Yeah that is one of the wonders of that part of SD. You ride the Black Hills and it is sunny and cool dipping into valleys and occasional showers. And a couple hundred miles east it is like Arizona all at the same time. When I lived in Sioux Falls I-90 was my route. Now that I live in Watertown (100 miles north) I am grateful for not having to go through there any more. I take a northern route. Gas stops are far more strategic. You fill whether you need it or not. But the temps and scenery are cooler. I mean that figuratively and literally.

 

Yep they still make the donuts. And all the other kooky stuff. Although I got a really, really nice bone handled knife there on one stop. I still carry it with me on every hunting trip.

 

I have relatives in Hill City and try to get up there a couple times a year.
Those Pigtail bridges are pretty cool. Iron Mountain Rd. is a great ride.
Awesome story, Bob.

 

As mentioned, it was pretty darn hot (again). We left our helmets on the seat to keep the sun off the very heat absorbent black pleather. You all know how it is. No matter what you're wearing, it's like sitting on a hot griddle. Some day I might actually see if an egg will fry on the seat. Wait........nah. Regardless, it was just plain hot sitting on the bike and we were anxious to get moving.

We continued south into the Badlands. It's pretty cool. At first you just see nothing but prairie.



But soon you see what's in store for your viewing pleasure.



And before you know it, you're in it, looking at a surreal landscape unlike I've seen anywhere else. It's not hard to imagine being on a different planet looking out over the Badlands.





Except, of course, for the signs of human civilization like roads, signs, and other people.



Speaking of which, I've been there a few times and never found it to be crowded. Granted, I usually hit it on a weekday, but still, it's nice to have the place to yourself here and there.



It's interesting riding along the edge of the Badlands because to the right (heading east) it's what you see pictured above. But to the left, prairie. The road is a very well maintained, narrow ribbon of asphalt.



Here and there the road takes you in the Badlands.





All along the road are pullouts to take in the views.



And then it's over.



Sure, that was the super condensed tour. I would say one would spend maybe an hour riding through?
Either way, time passes very quickly.

Depending on whether or not you mind riding a gravel road, the loop would be a pretty nice ride to extend the visit. FYI, all of Sage Creek Rd is Gravel.



I've done Sage Creek road on my BMW. I doubt it would be bad on a loaded bagger. But who knows. If they dump a fresh load of gravel down for maintenance it could get a little squirrely.



So that's about it. From there we headed home on I-90. We stopped for the night in Mitchell SD, home of the "World's Only Corn Cob Palace" which we did not go see. There are a few chain motels (Holiday Inn X again) and a decent Mexican restaurant (Margaritas taste especially good after a long hot ride). The next day was a relatively easy ride home. The Mississippi River is always nice to ride along and that part of Wisconsin is fairly scenic. As always, we enjoy travelling and seeing new things, but it always feels good to be home.

See you on the next ride!

 

Nice ride, great pics and story.

 

I always enjoy your ride reports. You are a great story-teller and the pictures always add to the story. I've been to the Black Hills two times. Once in 2009 with my wife as a passenger (Honda GoldWing). On that trip is when she decided she wanted to get her motorcycle license and her own motorcycle. She now has a 2013 Street Glide. We were in the that area again in early June of 2016, me on my 2010 Ultra Classic and her on her Street Glide. We also visited Devil's Tower and then went on to Custer's Battlefield, Chief Joseph Highway to Cody, then to Yellowstone and on down to Jackson Hole. A great trip with great memories. Toward the end of May this year, a buddy and I plan to ride to the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. I may attempt to do a ride report. Again, I always enjoy 'riding along' with you on your trips. Keep riding and writing!

 

Thanks for posting your trip and pictures its been 25 or more years since I've been to the Black Hills.

 

You’re back!! It’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of reading a B&C ride report. This one, like so many before it, simply makes my throttle hand itch. Excellent narrative, excellent pics. Thanks for a great thread...keep it coming!

 

Bob, love this picture. Makes me want to ride.....




I can hardly wait to get my Pan out into that country.

 

Outstanding write-up. Thanks for sharing.