Kevin Costner

Day 7          

Dee and one of her friends

We are almost there! Today we will take a ride through Spearfish Canyon on our way to Rapid City. Spearfish Canyon is located in the northern part of the Black Hills. On our way to the ride we began to have the Sturgis experience. We encountered large groups of riders, long waits, and a lot of excitement. George made a plan to meet a long time friend, Paul, at Spearfish lodge. The ride to the lodge took us through the rock formations, wild flowers, and waterfalls that comprise the canyon.  Spearfish Lodge is a beautifully built structure. Paul and his friends had rooms at the lodge. Hundreds of riders were in and around the lodge. We tried to eat at the only restaurant there, but it was filled with smoke. The restaurant had fallen victim to the challenge of having too much business and not enough infrastructure to handle it.

Spearfish Canyon

We rode further up the road to Deadwood to have lunch. Deadwood was packed with riders and it was difficult to find a place to park. The streets and sidewalks were crammed full of visitors to Deadwood. The last time George and I went to Sturgis we stayed at a place in Deadwood. The town has changed dramatically since that time. There were fewer riders, stores, restaurants, and casinos. Fortunately we were able to find a restaurant and get a table for lunch. The restaurant is owned by Kevin Costner. The walls were filled with memorabilia from his movies.

After lunch we took a long ride down a road Paul had recommended. The ride was gorgeous. And best of all, we were able to escape the crowds.

George and I walked to Walmart last night and purchased a few things for dinner. I was so tired I read for a few minutes and fell asleep. George had his yummy microwave soup and called it a day.  Yea, all around us people are partying, drinking, taking drugs, and we slept through it all!

Finally, Sturgis.

Good night Rapid City, SD
Jenson