I have leanrt that awesome is an over-used word in the US. The Badlands ARE awesome!
I had to ride north to get to the Badlands. I crossed the border into South Dakota and started to head east towards Interior, but I had made a mistake. I had forgotten to fill up with fuel and on checking how far the next gas station was, it was about a 50:50 chance that I would make it before running out of fuel, even with the spare gallon I carry in one of my saddlebags. I had to backtrack and this cost me about an additional 50 miles today. The extra miles were not a problem but I was not pleased with myself for making such a stupid mistake.
I did however hit the 7000 miles ridden stage so as has become accustomed, I stopped at exactly the 7000 mile point and took a picture. I had to be quick though as I was on a fast road with many trucks travelling at high speed. I have been lucky so far in that I have been able to stop exactly at each 1000 miles point to take a photo, but my luck may not last – if it is not safe to stop, I won’t do so. Here is my 7000 mile photo....
I took the Long Way Round (that sounds familiar!) to get to today’s destination. This was so I could stop and look at the site of a famous Red Indian massacre where Chief Big Foot and his men were killed. I had heard the graveyard where he is buried was very moving. It wasn’t....
It was run down and very scruffy. I know that graveyards should be sombre places and that when in one, I should be very respectful, but I couldn’t help but laugh at some of the names of the people buried there. I apologise to anyone that I may upset with this, but take a look at these names....
I rode with a group of 4 riders as we approached the Badlands....
I had heard the Badlands were something special. I had no idea they were as stunning as they are. I stopped and fixed my cameras to my bike and made a short video of the impressive eastern section....
I did stop and take a few still photos as well. Here are a few of those....
From all of the riding I have been doing recently, my bike is in need of a wash....
After I rode through the Badlands, I went to the drugstore in Wall. Wall Drug is a huge shop and it sells just about everything. It is a bit to touristy for me and I didn’t buy anything in there, but it is worth going and seeing if you are in the area....
As I have been getting nearer to Sturgis, there are more and more bikes on the road. Here are some parked outside Wall Drug....
Jackie had booked somewhere for me to stay the night, at a ranch. As I approached it, I saw I needed to ride up this hill, on a gravel road. I am getting more used to gravel roads now, so this didn’t concern me (too) much!....
The ranch is called the “Circle View Ranch” and this is the view from the deck in the back....
While I was making the video of the Badlands, I saw this out of the bedroom window....
I went and took a look. There were three Burros on the elevated deck. A Burro is similar to a donkey and they were very friendly....
I think I will go horse riding today. I haven’t been on a horse for about 40 years!
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