Day four, Rapid City, South Dakota

This is terrific motorcycle-riding country.

Saturday began bright and sunny. The weather infused me with such feelings of hope that I took the bike to a local car wash and cleaned it up. Later that morning found us in Deadwood, home to Doc Holiday, a quaint little town with the usual assortment of tourist stores, and on this day, a 200+ car show, everything from the 30’s to the 80’s. I thought the crowds of this venue might be just the thing to practice for the hordes of people expected in Milwaukee.

I have now learned, this section of country can have rain at the drop of a hat, and no sooner were we thinking of seeing Mount Rushmore than the entire town was awash in a strong rain with dark clouds, thunder and lightning. Taking shelter in a local supermarket, I wondered what the insulation factor of motorcycle tires was to a lightning strike, and decided not to test the theory. I am now convinced that the thunderstorm was entirely my fault the result of washing the bike. I then vowed not to wash the bike again till the trip was over. The storm passed after an hour of scrambling hot rods, convertibles, old stockers with gorgeous paint jobs, and bikers. We dried the bikes off and headed for the Crazy Horse Memorial. This is terrific cruising country –those who live here I hope can appreciate the smooth well paved roads and banked turns. Wooded hillsides, granite cliffs poking out here and there, we soon pulled up to the entrance of Crazy Horse.

Any number of tourist books can give you the rundown on what this place is all about, but my impressions are all favorable. I highly recommend that people plan a visit and stay a few hours viewing the extensive museum, talk to the Native Americans, and soak up the spirituality of the place. A very moving experience.

Mount Rushmore was an irritatingly beautiful place. It begins with the entrance fee, or lack of one. No fee, so, your $60.00 National Parks Pass is no good at this park. But, be prepared for the $8.00 PARKING FEE. Geez.