9th and 10th Day - June 6 - June 7 - CLARK BROS. BUCKET LIST TOUR

Day 9

Today we traveled from Gillette, WY to Custer State Park in South Dakota. It was a short 2 hour trip and was planned that way so we would have some time to explore the park. We can't have a day without something to make it a little difficult. When we got to our lodge they were putting fresh oil and rock on the parking lot and drive. Motorycyles love fresh oil and loose rock. We road on the Needles Highway and highway is a loose term. It is a narrow 2 lane road that winds and twists its way through the Black Hills. If you have never been to the Black Hills area you would be pleasantly surprised. It is the home of Mount Rushmore and has some of the most beautiful landscapes you have seen. It is also the home of the largest buffalo herd in the nation. Two fo which were standing next to the road as we drove buy. Not to mention a deer who decided to head back into the woods rather than across the road or there is a good chance he would be mounted on Greg's windshield right now.

We now have videos posted. Go to the 'More' drop down and now you will see 'Trip Map & Trip Videos'

Fresh oil and rock being put down at the Sylvan Lake Lodge when we arrived.

Crazy Horse Monument.

Sylvan Lake Lodge where we are staying in Custer State Park.

View from the front of the lodge.

Sylvan Lake that is behind the lodge.

More of Sylvan Lake.

Day 10

Today we traveled from Custer State Park in South Dakota to Mitchell, SD. About 60 degrees when we started and 93 degrees when we finished the ride. We delt with constant 30 to 40 mph winds out of the west. So when going north or south we took a beating, but these bikes are as stable as a rock even in today's strong crosswinds. We started by riding Iron Mountain Road in Custer State Park. It is a 15 to 20 mile narrow winding road that goes up and over the Black Hills. It is famous for a tunnel that frames Mt. Rushmore as you travel through it. Greg did not get any vidoe of this because it is a one lane tunnel on a steep road and he needed both hands on the handle bars. We also traveled through Badlands NP and it has some beautiful and very different scenery. Again, if you have not been to the southwest part of South Dakota it is truely pretty. But, now we start the less interesting drives. Eastern South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. There are not a lot of twisty roads in these states. But the speed limit on interstate highways in South Dakota is 75 mph. These BMWs can cruise all day at 75 mph to 80 mph without any effort.
More vidoes will be added tonight so go to the 'Trip Map & Trip Videos' menu.