Sturgis celebrated it's 68th anniversary this August, and I rode there from Park City to join in all the activities. Sturgis, South Dakota is the Mecca for all motorcyclists and I suggest for all who are curious to attend at least once in a lifetime. Some want more and attend every year. I didn't have a formal booth, but my hats were with Hawg Tyd under Paula's watchful eye out at Black Hills Harley Davidson. I also donated hats and beater T-shirts for the Breast Cancer Ladies Day at TOP 50.
My ride over took 2 days--it's approx. 700 miles--stopped in Lander, Wyo. first day lunch, Gannet Grill-- on Hwy 28 and 789. Wolfgang would love this stop--it's on Main street--an old bar with hearty home made food. Stopped for the night in Thermopolis, Wyo. This place is famous for having the largest hot springs in the world--love that sulphur smell! Checked in to the Holiday Inn --nice to park right in front of the room,--but the hotel is in sore need of a heavy duty remodel...it's a dump! Nicest place to eat was in our hotel--Safari Club--good news ---free coupons for wine at dinner---bad news...wine choices were chablis, rose, and burgundy!!
Second day ride was a lot nicer than first--went over Powder River Pass, past Big Horn Ski Area--Hwy 16--so chilly, I thought it would snow.I had to stop and layer up!! Down the hill into Buffalo and I90 heading east. I needed a tire for my rear and found Woody at his shop in Sundance, Wyo. He and his crew were great about getting me back on the road in less than an hour--Woody loved riding my Diva Glide through his neighborhood...takes a real man to do that! Got stopped by Wyoming Highway Patrol--going 82mph in a 75mph on the interstate. The officer loved my bike and just gave me a warning!! I was not so lucky a few days later and got a ticket for 47mph in at 35mph--in South Dakota--this officer liked the bike...but not enough to let me off!!!
First stop was in Spearfish, S. D. to visit with Paul Yaffe and Susie Q. at the Holiday Inn--then up to Hamster Hill. I signed the banner they had in Click's garage, shed more tears for him and all of us who miss him terribly. Afterwards, I ran into the Ness girls--lots of hugs and discussion of my latest "bling" creations. Off to find my place to sleep for the visit in Sturgis. I was lucky enough to stay in the big house Laura and Brian Klock had rented for the event for their staff and strays. I am their "Diva" stray--and was happy to have a quiet place to rest my weary head...even if it was 1.5 miles on gravel--I didn't need to cocktail anyway!!
First night --found Shelly and staff out at Thunderdome and tagged along to the VIP viewing area for KID ROCK concert out at the famous Buffalo Chip campground. Thanks to Christian of Sucker Punch Sally's who had the party at the VIP area---we were able to see the Kid really well. He rocked for hours--he loves this gang--as they can rev their engines to show support and appreciation for him!
Next morning was the Bike Builder's Breakfast at the Broken Spoke in Sturgis. I saw all the boys and will write a separate blog about the event---it was a success and great to see them--and they got to see the Diva Glide--as I had a primo parking spot in front thanks to Jim Betlach, Darcy's dad--Darcy did a great job bringing all the guys together!
Time to cruise Main in Sturgis--what a feat--so crowded--got interviewed by local T.V. station--and the crowd liked the bling on the Diva Glide! I parked the bike at the Arlen Ness rig and went to visit my buddies--including Betty and Charlie over at Lindy Bars--and my 4 legged boyfriend, Sparkey. Couldn't quite get in to the fine cuisine on Main--fried pork chops and turkey legs--at least there was fresh squeezed lemonade! Took off to be with Shelly inside her rig (from Destination Daytona HD) and experienced a severe tornado warning...sirens and all. Thank goodness the hail didn't happen--lots of bikes outside-- I rode mine into the Thunderdome for protection--meanwhile, became a part of the Motorcycle as Art show by Michael Lichter. He did a great job--nice appetizers, great company , and beautiful photos and bikes to marvel. Storm cleared and we were able to ride home after all.
Next morning I visited everyone at Black Hills Harley Davidson. My hats were on display with Paula, saw Mark at Big Ear, and met Cody and Vinnie from V-Force--they used to be with Orange County Choppers. Vinnie's dad (Mr.D) is their sales manager-- we had a nice visit. Best part of a very full day was my 1.5 hour massage in Rapid City--the only way this Diva gets through it all. I had a great respite from the heat and noise at Blue Sky Day Spa right on Mt. Rushmore highway. Took off from there to visit Mt. Rushmore--it is a phenomenal achievement--and I even met Nick Clifford who actually worked on the monument---he was in the gift shop at the memorial signing his book..he is 87 years young!! Hopped on the highway to ride the loop to Deadwood--it is a beautiful ride--woodsy and winding though the hills. Visited with Bandanna Linda at the KOA campground and had a nice dinner with brother Will from Aspen. Deadwood has such charm and tons of history--Calamity Jane and Buffalo Bill lived and died there.
Thursday was ladies day at Top 50 --rode in a breast cancer ride and met some incredible women. My son Sam will be excited to know I hung out with darling Jessie Combs who has had her own Extreme 4x4 show on TV--she actually designs and builds 4 wheel and 2 wheel designs. Laura Klock ( woman speed record on a bagger) led us on a lovely ride through the hills. Tyna Bower organized a nice auction, awards, and fashion show. I was flattered to be a part of it all. Save the boobs!!
Early to rise and headed out for Park City around 7am --I rode back the same route I rode there. It was great weather for the first half of the day--then rainstorms for the afternoon. I set an all time record for myself and rode 740 miles all in one shot. It was definitely the lure of sleeping in my own bed that kept me goin'.
I loved this trip--experiencing all I could in just a few short days. I will remember the smell of sulphur, fresh cut morning hay, pine trees on the mountain passes, and pungent sagebrush after the rains. My motorcycle family has grown with new acquaintances--and it was wonderful to see those I love and know already!
Diva's Links
Woody's Repair 307-283-2269 Sundance, Wyo. near border of S.D.
Diva's photos
1. Too fast in Wyo.
2. Main St. Sturgis, south Dakota
3. Men of Mt. Rushmore
4. Diva Breast Cancer Riders posing for Michael Lichter
5. Is there such a place???
Watch for my next blog about the bike builders and all my fun photos!
Viva la Divas and.... watch your speed!!!!!
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