Rovin' 'Rauder's Sturgis Report 8/10/99

Hi Everyone: Funny noises around the campsite early this morning, and I explore. The hill behind my campsite leads up to Bear Butte, and there are 4 wild turkeys. Today was a good day at Sturgis. I met some people from over the hill next to my campsite. They‘re from Indiana and all riding Harleys. Of course one is having periodic problems! The folks on the other side of me have two bent valves. I think this is from overheating as they crawl through town. Good folks, all they accept me and Bessy no problem.

 I tagged along with the Indiania group to Mount Rushmore. It is 90 miles away, through some of the best mountain riding I‘ve seen. Deep blue lakes, tall and straight lodgepole pines, I think. Like the southern white pine, but denser and thicker. Blue skys, a few clounds, light breeze. Sunburn even with SPF15 lotion, but minor. Wore the lid, most people don‘t. I tried a short run lidless, and it was cool, but I've grown attached to my face. Only problem on the run is too many bikes. The road is filled all the way there, and we took the back way! For example, I‘ve seen at least 300 different trikes. It really is too much, but that is Sturgis!

 We make Rushmore, and there is a special deal this week for bikes, $5.00 instead of $8.00. OK National Park Service! Good facilities to handle the crowds. It is a sight to behold! Interesting mix of people. Old ladies creeping along with a cane, and a tattooed, hairy biker making way for them! Some nervous family types, who don‘t want little Johnny getting bad ideas. “Mom, did you see the chopper with the skulls on it, way cool.” Mom‘s face looks like she just swallowed a bug. Japanese tourists excitedly taking pictures, of the bikers! Giggling! (We got to see Hell‘s Angels!, Yes?) I know how they feel, I always enjoy the people more than the sights.

 There have been some accidents. One dude took 150 stitches. He wasn‘t watching carefully, and lost it. Tried to save the bike and wound up under it, I‘m told. I saw two bikes collide, at 2 mpg in a turn around. Not a scrape. A girl (young lady) in our campground is sporting bandages, wasn‘t holding on and hubby hit a pot hole. Seems the bike got lighter suddenly. Poor thing is hurting, but no permanent damage. Still riding, but with both hands firmly around hubby.

 I‘m doing Devil‘s Butte tomorrow. I can only post after 10 pm mountain time, so sorry for the delay

 Rovin' 'Rauder
JimG, and Bessy.