Frozen-Thawed-Baked-Washed,and Refrozen?

400 Mile Loop, 4 wx changes-

Woke up at 7am to 41 mountain degrees, that's February weather in Florida, so we froze all the way down the mountain. Leathers didn't come off until we were nearly into Mexican Hat, Utah. Scorching heat in the mid to upper 90's in Monument Valley. On the way back up into the San Juan mountains, we hit the mutha of all thunderstorms, and the temp dropped almost 40 degrees. If it's okay to freeze meat, then thaw it, then bake it, wash it, and re freeze, guess we'll be okay..

Friend of the show competing in "MC Cannonball Run"

Dale Axlerod, friend to "Butch", and "Scary", competing in that big coast-to-coast mc cannonball. Big deal, you say, we do this all of the time, ala Hoka Hey, right? Wrong! This one is for pre-1915 motorcycles only! How cool is that? All the best to the competitors. Don't store 'em, don't scrap 'em, RIDE 'EM! (Dale currently owns an '07 Curtis, and a pair of 1928 HD's.

"Shroom" Festival rules in Telluride!

A wet year up here in southern Colorado. The forest is ablaze with all sorts of mushrooms. One dude brought back a bushel basket sized puff ball. I recognized a couple varieties of mushies from the old days when I'd go out and pick some with my dad. Toss some sliced onion in a pan with 'em, and fry up a dinner fit for a king. The town of Telluride, Co, is going "shroom" crazy this week, with their annual festival. We might have to camp overnight if we go.. ya know..?

Are you crazy RE prices?

Picture an old two story farm house, ala upstate New York, Iowa, or any rural community, worth maybe 100 grand, including a small lot. Now see the same property for sale in Telluride, Colorado..are you ready? $1.8 million, and there isn't five feet of property on any side of it. $14 million buys you a private swimming hole on the Animas river, both sides. This river continues to amaze me. The portion which flows directly through Durango rivals the streams in Glacier Natl' Park.

Trout Poisoning?

We have to eat the half dozen on ice before going out for more. They're big and fat this year. Been playing catch and release with all that aren't in the 13 to 15 inch range. Those will just fit in the big old fry pan. The river we fish had a total wash out from a freaky-large snow melt last spring. The thaw came all at once, and seems to have washed out all the larger brown trout, leaving the rainbows to grow big and fat. We'll roast those six over an open fire of mesquite tonight.. should be pretty tasty!

Sturgis Stories You Ain't Heard..

From the ABM Vault of Rally Observations:

Weird Weedwhacker?

Imagine a brown field with here and there, tufts of sweet alfalfa, about one foot squares, springing up, amongst mainly dry grass. ABM is on the way to a morning shower, and notices a dude with a motorized weed whacker, trimming the alfalfa sprouts! Never having even considered taking a garden tool to an MC run, we are baffled by this one..

Kid Rock Detests "American Idol"?

During a stop 'n' chat at the BC's Tuesday eve sold out show, Kid mentioned having been approached by "American Idol". We guess he meant as a "judge", ala Steven Tyler? Kid said his friends..(and we get "agent", from that), told him he was crazy to turn it down..that 30 million people watch the show every week. Kid says.. "I don't give a ---- about them 30 million people, I want the 270 million of 'em that know the show sucks." (his words, not ours). One could get the feeling that there may be some sort of slight animosity between Kid & Tyler?

It'd be funny if it wasn't so stupid:

We meet mc couple in campground. They start talking about Sturgis, and how "300 bikers died there" this year. What? How do you get to 300 deaths from the official count of 9? They reply.."A nurse told us so." We tell them we go every year, give them the rundown on how there were no deaths last year, and that Daytona leads the way in mc related rally deaths with an all time high of 16. They decide that it's time to go back to their campsite. Man... I'm tellin' ya..

Seen sitting "Indian Style", atop a bluff overlooking Tec Nas Pas:

Far northern Arizona. Apache country. Morning sun breaking across a freshly washed desert landscape from the previous night's rainfall. Lone, he sits, gazing out across the sun splashed sand, mesas, and mini ravines..

A lone Apache.

Sturgis Run: In need of more police protection?

Brrrr!

If you've ever wanted us to suffer, this is your lucky day!

ABM was prevented from roaming out into the desert yesterday, by a "flash flood" warning for Mexican Hat, Ut. Good thing we paid heed. By 6pm, that front had reached our campsite far up in the mountains. Rained cats 'n' dogs, 4 straight hrs. This morning, we woke up to 41 degrees. Chrome on the bikes looked like brushed aluminum. They steamed for a few minutes after we cranked 'em up for the ride down here to where it's 20 degrees warmer. Still better than 99 Florida degrees!

Sturgis Run: Do we need more cops?

The record for bike week fatalities was back in 2006, in Daytona when 16 bikers lost their lives. Since we were there, ABM can testify that if police presence were a mitigating factor, there would still have been 16. We're reading "biker" notes begging for more police "protection". We wonder if these are really bikers, or someone else with a bone to pick, or with some sort of vested interest..

Sturgis Mishaps: The Big Three Factors-

(1) Altitude Sickness/Euphoria:

Flat landers living at sea level, or a couple thousand feet above, come to Sturgis, and they're suddenly up nearly a mile high. (4500'). Unless you're used to the elevation, it takes 2-3 days to acclimate. If you took only one week off, and had travel time to and from of 2-4 days, you'd hardly be used to the altitude before it's time to leave for home.

(2) Trip Tired:

The hassle and excitement of getting ready to leave, then the long road trip. ride or haul, when you get there, you're a mess. Time zone changes, countless hours of road fever, so when you finally arrive, the last thing on your mind is relaxation..what to do..? Go for a ride. Never mind the possibility of judgement errors.

(3) Sturgis Virgins:

ABM has never seen as many new riders, as Sturgis2010. Nearly 2 out of 3 bikers we interviewed for the show were fresh meat. Many reported that their home business or employer's work week had been reduced to the point where they now had that precious extra time to take off and head for the Black Hills. A silver lining in the recessionary cloud, so to speak. Even more time to run off the road while gawking at the scenery, the emergency call blasting from the ranger's two way radio even as we were forking over our ten bucks for admission to Custer Park.

So...would doubling the police presence make any difference?

The short answer is likely "no". Daytona experienced nearly twice as many fatalities at a rally with 200,000 fewer bikers. As reported from Sturgis by ABM, the main cause of Sturgis proper traffic jams was the inability of many bikers to simply do the speed limit. Many, no doubt out of total respect for safety, chose to do 20mph in a 40mph speed zone, mucking up traffic into accordion-like snakes of disgusting stop-n-go. We suffered through it for a whole week. Some couldn't do more than 10 or 20mph on a gravel or dirt surface. Doing 20 in a 40? How about 10 in a 30, or 60 in a 75? You're gonna get passed, often. Weirdest is that this was happening where there was little or no police presence, just a few of those little white trailers which tell you if you're speeding. That's how I know they were doing 20-25.

One biker fatality is one too many, and we feel awful for their loved ones. Would an extra 50 or 100 cops have prevented these accidents? The short answer is no, but you can bet that if people in high places have their way, we're probably gonna get them.

800 mi from Sturgis. 8 Miles High?

The San Juan Range:

Last reported sighting of the Colorado Grizzly was here. An outdoor person's paradise. 60' Blue Spruce trees rise straight as an arrow toward the sky. Twisty roads, granite cliffs, and scurrying critters everywhere. We're 40 mi from any kind of phone line or internet connection, so we communicate whenever possible.

Buffalo Chip Disturbed:

Last Friday of the Sturgis run, & we catch "Disturbed". Their core fans up toward the front were nearly out of control. These dudes have a dedicated following. At the end, they were in sync, yelling.. "Disturbed", "Disturbed", etc.. Pretty cool.

Scorpions Sting at the Chip:

Headline act, HUGE vid screen, tight synch to the tunes. Scorp's run a screen showing they pulled 385,000 back in the 80's.. They're pretty good, and with no offense to our German bro's, they are German, so it's sort of like listening to Col Klink in between songs when they smooze with the crowd. The Scorpions, freaked out on the size of the crowd, as did most of the bands who performed there during Sturgis week. We like both of Friday's lineup, especially Disturbed.

App's to Mr. Rod Woodruff:

Owner of the Buffalo Chip campground, Sturgis, SD. ABM was obviously under the influnce of the Blue Agave Monster when we screwed up and wrote you in as Ron. Our bad, no offense intended. (AC/DC next year, Rod?)

Next Time:

He Weed Whacked His Buffalo Chip CG Site? Yeah.. we swear.

700,000 Bikers!

The Biggest Sturgis Run....EVER?

One really large rally. Officials estimate over 700,000 bikers from all over the world made this one the biggest yet. Compared to last year's 450,000 count, we nearly doubled the 69th.

All week long, we kept freaking on how packed the Buffalo Chip CG was, easily more bikes, tents, rv's than the 65th. Not all had the same level of success as the chip. County line at Bear Butte looked a little empty, and they couldn't have been too happy with the Drag Pipe Saloon, just across the highway, offering Free Camping to all. Still, vendors, locals, and municipalities made out like bandits on this, the largest Sturgis Run ever.


What we don't like to report:

Emergency Room Visits: 21. 27 admitted for rally-related incidents. Nine dead in the Sturgis area. None last year.

After years and years of attending this event, ABM honestly believes that half of those accidents were avoidable. We see people who obviously have little or no riding experience come to this rally, and be packed in like sardines. In just one day, the 2 of us helped pick up 3 downed bikes. Ride 'em all year, not just a week in August. In most cases, it's a matter of common sense. Of course, some are unavoidable. You have nearly a million extra residents in a town of 6500. Somethings got to give. Danger, living on the edge, and excitement make our sport great, but there's always a chance that someday, your ticket will get punched.

Ozzie, Aldean, and Jose..

Nearly Sold Out:

The Buffalo Chip ticket counter was open, still, a lot of people packed in for last night's show. Jason Aldean was wearing a cowboy hat. Otherwise, you wouldn't know they're slightly on the side of a little bit, (and we mean a very little bit) country. To us, they're a rockin' long neck band. For the last tune, they went all the way with their rendition of Kid Rock's "Cowboy". Well done, ABM recommended.

Ozzie was right on time with a set of his stuff stretching back 40 something years. Black Sabbath, right up to today's stuff. Some performers get the idea that Sturgis bikers aren't as rabid as fans should be at an event like this, but they should remember that we've been ridin' & partyin' all day, for several days. For 90% of us, it ain't like we've been s---, showered, and shaved inside a 60 foot bus. Still, Ozzie's fans went nuts for his stuff. The dudes right behind us were about to blow a 50 amp fuse, and all around, appreciative fans rocked to the O man's incredible band. Although we sorta expected more in the way of theatrics, ya know, Alice Cooper sort of stuff, the set was tight, and the Blizzard that is Oz was well worth the trip. ABM recommended.

This week's sleeper:

Bob Dylan. Looking back over some shot vid's of his 2 hour set, we were impressed for the second time. Every once in a while, you get to see an icon who still has the chops to give it a go. We can mark that one off our bucket list. Dylan/Kid Rock night will be the one by which this run is remembered fondly. Both, ABM recommended.

Weird Stuff Noticed:

*No speed traps. Nada. In Sturgis, on the way to Deadwood, a fave hangout for the SD cops, and nary a squad car the whole length of Spearfish Canyon. Everything happens for a reason. We wonder what's behind this one. It would sure be nice if the Florida HP would take a cue from SD..

*Seismic Activity. Early in the week, the normally flat line from the needle to the paper took a big jump. A precursor to the big one? We'd hate to lose this place.

*SOA big bucks banner. Promoting the Sons of Anarchy's new season. Flies all day Thursday thru Sunday.

*The Liver is Evil--It must be punished. Dudes who swig tomato juice and beer first thing in the morning have to be the bravest of the brave. How do you keep it down?

This will likely be our last day of blogging from Sturgis, SD, as we ready to break camp and head for Colorado. Keep up with us on...

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Girls just want to get married!

Sturgis wedding scene in full swing!

Each morning we notice a long line of people waiting in line at the license/fines bureau on Sherman street. Some are vendors with cash in exchange for permits, some paying off parking tickets or traffic infractions, and some are about to make the biggest decision of their lifetime...hooking up for... good.

Cost?

Forty bucks, cash, credit, or check. In case you want to ponder your decision a while longer, the permanent permit to rock will be good for about three weeks. You can't get married where you buy the license. For that, you'll need to find a notary public. Good luck, and happy trails!

Girls, Girls, Girls: Motley Crue

The boys pulled about half the size crowd of Tuesday night's Bob Dylan/Kid Rock show, still a respectable crowd, many gen x&y'ers. You could actually see patches of grass where nobody stood, and even grab a seat at a picnic table to rest your road dog weary bones.

COP MAGNETS!

Top 5 on a Sturgis Biker's DON'T DO list!

1-Taking a leak in public (use public restroom inside the museum or hit a bar.)

2-Glasses or goggles unless you're running a windshield.

3-Leaving your bike parked at the curb after 2am.

4-Hauling your girl around on your handlebars or atop the gas tank.

5-Showing off parts of your anatomy society dictates should be covered in cloth.

Buffalo Chip CG to Split from Sturgis?

Putting pressure on the town of Sturgis?

Ron Woodruff, owner of the Buffalo Chip campground is threatening to pack up and leave Sturgis for another Black Hills location. Hmmm... let's see if we can untangle this mess.. Last fall, the town council defeated a Woodruff backed bill which would have set aside money to purchase land for a shortcut from the major campgrounds to I-90. It was shot down in flames.

The opponents:

"We don't need no stinking road that will only be used for two weeks out of the year. It will kill the vendors who depend on Main and Lazelle traffic for their business." ABM translation? Our license to print money permit business will go down the drain.

The proponents:

A straight shot to the I-90 for emergency services..fire trucks, ambulances, etc. It would eliminate massive traffic jams like the two hour, 5 mile commute from town to the campground. Then again, there's the money thing. The same dude has run the biggest campground for 30 years. He's 65 years old. Moving the whole nine yards will add on another 10 to 15 birthdays to his age.. (please refer to Daytona Harley's move out of Daytona Beach up US1..) Plus, there's no guarantee of a successful outcome..

In a side note, it was hotter than h--l, 99 degrees at 2pm in Rapid City. At least the shower water was cold.. ice cold..again..again..

Kid Rock - Bob Dylan Show Sold Out!

70 thousand? The joint was packed...
oh, the humanity!

Dylan:

Raspy at first, his voice begin to reflect the old Bob we grew up with after a few songs. The D-man let it rip with "Everybody Must Get Stoned", which we saw as a very appropriate first tune. Attired in a big old broad brimmed tan panama hat complete with bandanna, he treated the crowd to his hits, and not too much of the newer songs, which was greatly appreciated. The ABM fave of the evening was "Just Like A Woman"..dude, we don't say it was good unless it was, and it was very good.

This was not the moody dude who only wants to play his new stuff. This was an older guy who hasn't played to a crowd this big in years. We think he was a little freaked when he walked out onto the Buffalo Chip stage and saw the massive crowd.

Best of all? He gave us TWO FULL HOURS of his time. Thanks, man.

Kid Rock:

What can you say about a performer who sold out three of his four Buffalo Chip shows since '05? He's at the top of his game, and we never tire of his s--t. Top to bottom, he sang 'em all, including a crowd fave, "Lowlife", and Hott! Kid played for exactly an hour and a half, abruptly ending the set at 12:30am. We've seen enough shows at the Chip to know that 30 minutes past midnight is the cutoff time for major acts.

Pasties, Please?

Scantily clad blonde wearing a see-thru top patiently explains to all who will listen, "This d--med place won't let me in unless I wear these stupid pasties! We all agree that this is a real shame, and that the "Pasties Policy" should be rescinded immediately!

So....enough of the grasshoppers, it'll hit 95 today, so we're headed for the mountains...(in more ways than one)..an' get us some cool.

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Will get you instant updates from the heart of Rock n Roll, the hub of the two wheeled universe, the land of you got to wear them pasties.. Sturgis, SD!

Big Bad Grasshoppers In The Badlands!

Sturgis Bikers: Planning a day trip to the "Badlands"?

Got a bullet proof vest?

...You'll need one. Billions upon billions of small, yet lethal grasshoppers left a yellow gooey mess all over the front bikes heading to and thru this area. We see 'em every year, but never this thick. The postman scored a shotgun-shell sized welt on his left shoulder from one of the larger critters.

All this and bad road too?

Compliments of the economic stimulus program, a massive section of 18 miles down rt44 near the Badlands town of Scenic has been tore up and grooved for repaving. It's the worst paved road you've ever run. Makes riding hiking trails feel like the interstate system. Use Rt 40 ONLY. When you pull off, there's a mile detour over dirt, then it breaks out into brand new highway. Again campers, use rt40 not rt44.

Farmers waiting on pork steaks!

Free Pork Sandwiches, but where are they?

SD pork farmers are standing by at the liquor store on Lazelle Street, like they're waiting for the bus all day, to quote a song zztop played last night. I can tell they're farmers, 'cause they're the only 6 dudes with big suspenders an' farmer type attire. No offense intended, but they kinda look like some Mennonites standing around the liquor store.. In other words, they really stick out in the leather/bikini/chaps/doos crowd, ya know?

Is it worth the wait?

Yeah. We do this every year.. pork loin sandwiches right off the grill, usually with a fine assortment of Jack Daniels bbq sauce. Hits the spot. Now if only the damm truck will arrive with the meat 'n' grill, we'll have us a Texas size bbq!

Today's the final day..that we missed all of the other four cookouts attests to how absolutely useless we have become this Sturgis. It can only get better..
Once they get to cookin' the freebies last until 3pm, or until they run out!

Sure beats 8 bucks for a hot dog!

Pee Wee Herman Does Sturgis!

It's his big Sturgis adventure!

Legends Ride, up into Deadwood yesterday, Pee Wee Herman showing his limited skill at riding a bicycle..He ain't the skilled two wheeler the movie would indicate.. or maybe he was taking advantage of the free libations.. the downfall of many a band that parties all day, then tries to do a one hour set of music at night. The Herman dude was the life of the party at the Buffalo Chip Campground last night, as he rode a cable suspended high over the massive crowd to land his soft cat's paws onstage, and proceed to delight the rabid crowd with some "Tequila" dancin', a parody of one of his movies where he trips into a biker bar. Someone asked if he was dressed in full regalia.. the answer is yes, gray suit, bow tie, the works. His agent is a genius. The dude is garnering massive amounts of publicity for his upcoming Broadway stage show.

ZZ What?

Man, wish I could give a better report on the three dudes from Texas. Frank Beard, their beardless drummer, looked healthier this time around. Just to make sure, we asked around, and to the person, they all said, "what the hell is up with them?" We ain't out to rag on a band that's given us so many great albums, but dude, the set was just plain un-exciting, and I like the dudes. We bet they were back in LA by 2am.

Buckcherry opened the night, and as usual, they were pretty good, yet, we've seen them do better on at least a couple of occasions. Maybe it was the weather, it's been pretty hot the past couple of days.

ABM nearly gets a free venison dinner:

The fearless five, (us), rolled into Rapid City around 10am, and less than a mile from the interstate, we're on full brake knockdown to avoid three little deer. Just skid marks, (don't ask me where), no accident, but it was close. If you can hit one in Rapid City, they have to be just about everywhere. Wait until the season opens, you won't see one for weeks.

Rapid cops "crack down" on speeders:

Knock 'em down, get the money while the gettin's good. They set up a concealed trap downtown and grabbed them some fine ticket money. Gee, just for us? Shouldn't you dudes be thinning out the deer population?

You stole my what?

ABM's postman had his sissybar pad stole off his bike late last night on Main Street, Sturgis. The wrench put it on so tight, the po figures it musta took the freakin' thief ten minutes to get it off. Geez, a 20 dollar pad? We warn bikers every year to watch their stuff. Yeah, if they want it bad enough, they'll get it, but why make it easy for the low lifes?

Crowd continues to grow:

We're sticking with this one being more like the 65th Sturgis run. Lots of bikers. The campgrounds far away from town were nearly empty last year. When you ride out to Hill City, Keystone, and Custer this year, each and every little whistle stop has bikers. Bars, vendors, eateries are doing well. Good luck to the BC hot dog vendor selling gas station dogs, a bag of chips, and a soda for $8.00. How many shots of tequila do I have to drink before that looks like a real bargain?

The tippy-toe-stop-n-go 2 column line of bikes leaving the major campground area east of Sturgis stretched for miles yesterday. If you don't want to get stuck in traffic, you got to get outta the campground by at least 8:30 or 9am. After that, you may as well wait until noon. Yeah, it's crowded. How can you tell? The hot water shower boiler broke down twice so far. That hasn't happend in three or four years.

ABM is headed up into black gold country to interview today. If you see us, come on over and tell your story. Check back often for updates from the 2 wheel capitol of the wild wild west!

Sturgis2010!

Compared to last year..?

Way bigger crowd. in '09, some of the campgrounds were nearly empty. This year, the feeding frenzy is on. Example: the cheapie tees are starting out at 4 for $27. 5 for 20 last yr. The first weekend out, bikes were lined up from one end of town to the other.

Yesterday, we ran up a few hundred hard miles with "Scary's Crew" of three, with the ball 'n' chain, that made five. First to the Badlands, then back around thru Custer Park, since we came in the back way, bike traffic was minimal. One long, twisty, ride. We musta looked like hell. People were staring at us, but then again, that's always pretty much the case. Not so for the return thru Deadwood, which looked packed with all kinds of motorcycles, the entire downtown area public lots were jammed, some from an on the street parking change on the main, but mostly because there are a lotta bikes this year. It feels a little like the 65th Sturgis.

Cruise downtown or blast around the boonies?

When it gets so hot you can fry yer feet w/your boots on, it's time to head for the mountains, and nearly every watering hole/food juke joint was hoppin'. Bikes packed the lots sporting $2 beers. We have yet to ride in the rain, so the mountains are the place to go. Yesterday's included the Needles Highway, and people were swimming in the lakes as we blasted by. This place has more dirt roads than carter has liver pills. Need me a KTM 900 loaner.

..check back for more Sturgis 10 info.



"SLASH": Dude, we're gonna need your credit card number..soon..okay?

Sturgis Tip #7: Learn from their experience.

Maybe these were avoidable, maybe not.
Look at what's happened in the last few days!


1-Biker hit by canoe:

Canoe comes off truck and hits a biker traveling on Rt 385. Whenever we see a rack of these being towed on or bolted to a truck, it's expected that at least one will eventually break loose and enter our right of way. If not, then it's a pleasant surprise.

2: I-90 rear tire blowout:

Could have been caused by tread wear, over inflation, road debris, or overloading. They went down just before the Badlands exit on I-90. The operator had some facial and arm based road rash, otherwise he was very lucky.
Keep a fresh set of donuts on your ride at all times.

3-Trike couple hits a deer...inside Rapid City!

Just a stone's throw from the local Papa John's Pizza joint! Great to report no serious injury to either. Could have been caused as the animals get used to the yearly sound of mc's cruising the hills and surrounding (city!) area. This is deer country. Watch the ditches for 'em, especially during peak travel time.. right around dusk and dawn.. give or take an hour.

Sports fans, this is our last blog until we reach Sturgis..we're leaving one day later than hoped, as the better half cleans up some lingering work issues. We expect to be there on Thursday or Friday at the latest.

Check back often.. if it's happenin', we'll be all over it like a cheap suit!

"..Where 4 Presidents Got Stoned Together.."

Sturgis Tip #6:

ABM's Lucky Seven: Top Black Hills Attractions!

Three, 30 mi so. of Rapid City-Whack A Moles?

"The Heads", Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park make an incredible "loop" for your first ride. If leaving in the morning, instead of going out via rt 385, take I-90 to Rapid, and come in the back way, via rt 16, or rt 79, avoiding all the bike traffic from the Sturgis area. Much nicer seeing them coming from the opposite direction than having to follow fenders all the way thru the hills. Don't miss the "Needles", or "Needles Highway", rt 87 between Rushmore and Custer Park. Have your camera at the ready all of the time, especially as you encounter buffalo in Custer. The few bucks they charge to ride the loop is well worth the money. And, we've never seen so damm many prairie dogs just about anywhere in the west. It looks like a field of "whack-a-moles"!

East of Rapid: The Badlands-

If you're headed out from the greater Sturgis to Rapid City area, get on I-90 and head east to Box Elder. If you're going to the visitor's center, take rt 44, which intersects the park. If you want the whole nine yards, take 40 a little farther south, but beware...last time we were there, some of the end of this road was gravel. Gas up, and take some water along before you leave. There used to be a bar which sold buffalo burgers and cold brew at the southern end of the park. That, and very few opportunities to gas up, especially late in the weekend.

Devil's Tower-Wyoming

About an hour and change from the Sturgis area, is Devil's Tower. Plenty of little surrounding towns with their own charm.. Sundance, and Hulett, home of "no panties Wednesday". Watch your speed on the I-90, and don't ride two abreast. They salivate over out of state bikers.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway:

Again, do not speed. We hope that the ongoing construction project has finally been finished, because the 30 mph limit has been a ticket writing bonanza for the pd. It's way too easy to get lost in the scenery, and do 45. That's all it takes. Watch it, especially going downhill. Still worth your while. A beautiful ride, especially if you want to take the short bus and don't have time to do the 'lands or the 'heads that day.

Deadwood, and the gold..

Most bikers head to Deadwood to gamble, eat, and have a libation or two. Few even know of the gold mines which made this town one of the west's most famous. The Broken Boat, and the Homestake offer tours. While you're in town, check out the "Railroad Roundhouse". Deadwood can be THE place to cop a big meal at cut rate prices. Certain hours, certain days, you can grab an all you can eat buffet, or a prime rib for Nixon-era bucks. Drinks can be reasonable, too. Watch for the man, and don't hot rod over the bricks.