9/06 - 9/13/2008
This year's ride took us north and east to the great states of Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. If you have not gone on one of our Red Rock rides you are missing out and if you did not go with us to the Black Hills you missed out on one of the most beautiful scenic rides we have been on.
Our first day was putting down miles to get to Worland WY. Remember the flock of turkey vultures in Evanston, the beautiful overlook just outside Worland and the Buffalo Rose Restaurant for dinner. And who could forget Gary from Canada; what a great guy.
Day two started with us leaving Worland heading towards Glendive Mt. I know you guys remember the phrase "that's a good sign" and that friendly couple taking our picture in the canyon pull off with eight different cameras. Of course there was the rain, snow and fog on top of that mountain pass and those noisy cows (they didn't like the snow much either). Remember that small café welcoming us in and getting us warm before heading down the road; what a friendly corner for gas and all those bikes. What a somber feeling we had standing there at Little Big Horn Battlefield and then enjoying the sunset in Glendive.
Day Three leaving Glendive and heading to Medora ND., driving through and seeing Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The buffalo vs. the truck & camper in the middle of the road… The cannon balls, Prairie Dog Town, ostrich and buffalo burgers and the Bad Land Motel without power for "45" hrs.
Day four had us leaving Glendive southward to Custer, SD. How about all those hay bales and small towns? Antelope and White Tail everywhere. How magnificent is Devils Tower, the climbers, the bikers from Minnesota and yes more prairie dogs.
Staying three days in Custer gave us the opportunity to discover the Black Hills; thinking about all those roads that had bikers in mind. All of those small towns we stopped in like Deadwood, Sturgis and Lead. The beauty of the water falls, the sobering peace and patriotism of Mount Rushmore and the light show, the humbling endless work of Crazy Horse Monument. A group of riders bonded together as a family supporting Mindy and Myke in their time of need. Thanks to the Officers, EMT's and the hospital staff from Custer with all their kindness and quick response. The ride to Rapid City as a family with Myke. How this family of riders so far away from home picked up the pieces and got Mindy's and Myke's bikes back home.
On day seven we left Custer with all of our memories embedded in our brains and headed towards home. We dealt with the downpour of rain, the stalled bike at an intersection and the help of a kind Officer and his efforts getting the bike running again, trying to find some rooms in Casper and ending up in Douglas. The small Mexican restaurant overflowing with people was perfect for our last dinner together.
Our last day started out cool, but with the sunny skies we had the potential of warmer weather. We were already missing the Black Hills and knew we would want to go back there again someday. If you see one of the riders just stop them and ask; how was your trip to the Black Hills? Then watch as they get a twinkle in their eye and a smile comes over their face and you will know how special this ride was; what stories you will hear.
A big thanks to all who went on the Black Hill Ride, it was you guys that made this ride a very special ride. Of course thanks to Dennis Harper for making all of the arrangements as he does every Red Rock Ride and guiding us through this great country.
I ask for all Star Touring members and riders to take a moment to offer up a prayer for Mindy, Myke and their family for strength and healing. Mindy's journey has just begun and her healing will take a long time.
- Mark Petersen