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Kandy and I have been planning a road trip to the Black Hills for several months now. I've ridden out to Sturgis for bike week the past 2 years but Kandy, being an introvert, isn't as interested in crowds and boatloads of bikes yet still loves the Hills. I grew up in South Dakota and Kandy and I lived in Pierre for nearly 4 years so we had the opportunity to spend some time in the Hills during the early '80's. Actually had the good fortune to take a few snowmobile trips out there riding sleds provided by the manufacturers. Still remember topping 100 mph on a Polaris. Quite a thrill. But I digress...

Earlier this year we agreed a trek to the Hills was in order. Kandy had no interest in riding the whole way and wanted to take the dogs along as well so the hunt for a trailer resulted in the purchase of a used Haulmark (subject of another thread). I had been scoping out rental properties for a few months and we settled on a very nice (pet friendly) home just outside of Rapid City on Hwy 44. We packed up a week ago Wednesday and hit the road at 6AM. First photo opp was about 400 miles later at the rest stop just east of Chamberlain. Many of you who have been to Sturgis from the east will recognize the great view of the Missouri River from the hillside above. Got to Rapid about 5:30 and proceeded up to the house to unload and enjoy a bit of dinner.

Kandy and the pups (Conner and PD)

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This being our first trailer excursion, I was concerned that the bikes would ride safely and that our van (a Chevy Astro AWD conversion) would pull the trailer well. All worked out fine (albiet we averaged 10 mpg) and the bikes arrived in fine condition. You could definitely feel the trailer back there but it tracked well and followed us all the way. We took along Kandy's Suzuki S50 this time (not her SE Deuce) as she has not ridden a lot of hilly twisties and we both felt the lighter bike would be a wiser choice the first time out.

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Our home for the week was located on Thunderhead Falls Road and proved to be a great find. We had some friends come up from Denver for a few days and had friends out from Rapid on several evenings and there was always plenty of room for all. There is a large fenced in back yard, a great garage set up with room for bikes and cars. WiFi and sat TV, great kitchen, grill, 2 decks and lots of room. The only challenging part was the 200 ft of steep gravel driveway. Had to be careful or a tipover was in the cards.

Home link is here for anyone interested in a great home:

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p142308

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Our friends Paul and Sue arrived about noon on Thursday and it took us about an hour to get them unloaded and geared up for our first ride. We headed up Hwy 44 and across Norris Peak Road to Nemo Road and up to 385.

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The trees were just starting to turn at the mid level elevations. Temps were in the high 60's with plenty of sun! Our rental house was located in a canyon with a lovely rushing creek creating beautiful background noise 24 hours a day.

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First stop that afternoon was one of the favorite rally haunts - Trevino's Leathers.

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After contributing an adequate offering at Trevino's, we saddled back up and continued up 385.

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Took the opportunity for a photo op with one of the second generation Trevino's. They run a fine establishment and I'm sure lots of you have given your fair share to keep them in business.

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We rode most of the afternoon and saw a few bikes and cars but it was a completely different experience from bike week. Little traffic, slower pace, cooler weather. The ambience was great!

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The days are also shorter this time of year and we tried to get off the roads by 5:30 as the deer were plentiful (as were the big horn sheep). The dogs quickly took to the house and enjoyed the ample windows, decks and fenced in yard. Conner is a big fan of Stephen Colbert so we would make it a point to watch together every night.

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PD & Conner loved the window half way up the stairs as they could look out and see the deer and wild turkeys parading by almost constantly.

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Friday morning we headed up to Spearfish Canyon. The route is always beautiful and this time was no exception. Trees were starting to turn. Another clear, sunny day with temps starting out in the high 50's topping out in the high 60's. It was nice to travel the canyon on a weekday as the traffic was light.

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For those that have been through the canyon, you know there is beauty around every corner.

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Sue and Kandy strike a pose at one of the many scenic spots in the canyon.

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One of lifes ultimate pleasures is spending time with great friends. I have known Paul since my college days. He got back into motorcycles several years ago and now owns a stable of 7 Hondas (including a Rune, Fury, Valkyre and 2 CBX's). He and I purchased our first motorcycles together in the mid 70's in Fargo, ND. I got a Kawasaki 350 triple and he got a Honda 350 Scrambler. We rode together all over northern Minnesota during the summer of 1976. 33 years later, we're riding together again. Life's good! If I had known he was going to develop a passion for fringe, we might have parted ways early on.

I keep my helmet on at all times because I fall over a lot...