Ride Report 2019 Black Hills, Grand Teton Mtns., Rocky Mountain Ntl. Park

[DK Custom Products]

Day 5 Continued-

Spearfish Canyon...

...what a great day to be riding it...

...Mary is getting a ton of great cloud pics...

...we're both really enjoying the road & the views.

It is a classic American scenic byway.

Old Hydro Electro Plant-

Don't want to jinx myself, but as far as the speed limit, I ride at the speed that is safe for the road conditions and the traffic...

...and there's been very little traffic, and very little 35 mph speeds today.

Caught the waterfall on the fly. We'll stop for a better pic on the way back.

Absolutely amazing road to appreciate....both the riding and the views!

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 5 Continued-

It's cold today....

...but with the electric jackets, the views and...

...the lack of traffic, the high 40's/low 50's are totally worth it!

Here we are in Spearfish. First time we need to do a bit of grocery shopping this trip, and what better way to do it than a round trip via Spearfish Canyon.

This is a motel that we stayed in for 3 or 4 days about 5 years ago.

Downtown Main Street...lots of good memories of this town-

Shopping's done, back riding Spearfish Canyon, the opposite direction.

Leaned over, coming out of a sharp curve...

...this is a road that just begs to be ridden in a "spirited" manner.

I don't know how many times we'd have to ride it to get tired of it.

Still more to come of Day 5, as time permits.

Kevin

 

[Gray Biker]

We love riding the hills when were at the Rally. Usually run the Canyon both directions every year. But its a lot warmer when were out there. We love riding from Spearfish down to Hill city. One year there wasnt much traffic. So we ran it early in the week and again before we left.... I told Deb that I thought I was getting tired of corners... She said she never thought she would hear me say that... But it was the fourth day of riding the hills all day...

Be different on the Triglide this year... I like laying over in the corners... Looks like great riding with out the traffic that we always have...

Have fun... Just saw Beartooth is closed again for snow... Good thing your not going that far...

 

[frostbite51]

Been down Spearfish canyon many times. If you really want the 'WOW' factor, go down during the peak fall colors. One thinks it is mostly evergreens, but it will surprise and amaze you...

 

[BILLIJAK]

Glad you're having a great time! I thought you'd have a few 'jacket weather' days!:laugh: My perfect riding weather.

We have a good friend that has a rustic cabin out there in the Canyon....in between the Power Plant No. 2 and Bridal Veil Falls....been lucky enough to have stayed there a few times.....NOT during Sturgis Bike Week!! I think they make enough off rentals to pay property tax for the year! Good deal for them, and they have returning renters, so must be good for them as well.:clapping:

Really enjoying your ride reports and pics....Ride Safe!

Bill

 

[DK Custom Products]

Sorry it's been so long since an update....

Been busy riding!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Lots of rain here in Florida, I feel soggy when I ride

Following your trip, stay safe and have FUN:clapping:

Hey Jack,

Better soggy and warm than wet and freezing!

We love riding the hills when were at the Rally. Usually run the Canyon both directions every year. But its a lot warmer when were out there. We love riding from Spearfish down to Hill city. One year there wasnt much traffic. So we ran it early in the week and again before we left.... I told Deb that I thought I was getting tired of corners... She said she never thought she would hear me say that... But it was the fourth day of riding the hills all day...

Be different on the Triglide this year... I like laying over in the corners... Looks like great riding with out the traffic that we always have...

Have fun... Just saw Beartooth is closed again for snow... Good thing your not going that far...

I hear ya on getting tired of the corners. That happened to me once in Idaho a few years back. Surprised me And Mary. But I was cured the next day. lol

Yep, the TG is different in the curves...still fun, just different. If you need any confirmation that they can handle the sweepers and twistys just as good, or better, than HD 2 wheelers...check out this video-

Been down Spearfish canyon many times. If you really want the 'WOW' factor, go down during the peak fall colors. One thinks it is mostly evergreens, but it will surprise and amaze you...

Thanks man...gonna have to do that one year.

Glad you're having a great time! I thought you'd have a few 'jacket weather' days!:laugh: My perfect riding weather.

We have a good friend that has a rustic cabin out there in the Canyon....in between the Power Plant No. 2 and Bridal Veil Falls....been lucky enough to have stayed there a few times.....NOT during Sturgis Bike Week!! I think they make enough off rentals to pay property tax for the year! Good deal for them, and they have returning renters, so must be good for them as well.:clapping:

Really enjoying your ride reports and pics....Ride Safe!

Bill

Hey Bill,

Thanks!

Our time in the Hills has been perfect!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 5 Concluded-

What a great road, the curves and the views-

Stopped at the waterfall....

...for Mary to get a photo...

...and one more, looking back as we ride away.

This is my kind of road...

...the scenery is endless...

...and the curves just keep coming.

We were really fortunate for nice cool weather and a relatively traffic free day!

Just stunning!!!

Day 5 wrapped up in the next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 5 Conclusion-

Looking up the side of the canyon wall from the bike...

...the photo's don't really show how steep and tall they are. Quite a sight in person!

What a day it has been...thru Cheyenne Crossing, over the hill, thru Lead, to Deadwood. Back thru Lead and over the curvy hill again, back thru Cheyenne Crossing.

Then up thru Spearfish Canyon...a bit of nostalgia wandering around Spearfish a bit. Then back thru the Canyon again.

Now we've gone thru Cheyenne Crossing a 3rd time and are on the 5 mile narrow road leading to our "camp" site.

This is one of 6 wooden bridges we cross on this road.

It is a very nice, picturesque ribbon of asphalt. The last half mile before camp is a nice hard-packed gravel road.

Back at our "own little private lake"...

...we went for a walk around the lake...

...the stream is quite cold and moving quickly.

Great way to wrap up a fantastic day of riding!

Kevin

 

[ol' school]

Great pics as usual! Looks like a fun time!

 

[Jack Klarich]

I know exactly where you are

Very quiet and calming

My wife and I saw a pine tree fall from the top of the canyon near where you are

It just slid down the cliff and went down the canyon, what a sight:clapping:

It gets kind of cold there at night time

 

[Gray Biker]

Looks like you are having a great time. I see Sturgis is kind of fighting over the actual dates of next years rally... Were thinking about making this our last year. And just doing like you guys are doing... We just spend out time riding around out there anyway. And the pics of no traffic in the canyon looks a lot better than back to back bikes when we ride it. We've had a few times by ourselves. But that doesnt happen often... Its prety much how you catch the lights coming out of Spearfish... I havent seen any Iron Mt Road, or Custer park pics... You have to hit those before you leave... We quit Iron MT Road and Needles because of the rally traffic too. Another reason to change when we go out...

Keep posting pics, you getting us primed for the Rally

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 6-

Today we're headed towards Devils Tower.

Devils Tower is in a National Park, and drones are NOT allowed in National Parks. However, we are hoping to get right outside the border of the actual NP and get some drone footage.

Leaving out from our base camp at the lake, we fall in behind 7 side by sides running down the road...

...we follow them all the way down the little lane til we get to Cheyenne Crossing...

...then they turn up the road toward Spearfish Canyon, same way we are going.

These things move out. I was doing 65 mph to keep up with the slow ones at the end of the line!

They turned off right before Spearfish Canyon Road, then we pretty much had it to ourselves...

...this place is spectacular, even riding it the 3rd time in less than 24 hours!

Mary in the Mirror!

The curves just keep coming!

Rolling thru this road, at 60* temps, sunny, very little traffic...hard to beat!

8 fellow travelers, headed the opposite direction.

Between yesterday and today, Mary took over 400 photos on this road, but we'll call it now.

Day 6 continued in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 6 continued-

Headed into the city of Spearfish...

...leaving the city of Spearfish, headed toward Belle Fourche...

...with a look back at Spearfish.

Belle Fourche, where we turn west, headed for Wyoming.

Looks like there could be rain ahead...

...what's this?

A trike was off the road. Not sure if anyone got hurt, or what precipitated the trike leaving the road. There were some friends stopped, we were told no help was needed...

...so on we went. Less than 30 seconds later we were in Wyoming...

...where the State makes it clear what they expect of bikers.

The road is curvy & we're climbing in elevation, and it is definitely getting colder!

Will continue Day 6 as time allows.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Great pics as usual! Looks like a fun time!

Thanks man. Appreciate it. Yes, we are having a great time!

I know exactly where you are

Very quiet and calming

My wife and I saw a pine tree fall from the top of the canyon near where you are

It just slid down the cliff and went down the canyon, what a sight:clapping:

It gets kind of cold there at night time

You're correct on all counts! Not far from "Icebox Canyon". lol

Looks like you are having a great time. I see Sturgis is kind of fighting over the actual dates of next years rally... Were thinking about making this our last year. And just doing like you guys are doing... We just spend out time riding around out there anyway. And the pics of no traffic in the canyon looks a lot better than back to back bikes when we ride it. We've had a few times by ourselves. But that doesnt happen often... Its prety much how you catch the lights coming out of Spearfish... I havent seen any Iron Mt Road, or Custer park pics... You have to hit those before you leave... We quit Iron MT Road and Needles because of the rally traffic too. Another reason to change when we go out...

Keep posting pics, you getting us primed for the Rally

Glad you're enjoying. Iron Mt. & part of Custer State Park are coming!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 6 Continued-

At the top of this little pass we stopped for a snack, and to enjoy the surroundings. Fixing to get back riding-

The simple joy...

...of riding a curving road...

...is one of the most pure enjoyments...

...in life. And if you can see lots of curves up ahead, it just makes it better!

Passing thru Hulett...

...soon after we get our first glimpse of Devils Tower...

...and a bit closer.

We stopped here, before the entrance. It is a pretty serious fine/confiscation of equipment to fly a drone in a National Park, so we're looking for where we can fly, just outside the park boundary.

We decide to go on into the park and then fly the drone after we come back out.

More on Day 6 soon.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 6 Continued-

In the park now, headed up...

...toward the base of the Tower...

...it's a short but scenic ride.

This is as far as we can ride...walking is what gets you closer.

When we were a ways off still, Mary said "that's not big enough for a ship to land on". lol

It's bigger than it looks. Photo's don't do it justice.

We decided to walk a little ways up, but I got distracted by this Indian conversion on the way thru the parking lot.

We walked up a ways...the boulders kept getting bigger!

Mary, at the bottom of this photo, gives a little perspective.

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 6 Continued-

We did not go much further up. We wandered around a bit, then headed back down.

Another view on the ride down.

At the bottom there is a Prairie Dog Town with hundreds (thousands?) of Prairie Dogs.

After we left the National Park we found a spot...

...where we could put the drone up in the air without getting it confiscated and a fine...

We're still getting the hang of using this thing...

...it gives a whole different perspective.

Both of us riding by-

We'll have some video edited later, but these were a few screen captures from the video.

Landing-

Will conclude Day 6 as time allows.

Kevin

 

[ol' school]

Awesome pics! Loved the one of you both riding by!

 

[Gray Biker]

Been there twice. Outside the park probably around 10 times. Dont ride over from Sturgis every year. At least you had a good day to go over. If the weather is good, might make it again this year. Try out the trike on the curves... One year we went, the road was gone between some where around Aladdin to close to Hulett. Been awhile cant quite remember where... They were putting inn a new road, and there was a trail in the construction area.... Never seen so many upset yuppies in my life... They were riding gravel and dirt, and there was dust everywhere... LOL Looks like you had fun... Glad you made it back safe...

 

[Jack Klarich]

I see a prairie dog spying on you and Mary

They are mean buggers, I tried feeding one in Custer State Park, never again

Great pictures, have fun and be safe:clapping:

 

[DK Custom Products]

I see a prairie dog spying on you and Mary

They are mean buggers, I tried feeding one in Custer State Park, never again

Great pictures, have fun and be safe:clapping:

You still have all your fingers?

Thank you!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Awesome pics! Loved the one of you both riding by!

Thanks man.

Been there twice. Outside the park probably around 10 times. Dont ride over from Sturgis every year. At least you had a good day to go over. If the weather is good, might make it again this year. Try out the trike on the curves... One year we went, the road was gone between some where around Aladdin to close to Hulett. Been awhile cant quite remember where... They were putting inn a new road, and there was a trail in the construction area.... Never seen so many upset yuppies in my life... They were riding gravel and dirt, and there was dust everywhere... LOL Looks like you had fun... Glad you made it back safe...

Yeah, Sturgis Rally traffic is not for us. lol

This was our first time "IN" the DTNP.

Kevin

 

[MDO]

Kevin, I'm curious about your thoughts on your toy hauler/travel trailer?

Was there any problems/major complaints about living with it on an extended trip?

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin, I'm curious about your thoughts on your toy hauler/travel trailer?

Was there any problems/major complaints about living with it on an extended trip?

I'm going to be putting my thoughts all together on it and writing up a report.

It is definitely different, and there are pros and cons.

For us, given how much we've crisscrossed the nation on bikes and trikes, given our age, the pros far outweigh the cons.

Still putting it all together in my head. Will report on it soon.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 6 Continued-

Headed back to camp...

...thru Hulett. Other travelers.

The hills and curves are just as fun...

...on the way back as they were on the way!

Another group of fellow travelers.

Already back in S.D.

Back in Spearfish Canyon...

...for the 4th time this week...

...it is a FUN Road!

Day 6 concluded in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 6 Concluded-

Spearfish Canyon is a great place to ride...

...with great views...

...since this is the last time we are riding thru here this trip...

...we put the drone up and got some footage.

I thought it would be much easier to fly and get footage than it has been...

...but we are getting better and getting some ok stuff.

Back at camp, time for some home-cooked dinner and a movie!

Kevin

 

[Gray Biker]

Looking at your pics, I think this will be our last year for the Rally. Since I'm retired we can go out any time the weathers is going to be nice. We can make Rapid in a little over a day and a half on the bike... In the truck going to Yellowstone, the camp ground we were going to stay at had washed away in a flood... What sucks for them, is last year it got flooded too... But this time cabins were washed away and everything... So we drove all the way out in a day...

It looks like a lot nicer riding without all the Rally traffic. I've never seen Hulett that empty. Its usually like riding through a parking lot thats about 2 miles long. One year it was bad enough it was down to sitting on the bike and walking it through two lanes just wide enough to meet with two bikes... Everything else was people standing in the street... Last time we went on Wednesday. Tuesday is the day now. Since everyone and their dog is there Wednesday...

 

[DK Custom Products]

Looking at your pics, I think this will be our last year for the Rally. Since I'm retired we can go out any time the weathers is going to be nice. We can make Rapid in a little over a day and a half on the bike... In the truck going to Yellowstone, the camp ground we were going to stay at had washed away in a flood... What sucks for them, is last year it got flooded too... But this time cabins were washed away and everything... So we drove all the way out in a day...

It looks like a lot nicer riding without all the Rally traffic. I've never seen Hulett that empty. Its usually like riding through a parking lot thats about 2 miles long. One year it was bad enough it was down to sitting on the bike and walking it through two lanes just wide enough to meet with two bikes... Everything else was people standing in the street... Last time we went on Wednesday. Tuesday is the day now. Since everyone and their dog is there Wednesday...

Sometimes crowds and rallies are fun...we've been to hundreds of them...but more for people watching, looking at bikes, and enjoying visiting with old & new friends....but for riding, not so much. :laugh:

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 7-

Woke up to mid 40 degree temps and hard rain.

It ended up raining and hailing off and on all day, with the temps never getting into the 50's.

We took the day off from riding (yep, we're old and wimps now, lol) and....

...used the truck to head into Deadwood for some internet....

...to do some shopping, and have lunch in the saloon frequented by Wild Bill.

It was a relaxing day, but we are chomping at the bit for a big ride tomorrow!

Kevin