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

[DK Custom Products]

Day 8-

We have a full day planned today, packing up....

...then looking for where the end of the jiffy stand is. lol

With all the rain yesterday, I think it partly sank down and partly rain washed dirt over the top.

The rain and hail cleaned the top half of the bike and splattered dirt up on the bottom half.

It's a great day to ride...

...so we're off...may be back in 10-12 hours!

We're pretty pumped about...

...what all we're going to see...

...the fun roads we're going to ride...

...the sunny skies, and hopefully some good drone footage.

More of Day 8 to come, as time allows.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Interrupting Day 8-

Dwayne just finished a little video of Day 5....

Riding down Hanna Rd, from base camp on Long Draw Rd., on to Deadwood, then back thru Cheyenne Crossing.* Finishing up with riding Spearfish Canyon, each direction.



Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 8 Continued-

This map shows our plans for the day. Some of the best riding in the country!

Mary got some good cloud pics!

It's gonna be a great day of riding...

...I can tell that already!

First other bike we've seen so far.

A look back, we have the road to ourselves.

They're slowing down in the curves, speeding up in the straights (sort of the opposite of what I do)...

...being a curvy road, soon they are behind us.

Some fellow travelers...

...what a great day to be riding!

Will continue Day 8 as time allows.

Kevin

 

[Gray Biker]

Your rididing the roads we ride every time we go out... Sure look different without the Rally traffic... But we get up early and go in from Rapid City and around. So we mostly meet traffic, not have to follow it... Looks like great riding for you... Did you know about the road between Keystone and Hill City that mostly rus along the same area as the 1880s train. From Keystone, the north end at the lights you hang a left.. We ride it both directions, but mostly from Hill City over. Then about dark head bsack to Rapid to the campground...

 

[BILLIJAK]

Great trip so far!

We were out for the Trike Rally in Deadwood this week...back home now because Cora has to be at work in the morning (Saturday}. Rode down to Cheyenne Crossing with the TT/TOI group for lunch on Thursday. After lunch we all went our separate ways...we found Hanna Road, and followed to your campsite...it was empty as of Thursday afternoon!

Our trip was similar to yours, as in rain, hail,...but we had heat, and more road construction..N of Hill City on Hwy 385 they are laying down new asphalt, so wait for pilot car. Iron Mtn Rd was being chip sealed south of Keystone...I figured it must be a real joy to get that o/size machinery up there during tourist season...NOT! Another long wait for pilot car.

Looks like the traffic has picked up since you folks were there...this is now a week after the 4th of July, so that is to be expected.

Looking forward to the next installments of "The Adventures of Kevin and Mary"!!

Bill

 

[DK Custom Products]

Your rididing the roads we ride every time we go out... Sure look different without the Rally traffic... But we get up early and go in from Rapid City and around. So we mostly meet traffic, not have to follow it... Looks like great riding for you... Did you know about the road between Keystone and Hill City that mostly rus along the same area as the 1880s train. From Keystone, the north end at the lights you hang a left.. We ride it both directions, but mostly from Hill City over. Then about dark head bsack to Rapid to the campground...

I did not know that. Will take a closer look along the way next time out. Sounds like you have a plan to enjoy the rally and relatively traffic free riding.

Great trip so far!

We were out for the Trike Rally in Deadwood this week...back home now because Cora has to be at work in the morning (Saturday}. Rode down to Cheyenne Crossing with the TT/TOI group for lunch on Thursday. After lunch we all went our separate ways...we found Hanna Road, and followed to your campsite...it was empty as of Thursday afternoon!

Our trip was similar to yours, as in rain, hail,...but we had heat, and more road construction..N of Hill City on Hwy 385 they are laying down new asphalt, so wait for pilot car. Iron Mtn Rd was being chip sealed south of Keystone...I figured it must be a real joy to get that o/size machinery up there during tourist season...NOT! Another long wait for pilot car.

Looks like the traffic has picked up since you folks were there...this is now a week after the 4th of July, so that is to be expected.

Looking forward to the next installments of "The Adventures of Kevin and Mary"!!

Bill

Sounds like you had a nice time, regardless. We did have 1 pilot car on the way out of Hill City. Wait was not bad, maybe 10 minutes....BUT, it was not hot...that is a big benefit.

I have a feeling that campsite spoiled us...hard to top it. lol

More Coming.

Kevin4Mary2

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 8 quick update-

The fantastic riding continues...

...a different perspective. I have no idea how far Mary stretched out for this pic.

Great views everywhere...

...riding the levee...

...it was a bit of a surprise when the camera swung into my peripheral vision!

Oh Yeah! These kind of signs usually mean "a ton of fun ahead"-

It was a bit tempered by these bikes and car that did not share my opinion of the "fun ahead" sign. lol

Beautiful views!

Day 8 continued as time allows.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

It is a Hero 7 Black. First GoPro I've had. It is waterproof, with an ok microphone built in. I am using an external mic most of the time. When I do that it is NOT waterproof...I have to remove one of the doors. If it starts to rain, I can put the door back, only takes a few seconds...BUT, then I have no external mic, just the built in one.

While I have not used external power I could...but it is the same port as the external mic, so it is one or the other, and neither one is waterproof.

What I do for power is that I have 4 batteries, and I have a USB 3 battery charger...so as long as I remember to charge...at night, or while riding...I should never have a power issue.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 8 Continued-

Coming up to some nice riding!

This is going to be fun...

...getting closer to...

...hey, that's gonna be us not too far ahead!

I know I've said it a 100 times...I really like curvy roads!

Elevation changes are fun too!

Rocks that can fall down on us, not so much. lol

Ok, here we are...

...my mind quiets on these roads and I just enjoy the 'flight".

Not to offend anyone...but this kind of riding is "heaven on earth".

Will continue Day 8 as time allows.

Kevin

 

[Gray Biker]

When you came into Keystone from that way, the road just past the parking lot at the lights is the one you take to Hill City... You cant go very fast on it. but some of the turns you can just about see your tail light on... Nice little off the beaten path road. When we found it about 25 years ago, it was mostly beat up seal coat. Its much better rode now. To the Left is Hwy 40 it will take you out to Hwy 79... Its a fun road too then turn south and go just a couple miles and back into the hills on 36. it takes you into Custer park. its at the Entrance on the east side, where Iron Mt Road starts Its a fun road too. We love your pics.... Its like seeing home.. We will be there in a few weeks...

 

[DK Custom Products]

When you came into Keystone from that way, the road just past the parking lot at the lights is the one you take to Hill City... You cant go very fast on it. but some of the turns you can just about see your tail light on... Nice little off the beaten path road. When we found it about 25 years ago, it was mostly beat up seal coat. Its much better rode now. To the Left is Hwy 40 it will take you out to Hwy 79... Its a fun road too then turn south and go just a couple miles and back into the hills on 36. it takes you into Custer park. its at the Entrance on the east side, where Iron Mt Road starts Its a fun road too. We love your pics.... Its like seeing home.. We will be there in a few weeks...

Good to know for next time. Thanks!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 8 Continued-

This is gonna be fun...

...gonna ride around it once...

...looking for a good spot...

...then turn around and go back.

Mary in the mirror-

This looks like a good spot.

That dot up in the middle of the clouds...

...yep, that's the drone taking video, here's where we just rode...

...we left it up there and off we rode!

...with Mary taking pics on the bike, while the drone was videoing above.

More of Day 8 in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 8 Continued-

After riding a bit and getting some video, went back to where we started (where the drone took off from). Ground view...

...coming in for landing view...

...and walking back to bike to pack it up...

...and ride on down the road.

There's always been traffic here...

...with good reason...

...as you will see, if you've not been here before.

There we go...a closer look of the last 3 shots.

After the view of Mt. Rushmore we took this road a second time...

...then turned down a little side road.

More of Day 8 in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 8 Continued-

On down the side road...

...the storm did a number on some of the trees...

...we got about a mile down the road and did not go any further than this. Stopped for a snack and to walk around the woods a bit.

Headed back out a different way, more trees down...

...back on the 2 lane "main" road.

What a great day of riding...

...both for the views AND the curves.

Found another good spot to put the drone up...

Mary's not riding with me this time. She is on the ground flying the drone herself, for the first time...

...she did great, got some good footage following me down the road.

Will post more Day 8 as time allows.

Kevin

 

[ol' school]

Great pics you two! The drone definitely gives a different perspective!

 

[Zammy]

Wonderful views Kevin and Mary !

 

[DK Custom Products]

Great pics you two! The drone definitely gives a different perspective!

Thank you. Yes, a very different perspective!

Wonderful views Kevin and Mary !

Thanks, lots more coming.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 8 Continued-

We continue on down 16A...

...thoroughly enjoying...

...the perfect riding day.

We cut thru just a bit of Custer State Park...

enjoying the curves...

We have seen quite a few deer today...

...a bit closer look.

Before long it's time to take the Needles Highway...

...for more spectacular views...

...and more "fun ahead" signs!

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 8 Continued-

The sign was telling the truth...

...Curvy scenic road...

...hard to beat the enjoyment of roads like this!

Getting closer...

...the road was recently resurfaced...

...nice ride, and there we are!

Mary took hundreds of photos...

Just a few have made it here...

...the views seem never-ending...

...and new around every curve in the road.

Will post more of Day 8 as time allows.

Kevin

 

[Iowavicrider]

Beautiful! We just returned from the 3-Wheel Rally in Deadwood and your adventures brought back great memories! Spearfish Canyon never gets old!

 

[DK Custom Products]

Beautiful! We just returned from the 3-Wheel Rally in Deadwood and your adventures brought back great memories! Spearfish Canyon never gets old!

So true!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 8 Continued-

I know this is getting long for just one day, but we rode some of the most scenic places to ride, and Mary took well over 500 pics, plus the GoPro footage, plus the drone footage...it is getting close to a wrap for the day.

The ride thru these curves...

...brings us to...

...absolutely stunning views...

...so much so that I...

...literally forget about the road for a bit, which is very unusual for me.

Being able to ride thru...

...these rock formations is...

...a joy and a privilege.

Just amazing that we can enjoy these views!

Ok, where to next?

Continued in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 8 Continued-

Doing it old school. Yeah, I finally started using GPS on the TG a few years ago...but on the Sporty and the Softail it is still done the old way. lol

Ok, this way looks like more fun!

Pulled over for a battery change, and to let the slow-pokes get way ahead of me so I can proceed at my preferred pace.

Back rolling...

...and thoroughly enjoying it...

...but all good roads eventually come to an end.

Time to head back to camp. We had a bit of a hold up at some road construction near Hill City...15-20 minutes...

...but soon we are back rolling.

At 60, I've tried numerous times to figure out what the allure of the open road is, especially curving ones...

...I've not figured it out, but it has been in my blood for over half a century, and it does not get old! I'm just happy Mary likes it almost as much as I do.

Day 8 will be concluded soon.

Kevin

 

[Gray Biker]

I carry one of them things in my back pocket, but hardly ever take it out. But after riding out there 26 years, we've been on most of the hard roads. We love riding out there.

We're going to start going out at other than Rally time. It looks way better riding without all the other bike traffic

 

[flyswatter]

Loving the ride report....

 

[BILLIJAK]

Kevin, been back from the 3 Wheeler Rally for a little over a week...hot and muggy back here on the east side of SD. Really enjoying this Ride Report as just recently traveled many of the same roads. You were just about a mile from our place in your last pic of Sheridan Lake.

The road construction s of Hill City can be a long wait for the pilot car....especially with no shade. There was road construction..chip sealing..up on Iron Mtn Road when we were there...again a long wait in the sun. But, the roads are worth it!

Looking forward to your next posting!

Bill

 

[DK Custom Products]

I carry one of them things in my back pocket, but hardly ever take it out. But after riding out there 26 years, we've been on most of the hard roads. We love riding out there.

We're going to start going out at other than Rally time. It looks way better riding without all the other bike traffic

Yeah, we only get out every few years, so need to refer to it periodically.

Loving the ride report....

Good to read that you're digging it. :clapping:

Kevin, been back from the 3 Wheeler Rally for a little over a week...hot and muggy back here on the east side of SD. Really enjoying this Ride Report as just recently traveled many of the same roads. You were just about a mile from our place in your last pic of Sheridan Lake.

The road construction s of Hill City can be a long wait for the pilot car....especially with no shade. There was road construction..chip sealing..up on Iron Mtn Road when we were there...again a long wait in the sun. But, the roads are worth it!

Looking forward to your next posting!

Bill

We were most fortunate on short waits and cooler weather! Thank you for your pointers when we met up earlier.

Next post or two is the last in the Hills...moving on to the Grand Teton NP.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 8 - Some missing shots.

Found a few photos...

...that were already cropped....

...and resized...

...that I meant to post from earlier in the day.

What a great ride it has been...

...today has to be one of the most enjoyable days Mary and I....

...have spent on 2 wheels.

We don't know how many years we have left...

...we are definitely making the most of them...

...fantastic scenery, great roads, memorable day!

Day 8 concluded in next post.

Kevin