After Sturgis 2009 Day 4

Day 4 started with a question, "Andrew how do you feel today?" His answer, "Let's ride the Needles!" Mount Rushmore was on our list of must sees while in Rapid City. It was a short ride on Hwy 16 to 16A through Keystone to what I feel is the most popular man-made spots in the US. Each time I've been at Mount Rushmore I have never seen the sky bluer. On the drive towards the Presidents you started to climb. As you wind your way through many twists and turns the faces of our nation got closer and bigger. Many photos were taken. Some history behind the Presidents is a room, 80' x 100' that is titled, "The Hall of Records". This room is located behind President Lincoln and has never been completed. The use of the room was to house many important documents related to the birth of the US and its' history.

After Mount Rushmore we rode west on Highway 244 to Highway 385 into Hill City and then Prairie Berry Winery just north of Hill City. I purchased one bottle of wine, Brianna. After we left the Winery we continued south on Highway 385 to Highway 87 otherwise called Needles Highway. We stopped at Sylvan Lake for a few photos then continued east on Needles Highway through two tunnels. Upon leaving the Needles we took the Wildlife Loop through Custer State Park. In the three previous years I have NEVER seen one Buffalo in the Park! The Ranger at the gate guaranteed us we would see a few. I've heard this before! Well, we didn't see a few.....we saw many! In fact, we had to come to a complete stop in order to allow them the right-of-way. You never want to tango with a Buffalo, especially on a motorcycle! We also saw some Prairie Dogs, Mules and Pronghorns. Just past the Game Lodge was a small grocery store for the campers of the Park. We stopped and grabbed a hotdog and water. During lunch I asked Andrew how he felt once again and he replied, "Good enough to tackle Iron Mountain Road and the Pigtails (photo)!" Or for you Youtube viewers watch it here.

Iron Mountain Road will test your skills to a whole new level. If you thought the Needles was intense, it was only a warm up as to what the switchbacks would throw at you! Not only were there a few 5 and 10 mph switchbacks, but also three tunnels that framed Mount Rushmore and the two pigtail bridges. Keep in mind that seldom was there a guard rail to be found just in case you went wide to keep you on course! Again, another shout out to John & Randy for giving Andrew the basics and for him having the desire to improve!