After Sturgis 2009 Day 2

Day 2 started out westbound on I-90 towards the Missouri River. As a note to SK, Budweiser has a new plant (distribution center?) east of Chamberlain, SD. At Chamberlain we headed north along the River. This route was approximately 100 mile detour from I-90, but if you find yourself on a motorcycle, then time shouldn't matter. This route is extremely scenic! We continued west into Pierre (Capital of SD) and Petersen's Harley-Davidson. As we left the dealership we were told to head north to the Oahe Dam, the world's 2nd largest plowed earth dam (used to be #1 until China built their's last year). We were forced to dirt roads on Hwy 34 west all the way to Pierre, some 40+ miles. Andrew got a taste of riding on gravel, grated roads, dirt and pee gravel during this jaunt. It really sucked! But an adventure none-the-less.

We talked to two different people today telling us about the hail storm that hit Sturgis Bike Week. One described the hail to be grapefruit sized the other baseball! A third party informed us that some of the bars in Sturgis kicked the customers out so that bikes could be brought in for protection. Gas tanks, speedometers and fenders sustained lots of damages. Good thing we decided to make the trek a week after the rally!

Once back on I-90 we continued to the Badlands. Before entering the Park, we stopped at the Conoco Service Station for some buffalo. We each had a buffalo hotdog for lunch! As always, it was very warm, no it was hot! A shout-out goes to John and Randy once again for wisdom of safe motorcycling taught to Andrew. If one has the will to ride safely and continues to practice by riding their "A" Game, then they should be able to handle whatever comes their way. I was concerned with Andrew's limited riding skills, however as the week went on, my concern was not warranted. His handling of the Badlands and later in Day 4 was much better than I anticipated!

South Dakota would not be complete without a stop in Wall and the famous Wall Drug. Again we found ourselves riding out of the Badlands towards Wall in freshly laid pee gravel! We arrived in Wall on the main drag again on freshly laid pee gravel! They informed us that the Highway Department waited until Sturgis Bike Week was over to start their maintenance work. Thanks guys! The water is always free at Wall Drug, too bad the ice cream isn't!

After Wall Drug we decided it was time to check into the Days Inn in Rapid City for the next four nights. This would be our home base where all our rides from here on out would originate from.

After Sturgis Ride 2009

Finally after months of planning, the day arrived in which Andrew and I would venture to South Dakota on our motorcycles. Monday morning couldn't arrive soon enough! By 4:45 AM we were leaving the driveway in 70 degree weather with humidity to match. The air was thick and the morning still dark. Our first stop was in Mauston at the Kwik Trip off of I-90 for gas (Andrew) and then breakfast at the McDonald's across from the gas station. G-nome got his first photo opp here to a confused employee! The next stop was in Winona where we both needed fuel. Andrew's tank is just a 3.7 including the reserve where mine is the new 6 gallon tank that Harley-Davidson introduced in 2007. The range of the larger tank is great for the Touring Rider. As we left the Kwik Trip in Winona we headed for Winona HD which was about double the size of my garage and they were closed. As we got back on I-90 heading west we passed The Spam Museum in Austin, MN (which we plan to visit on our way home if time permits). Just west of Austin is Albert Lea and home to Bergdale Harley-Davidson. We will be spending next Saturday night next door at Holiday Inn Express.

One last gas stop for the day in my Road Glide was just east of Sioux Falls. Andrew asked for some Bug Slide to clean his Nolan Modular Helmet. As we left the gas station I forgot to secure the right saddlebag and shortly after getting on I-90 Andrew rode up alone side me to point my mistake out. I pulled over immediately and secured the bag. G-none was still resting as were the soft lowers! A few miles later Andrew told me that my HD flat fitted cap blew out though! This forced us to make a stop at J&L Harley-Davidson in Sioux Falls, SD. After purchasing a new cap (same style) and have some gourmet coffee we headed for one last gas stop for Andrew. We later arrived at Days Inn in Mitchell after traveling 574.8 miles and came to rest at 4:39 PM. After the hot tub and waterslide, dinner was served to us by Rudy Tuesday as they advertised "free" delivery!

Tuesday the plan is to hit The Corn Palace, then the ride north and west alone the Missouri River, onto the Badlands and Wall Drug. Photos of our ride will be posted some time next week.

7th Annual Mystery Ride

Saturday morning we awoke to sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 60's. The 7th Annual Mystery Ride was finally here! This year's theme, "Ride Your A Game". Created around the old saying, "Bring Your A Game"; this ride emphasized Ride within your ABILITY, be AWARE of ever changing road, traffic and weather conditions, bring a positive ATTITUDE and ride ALERT by being drug and alcohol free. As usual this ride had been in the making for approximately 10 months. It takes time to not only plan the theme, but create the routes, ride them, change if need be, organize stops, meals, overnight lodging and finally to bring this all together within a budget that many can afford. This year we were able to bring the weekend, one overnight together within a price of under $150 not including gas for the bikes! This year also marked the largest group of riders ever. Twenty-two couples, 44 people and a total of 26 motorcycles left Watertown by 8:45 AM Saturday morning heading...........well, that was the mystery, no one other than Cathy and I knew! Remember the saying? Sports?

Many new couples joined us this year along with many faithful past close friends. One couple Joe and Deb have been on all 7 of our Mystery Rides! These rides are more for socializing than they are for pounding miles on the bikes. We tend to stick to County Truck roads and keep speeds below 50 mph. We attempt to keep each day around 140-180 miles. By keeping rides within this range, we get to the hotel early and have more time to meet and greet. Our ride headed North this year, mainly because of the theme and we never headed this direction with our Tourin Hawgs. Have you guessed where we are going yet? If you thought Titletown, you were correct! Green Bay home of the Packers would be our resting place for the night. But before we arrived we would have one breakdown.

Terry and Jan's 2002 Harley Road Glide decided it was time for a new Drive Belt before we got to lunch in Winneconnie. Chuck and Sarah stayed with them and a call was made to Open Roads Harley-Davidson in Fond Du Lac. They arrived at the dealership around 12:30 and within two hours I got a call from Chuck saying they are riding once again! A drive belt is about a three hour job and they had two mechanics working on the RG. Great job to the wrenchers at Open Roads! Both couples made it to Green Bay as we were checking into the Days Inn on Holmgren Way. Another problem developed with John and Tanya's 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 in that a wire came unscrewed and they were losing power each time they slowed down to the point the bike was shutting down. John because he has owned this bike since new, yeah I did say since new was able to locate the problem and fix it in time for a smooth Sunday ride home. Imagine, having a bike for 31 years! Talk about loyalty to a brand!

At Fin & Feather in Winneconne we were treated to a plate lunch that consisted of a hamburger or brat and all the fixings. Along the shores of the Wolf River. The restaurant also has a Showboat that has dinner cruises along with live bands and private parties. Deb and the staff catered to our every need. If you find yourself in the area, this is a must stop for lunch or dinner! After lunch our 7 teams that were designated by the color on their name tags, got together and each were given a sheet to complete having 50 sports trivia questions. Winners & losers would receive prizes at Saturday nights dinner. Sunday's lunch is another must see. Just outside of Kiel (south) is a Sports Bar titled "The Sand Pit". Here you will find two indoor volleyball courts, a fully stocked bar and three guys that will make sure your stay is memorable. Usually on Sundays they are closed, except when Cathy and I asked to open just for us Tourin Hawgs, they complied and served a pulled pork sandwich with all the goodies and fresh baked cookies for dessert. Thanks Dave!

Saturday night's dinner was a short walk from the hotel. Brett Favre's Steakhouse was asked by us to trim the fat and come up with a dinner party to beat all. Cathy and I selected pork tenderloin with an apple cinnamon glaze, lemon chicken, a medley of vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, rolls & butter, coffee and tea and to top it off a Chef slicing prime rib! We were able to sweeten the deal with a large portion of cheesecake with chocolate sauce all for $25 including tax & tip per person! No one left their seats hungry. The sports trivia winning team had 23 of the 50 correct and each member received an NFL Green Bay Packer hat donated by our son Andrew. Each couple on the losing team received sport trivia playing cards. Imagine only 11 of the 50 correct! Couples were asked to wear their favorite sport teams clothing to help with the theme.

Sunday morning we all met at Lambeau Field in the parking lot for a group photo. A great time was had by all. I have no idea how we will ever top this year's ride! To those that rode, thanks for another great Mystery Ride. Be prepared for tent camping and mac & cheese next year! A special shout out goes to Dan & Beth, Bill & Rita and Marc & Chris for being our Road Guards and keeping this large of a group close together. I really missed not having the "wired" communication this year, in more ways than one, right Rita!? Good thing the FCC wasn't listening (lol)!

Please remember to leave comments on the blog at the bottom of each article. This way others can read what you thought of the ride! Don't forget to check for additional photos taken this year at Shutterfly, password "chrome". By-the-way any word that is bolded is a link to another site. Also if you click on a photo within the blog it will open to enormous size on your computer screen! Enjoy!