The Blackhills of South Dakota was to be the cherry on the sundae, our last must see before heading home.  It truly was a great way to finish up this amazing trip.  The hills have there own signature and unique colors so the ride was a whole new feel for us.  It has many curves and lots of ups and downs, giving a roller coaster type ride.  For those that ride. it is the ultimate in becoming one with your bike.YESSSSSS!

  Within this area, which encompasses the northwest corner of South Dakota, are many things of interest.  You have Mt. Rushmore, Crazyhorse, Rapid City, Deadwood and Sturgiss. 
  Mt.Rushmore is one of this countries best accomplishments in my eyes.  To permanently honor these men that have done so much to make America what it is, shows what were capable of producing.!!!!!!  It was congress who spearheaded and appropriated the funds for this back in 1927.  The project was 14 years in the making.  It was one mans vision, designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who ran things for most of the way.  He passed away shortly before the final dedication.  Beautiful facility to view and learn at having being totally rebuilt about 12 years ago.  The only drawback was parking, sure there's plenty of it, in a nice new facility.
Our problem is that it is a private concessions, that charges  ways too much for a chance to view something paid for with tax dollars. Annual National park pass is useless there, beside that it was a good time.
  Crazyhorse, on the other hand is a totally private venture taken on by  Korczak Ziolkowski in 1948. Now it's run by a foundation to continue the work on. It was requested by the Indians to honor one of there heroes and also donated the land. The hero chosen was the great chief Crazyhorse.  It is a monumental undertaking that should take generations to complete.
  Deadwood being one of the great old legend towns and Sturgiss of motorcycle fame became our final sightseeing.  The Sturgiss motorcycle rally is THE motorcycle event of the year.  The people in charge are expecting close to one million bikers this year, over the course of the rally.  Being officially a week long, it usually draws tens of thousands the weeks before and after.  Being such a good location for day trips on a bike many  have come for years making it a ritual.  Motorcycles are everywhere and encompass a 60 mile radius.  I-90 traffic is half bikes between Rapid City and Sioux Falls with all motels/hotels at a premium. It's the kind of place where "what happens there stays there".  Fun place but don't bring the kids!


  Should be home in a few days if all goes well.  This will be the last post on the road, finishing up when I get home.  Until then enjoy a few more pictures and sorry about the spot on them.  I guess riding with the camera mounted on the handle bars has caused some damage to the lens.  The trip was worth it and coming up on the 9000 mile mark and still enjoying.
Mark

Things of note;
1-all kinds go to Sturgiss
2-lots of people trailer their bikes to the area and then ride
3-we watched a guy buy a bike for $138,000
4-I hope Patty likes Tom's tattoo!!!!!!
5- plenty of road resurfacing, taxes at work
6-wanting to get home but sad at the same time!
7-my daughter would call Rushmore Mt.Facemore, when she was real young,
sorry Allie but it's a fond memory.
8-weather is very hot, but you already know that