STURGIS - the bikers Mecca

Finally arrived at the Mecca for all bike riders and this place is freaking awesome. Arrived into town about noon and first thing was a photo shoot at the Sturgis welcome sign.  Then managed to get through the traffic to our camping ground which was call Katmandu about 3 miles out on the way back to Rapid City.  After paying the camp fees found the camp bar had a Bud and introduced ourselves to Betty the barmaid which is very important as this is where you get all the information on what to see and what not to see.

After a couple of brews then found a flat bit a ground and put the tent up in the 29 degree heat. Then downtown sightseeing. 

Now in the first 10 minutes I have made 6 observations:-

1. There are alot of bikes in Sturgis

2. China must make a fortune out of the tee shirts and merchandise they sell here.  You name it they got it.  Tents and shops everywhere

3. There is more silicon here than Silicon Valley

4. All the fast food outlets seem to attract all the fat people who should know better

5. You can wear anything you like

6. People here under 40 are in the minority

At this stage I would like to apologise to Jan for some of the pictures and stories that may come through over the next few days these do not represent her views.

Came back to camp about 4 pm.  Went and saw Betty and had a few Buds (hot here got to keep fluids up).  Met some great people from Rhode Island then back to tents.  15 minutes later Trevor & Liz from LiquorLand Tindwall arrived.  Betty and half the camp gave them directions where the Kiwis were camping, so was good to catch up with them and hear some of their stories about their trip.

Up this morning at 6am and today going to do a big run about 3-5 hours to see Mount Rushmore.  Tomorrow will have to find somewhere to get the old girl serviced. WiFi not good here if any one is trying to get a hold of me.

Location:Sturgis

Reunited with my iPad, bike troubles but most importantly bring on Sturgis!!!

Well have got my iPad and wallet back thanks to Donnie Williamson who found my gear by the side of the road and forwarded it here.  It is much appreciated.

We have now clocked up 3460 miles = appox 5500 km and haven't been lost now for 3 days but had a bit of trouble today with my bike.  We stopped in the middle of nowhere to have a rest and I went to start the bike and it wouldn't start.  Dead as a Dodo, hazard lights flashing, something wrong with the alarm which shut down everything electrical.  A couple of guys pulled up to help but tried to reboot by removing the battery - this didn't work.  They left after 20 minutes and we were about to call roadside service when we tried the alarm remote again and away she went (have replaced battery in the remote).  Tested and all is well but we were a bit worried.

Have a new friend and have named him Bob.  It is my new GPS and am slowly starting to use it.

Tomorrow we head to Sturgis, 18 months of planning and something else I can knock of my list.

This is where I lost my bag.

Location:Chadron

Couple of Aussies we met

2 kiwi guys we met in bar last night heading to Sturgis.  Baz and Jed, both living in Australia and working in mines there.

Bed bugs anyone?

Arrived here in Cheyenne this morning.  Had a look through the  local museum.  Just history stuff, which I enjoyed.  We then found a motel.  $50.00 a night for 3 – what a dive!!  Boys worried about bed bugs but even they wouldn't live here.  Room smells of smoke and we have had some hillbillies moved in next door,.  Going to be a good night.  

Lots of bikes on the road now.  Am getting used to riding at 85 mph  and riding around without a helmet, wind blowing through my short grey hair.  One thing we are doing is looking after our bodies. Sunscreen is a must and we are going through this.  High doses of vitamin C,  lots of Gatorade - so am up peeing all night.   Plus we are eating well.  Lots of salads and vegetables and not doing much fast foods.  

Nice city here, 59000 pop, average house 3 bed $250000.00, temp today 34.  Have not had a Bud all day so walking down street to the Eagle saloon for a couple.

Location:Cheyenne

A well deserved Bud

Spectacular Views - Colorado Springs

I would love to show you all some photos coming through the mountains between Alamosa and Colorado Springs as one minute we are on the flat plains then we are in the mountain with spectacular views, then down on the flats again.   But the photos I get off my phone wont do the scenery justice and am starting to prefer taking big scene pictures with my iPad which I don't get back till the 4th.

So Tuesday we had a big ride, did just over 355 miles and never got to Colorado Springs till 6 pm and it was starting to get dark.  Tried to find camping ground but gave up and got motel and I must say the service and the rooms we got was exceptional.

Next day we booked into camping ground and no it wasn't run by Moonies "garden of the gods".  Is a big street and suburb, then went sight seeing and had a look at Manitou Springs, an historic part of Colorado Springs.  It reminded me of Arrowtown, NZ.   Made for the tourist but was lovely. 

Oh forgot to mention driving into Colorado Springs at 5 pm is a Bitch.  Tail to bumper all the way, were very pleased to get to motel.  Had a very relaxing day and would recommend visiting here.

This morning headed for Denver and found it was too big a city. Couldn't wait to get out, so we had brunch their.   I then put the iPhone head set on and with John Denver playing County Road got out of there and now in Fort Collins.

Observations:-  There are a lot of solo bikers in the US, nice guys just looking around the country by themselves always keen for a chat and to share information.

Customer service is very high here and nothing is a problem.

Location:Fort Collins

Chilling in Colorado Springs

These blogs are short as on iPhone.  Stayed 2 nights at Colorado Springs and just chilled out.

Check out name of camp run by Moonies.  This is a beautiful country but will go into more details when get iPad back.