Day 4 - Spearfish & Sturgis
Day 4 means clean jeans! Every 3 days whether they stink or not!
Slept good last night, up and ready to go by 8am. It was 66 degrees when I headed out.
Just wearing a T-shirt, no jacket today. Cool at first, comfortable later.
Only 3 miles to my first stop for a tour of the Broken Boot Gold Mine. I was so early that I was the only person on the tour!
Remember the gold rush of 1849 in California? The gold rush here was in 1876. The mine closed in 1917, and now is just a tourist place.
Next, a few mile ride to Lead, SD. Then rode through Spearfish Canyon. It was pretty chilly, but I resisted the urge to pull over and put on my jacket. The ride through the canyon is a 30 mile, gentle down-hill ride, keeping company with the mountain stream (Spearfish Creek) on one side and towering cliffs and pines on each side. I might just ride through here again tomorrow when I leave for Wyoming.
I was quite at my leisure. Didn't have to hurry, was able to stop often and take in all the sights.
I saw quite a few bicyclists heading up the canyon, then I saw one smart one coasting downhill.
And which playlist did I choose on my IPOD? Blues, of course!
At the end of the canyon, I got onto I90 and rode to Sturgis. This is a view of the country outside of Sturgis. It really is a beautiful place, no mystery why they started having summer rallies here.
I checked out Sturgis, which didn't take too long. Found a souvenir for my dog, but nothing I thought my wife would like or wear.
This is inside the Full Throttle Saloon, billed as the world's biggest biker bar, and I believe it!
A very amazing collection of décor. Notice all the bikes on the walls. There was even a real donkey roaming the bar, I got a picture on my phone I can show you. The place must be 4 times the size of an average Sam's Club!
I saw this piece of art--someone is very good with metal working!
Ate lunch at the Loud American, famous for their tips! I had the tips and chips. Good eats!
I will refrain from tasteless jokes here.
Rode back to Deadwood, through another canyon, and logged a total of only 74 miles for the day.
I said I was going to take it easy today and I did.
After I got back to the motel I realized I forgot to get that tattoo! Maybe next time.
Will spend a little time this evening preparing to leave in the morning, looking at maps, choosing my route, and packing. I'm having fun, very much enjoy these motorcycle adventures.
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