, it was north on Hwy 385...
Newly black-topped, it is beautifully smooth. I consider Hwy 385 "the backbone" of the Black Hills - it runs roughly north/south through the middle of the hills. For motorcycle riders, this road has great scenery and some outstanding sweeping curves. Oh, and this...
We stopped to view the water and stretch our legs at Lake Pactola...
Leaving the parking lot there, heading north, more of that dreaded "grooved pavement" across the dam...
It wasn't nearly as bad as the stretch outside of Hill City.,. I felt it a bit, Joan (on the PCX) didn't notice.
We weren't the only bikes on this road...
No, we didn't hold up the Harleys. We turned east onto Hwy 44 (aka RimRock Road), they continued north on 385 (which takes you to Deadwood). Rimrock is another fun motorcycle road...
Again, lots of sweeping curves and pretty scenery.
We planned this ride to be a loop, with a swing through Rapid City... for a late lunch stop and some shopping for Rufus...
At Petsmart, we picked him up a new harness. If he pulled hard backwards, he figured out he could slide out of his current harness; we'll see how he does with the new one. Then, heading for home.
On the road to Hart Ranch, there was no traffic. I have been wanting to see how the two scoots compare on "takeoff." The PCX jumped ahead of the Vespa off the line, about a bike length; but caught up by 30mph and rolled ahead by 40. The Vespa is heavier (and I am a pound or 50 heavier than Joan), but has more horsepower. The Honda is geared for peppy performance off the line, the Vespa has a higher top speed.
To answer your other question: yes, Rufus likes his new harness; we sat out with him for a while, but the humidity chased us inside. For a bit. I went out to top off the distilled water in the batteries, Joan headed for the laundry... even on "play days" the housework goes on.
:-)
3 comments:
Planning on trailerimg my motorcycle to the black hills area for a week in September....never been there....where would you recommend for lodging and a base area for riding and sight seeing. As always...thank you for your advice and I enjoy reading about your travels. Bob and Nancy
bklugh@cox.net
Hi Bob and Nancy; we lived in the Hills for almost 30 years... but, haven't had occasion to check out any lodging. Rapid City is centrally located on the east side of the Black Hills and has scads of hotels and motels. Spearfish is a great town at the northern edge of the Black Hills and has pretty immediate access to some great riding, a good variety of motels. At the southern portion of the Black Hills is Custer - plenty of motels. If you want a vintage feel, the Game Lodge at Custer State Park would be an interesting place to base out of. The riding in the Black Hills is great. Any of the 3 cities I mentioned would give you access to all the Black Hills roads. Must do rides: Spearfish Canyon, Boulder Canyon (between Sturgis and Deadwood), Iron Mountain Road (between Mt Rushmore and Custer State Park), all the roads in Custer State Park, Neck Yoke Rd to Rockerville Rd (between Reptile Gardens and Keystone), Hwy 385 all through the Hills. That should get you started. September is a great time in the Black Hills - it is quieter with traffic, the weather is generally great, and all the attractions are still open. Have fun!
thank you Jim.....enjoy your time in your old stomping grounds my friend
Bob and Nancy
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