Lazy-man's trip planner
 

Headed out to S. Dakota area in July with a small group of seasoned riders. Since Mt. Rushmore is on my bucket list and since it was my bright idea, it's up to me to plan our trip. We will be leaving from Ohio; most likely stopping in Iowa at the National Motorcycle Museum; then on to Sturgis/Custer/Spearfish/Badlands/Devil's Tower; then wander back home thru Milwaukee, Mackinac Bridge, then home. Most likely a week-and-a half to two weeks for the entire trip. Our idea of "camping" includes a hot shower, cheap motel rooms with reasonably comfortable beds, and convenient restaurants. Hoping to ride out there in 2-3 days, then 2-3 days of riding around to see the sights, then 3-4 days back. None of us has ridden in this area of the U.S. but I'm sure there are a few of you out there that have made this trip before. Any of you seasoned Sturgis-rally-goers willing to share your preferred route out there and some tips on where to stay, rides to take, or things to see or do on our way there, while we're out there, or on our way back?

as far as accomodations in the Black Hills area do you like to hit the town after a day of riding? Or would you prefer to stay at a place that has a place to eat and drink onsite? As far as time goes it will most likely take you 3 days to get there if you ride to Anamosa Ia the first day. I'd ride the interstate to Anamosa,then run US20 or 18 west to Hot Springs SD if you've got the time. If not take I80/94/90 west out/and back, US2 is a nice way back thru the UP of Michigan. And don't miss M119 and M22 when you get into Lower Michigan.

Restaurants within walking distance is more our speed. We're not big on riding after dark, especially in unfamiliar territory, so we would be looking for a home base with motel, places to eat, gas stations, maybe a watering hole or two close by, but we don't necessarily need to be on Main Street, Sturgis either. Just a reasonably decent area to use as a starting out point for some day rides around the area. Was hoping that you guys who regularly travel out that way would have already found the perfect base camp.

Looks like Ohio to Anamosa, IA is about as far as we would want to go on our first day. We have traveled over 700 miles in a day but I wouldn't want to get up and do it again the next day. If we want to get this trip completed in the time we have, it looks like we'll be taking the interstate on the way out. Michigan looks like it may have a lot of interesting coastline roads to travel on our way home.

IF YOU WANT TO RIDE THE TWISTYS don't miss the Needles hiway or iron mountain . IN THE BLACKHILLS also SpearFish cayon

South Dakota
 

I did this this past July the week after the 4th.
We rode from Arkansas up to Cluster and based our day rides out of there.
We found the Chief Hotel there that had a room with three beds and covered bike parking for $150 a night. ( $50 each ) Walking distances to two steak houses and they give coupons for discounted breakfast down a few blocks.

Must ride / see
1.. Needles Hwy
2.. Badlands
3.. Spearfish Canyon
4.. Mount Rushmore
5.. Devil's Tower the longest ride but worth it to me
6.. Cluster State Park ( Wildlife loop )

I have pictures of each of your interested.
http://virtualhale.com/pictures/inde...road-trip-2011

You can pickup ride maps at almost any hotel or restaurant. They have some of the best routes already mapped out.
I asked the department of tourist for a Tourist packet that included motorcycle information and got a really nice set of maps and tourist information.

hope this helps..

20 out of Anamosa would probably be your best bet, but I would take it to Sioux City, IA.
Pick up 29 N to Sioux Falls, SD then take 90 into Sturgis. If you make it as far as Mitchell, SD the second nite there's a nice KOA on the east side of town, also if you had the time you could stop by the Corn Palace which is kind of a neat attraction (In Mitchell).
If you take 90 you'll want to stop in Wall, SD and visit Wall Drug you've probably heard of it, worth the stop.
Since you'll be in Sturgis in July it won't yet be busy and you'll have your pick of places to stay. Last year I stayed at the Lamphere CG, across the road from the Full
Throttle Saloon, (east side of town) nice place, clean showers. Also only maybe 3 mi
into town. But like I said you'll have many places to chose from. Just google camping in and around Sturgis.
As far as rides once you're there, I'd suggest Spearfish (75 mi), Mt Rushmore/Custer State Park (67 mi), Devils Tower (121 mi) and don't forget to check out the Crazy Horse Memorial, worth the stop! Hope this helps, any more questions just ask.

Last year I stayed at the Palmer Gulch Lodge, nice place with a restaurant, and snack bar (pizza/chicken ect) and a little bar onsite. It's in the shadow of Mt Rushmore and nearest to many of the roads you'll want to ride. Keystone would be another good choice if you'de prefer more places to hang out at within walking distance of a motel. If you like to gamble, stay in Deadwood you should be able to get a decent price on a room there in July before the rally, or try one of the lodges in Custer State Park(Sylvan Lake Lodge is my favorite).

Needles Hwy must see .

Trip there can be either by taking I80 west to I29, then north to 90 and west to Sturgis.
Or, go north from Ohio into I90 in Wisconsin then straight west across.

I've done both. The southern route was a little faster, but negligible. Speed limits lowest in Wisconsin. Of the 6 times I've give, construction played a role. 90 and 80 seem to always need repair. My suggestion, take the southern route there and northern 90 route back, which gets u into Wisconsin for your trip home through Michigan's UP. At least you won't have deja vu that way.

In Sturgis: needles highway; spearfish canyon; vanocker canyon; nemo road ...actually there are dozens of incredible rides. Look for anything that has canyon in the name and take it.

Went last June and stayed at Horsethief Campgrounds in Rapid City, just off of Needles Highway. Rented a small cabin. Me and one other guy. Small but just what we needed. 10 min ride to downtown Rapid City with plenty of Restaurants.

Look up Bakers Bakery for breakfast. Forgot what town that was in.

We used Rapid City as our home base and did day trips.

Must see Mt Rushmore and Needles Hwy. Both right out the front door.

Look up Crazy Horse. A work in progress and if your timing is right you can see a night blasting.

We did Wall Drugs and Badlands national park one day.

Another day trip was Deadwood and Sturgis.

Don't know if this link works, but this is a video of my trip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6grw_g4xb8k

Let me know if you have questions.