Ride to NAFO via South Dakota - Who's coming?

[Violione]

Hello all,

I have conversed with a couple of folks here on the forum about traveling to NAFO via South Dakota. Well I saw a post that asked to post ones routes to NAFO. I though after looking at the "Players Map" that posting my info that there might be some other riders thinking along he same lines that I am who are in the mid-Atlantic states. I have spoken to Aviator and he was thinking about joining and I know donaldb was going to be in the Custer area the same time but because he was starting in Mississippi, he's route to SD would be much different!

So here I go; basically I am starting off on July 19th from Virginia Beach, VA. First night rest is 702 miles down the slab in Brookville, OH. Second day and night will be another 700 mile day stopping in Mason City, IA. Third day will be to Custer State Park, Blue Belle campground where I have a camping cabin reserved for three nights. I don't have any roomies yet but if your interest, the cabin has AC, sleeps 4 (one double & 2 bunk beds - bring your sleeping bag & pillow) and is only $45 a night AND we will be right in the middle of all those twesties on SD 16 and US 87! :yahoo:

Here is the route image:

The next three days (July 21, 22, 23) in South Dakota I was thinking of seeing the sites and riding the roads. I have three thing that are on my bucket list while I am there and they are: Mt. Rushmore & Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, WY & the Bad Lands.

July 24 is heading to Colorado. I believe I am meeting up with donaldb and Jackson who is from Hot Springs, SD

Here is the map for that but is NOT necessarily the actual route we/I might take. This is just the quickest route to Golden; there is some kind of go-kart race that I am supposed to attend to make sure Ari Rankum eats crow, or gets his arse spanked or something like that :glare: :

July 24 - 27 - well enough said, no maps necessary!

July 28 through the 30th is slab time home. Again I am planning 650 - 700 mile days and have rooms lined up in Missouri and Kentucky.

Here are the maps in two parts:

Leg 1:

Leg 2:

So, if anyone is interested in joining up or if my plans are similar and I could hitch along, please PM me cause I always think its a good idea to have a ride buddy along just in-case something happens and all those flat Supper Slabs get real boring! (no comments form the Scab and the Odot galleries please)

V.

 

[Jackson]

Just one suggestion on your route through South Dakota to Custer State Park. Interstate 90 across the eastern 7/8 of South Dakota is something I always try to avoid when on a bike or a car. It's mostly straight, with little topography, not much scenery, and it can at times be windy. Really windy.

I much prefer coming through northern Nebraska. If I were you, instead of going through Sioux Falls, I'd go through (or near) Omaha, then head northwest on US 275 and then US 20 all the way to Chadron, NE. Then go north on US 385 through Hot Springs, SD then to Custer. This route is a lot more interesting, less windy, and takes you through the Sand Hills. And at the same time you will minimize the number of miles you have to drive in Iowa, :yahoo: killing two birds with one stone.

Since the speed limits are lower than the super slab, it will take you an additional 1-2 hours of travel time, but you'll be in a better mood when you arrive.

 

[Violione]

Hey Jackson,

Thanks for the info. Yep I letting the computer make the choice here because I don't know any better. I will defiantly consider the route change; changing the hotel is not a problem but I'll have to look at the additional time, cause that will put me into the park a little later than expected and I am not sure if that will mess things with the park rangers and getting into the cabin OK that afternoon.

Violione

 

[donaldb]

See you in Custer!

You got my cell.

:yahoo:

Got a room at the Rocket Motel same 3 nights..not sure zakery where that is but it's Custer...so we cant be very far apart. I had the same route to Golden picked as well. My only suggestion for consideration is, that since the travel day to Golden is a weekday that maybe consider arrival time either before or after rush hour traffic. Unfamiliar with traffic there and interstates.

Oh...I found some tiny Tide travel packets. They are perfect to wash clothes in the sink then let hang dry. Killer space saving item. They also have tiny travel Gold Bond powder for the monkey butt..good stuff to have along. FWIW

Regards,

Bruce

 

[Bluestreek]

Looks like our route thru S Dakota and down to Golden will be the same as yours.

We will be starting in northern California

 

[Violione]

Bluestreek,

PM sent!

Donladb,

PM sent!

 

[Feejer/Weejer man]

I am riding from San Fran area of Ca. leaving on the 16th to see family in Rapid City. Will arrive on Thursday evening. Will leave for Golden early Friday morning the 25th. My daughter will fly in on Friday the 18th and out on the 24th. I will have some extra time for playing and riding. Hope to get in 4-5 rounds of golf in the Rapid and hills courses. I moved to Ellsworth AFB in 1962 as a kid and know the area well. I get home sometimes twice a year to visit and hunt. This will be the first ride there since the early 80's. My brothers have two bikes each and I always have a ride if I fly in. One Christmas a few years ago we rode the Harley's through the hills on the 23rd of Dec. No snow, go figure. Maybe I will see you around the hills. Mike in Fremont Ca

 

[Violione]

Feejer/Weejer man,

Alright - so you'll be our tour guide? Just kidding dude. Hope to see you out there. I didn't look at your profile, what year/color FJR am I looking for?

Violione

 

[Feejer/Weejer man]

The fastest color. An original owner of a '03. Will have a fuel cell and Givi top case in view. I will pm you with my cell so maybe we can hook up. My brothers know every back road and all the sights for non congested riding through the hills. We are going on some evening rides which are the prettiest and cool weather wise. No telling if it will be 100+ or 55 like a few years ago at Sturgis. See you there. Mike

 

[Bluestreek]

The Uberkuls and I will be doing something like this

 

[Violione]

[SIZE=12pt]Alrighty folks, it looks like there is a party brewing in the Black Hills of South Dakota, July 22 - 24. [/SIZE]

* It looks as though there might be as many as 15 FJR rides passing through/visting the Custer Devils Tower area during these dates.

* I am going to start another Topic in the NAFO section and have some links back to it from the other Reigons & Rides section of the forum.

* It's one of these posts that you're not shure where it should be placed but need to put it somewhere? Hope Iggy dosen't erase it on me

V.

 

[wyowags]

Suggestion guys. Bluestreek's route coming all the way down US 85 into Cheyenne is a better cruise than going over to I-25 and down. I-25 tends to be windier than 85. 85 is more of a rural cruise too, going through a few small towns here and there. It's still windy on 85, but not as bad. The whole frickin' state is windy anyway. I'm planning on going down to Golden Thursday afternoon from Cheyenne. Someone let me know what time you're going through town and I'll meet up with ya. Or ya could all stop by the house and freak out my neighbors!! :yahoo:

 

[Geezer]

I went through the Black Hills and up to Beartooth last year on the way to WFO. It was great.

This year I plan to stay south a little and go through Idaho and Nebraska just because I haven't done that yet. My route is pretty flexible and I expect to get to CO two or three days early, get a campsite, and ride around there a bit, but I am subject to change my mind depending on whim or weather. If I decide to head north I'll look for a bunch of FJRs around.

 

[jekirby]

Yes, I like the southern route through Nebraska as well.