Thursday
morning several of us walked about a block to have breakfast and
discuss the day's ride. At 9:00 a.m. kickstands went up and a bunch
of us road off for The Badlands, an arid colorful area Southeast of
Rapid City and East of Keystone. It is a beautiful ride with every
curve giving new vistas. Would hate to be caught out there afoot
without water. We ended up at Wall, SD for lunch and some returned
to Keystone via I-90 but a rider and I decided to return the way we
came, back through The Badlands. Same scenery but from a different
angle. And we sort of cranked it up a bit on the way back.
Riding in the Badlands of South Dakota.
Cedar Pass Lodge Rest Area for a pit stop and refreshments.
The area is rightly named "The Badlands" for this is one of those places
you really want to make sure you have water to drink should you break
down and also make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. In
the summer it is hot and very dry. The rock formations are beautiful
and the colors change throughout the day as the sun casts shadows. A
potters clay pit of color.
From Keystone through the Badlands over to Wall is a good day's ride.
Make sure your gas tank is full as there are no stations along the route.
There is a campground int the Badlands but minimum facilities. At early evening rabbits come out to feed and play.
If you're looking for some place different to go for a vacation, this area has a lot to offer. There's nothing more patriotic than the evening lighting show and ceremony at Mt. Rushmore. You can also visit the sculpture in progress of Crazy Horse, visit several small neat towns in the area and enjoy some good food in the process.
You can run up to Devil's Tower in Wyoming, ease over to North Dakota,
drop back down to Sturgis, SD (better known as Harley Heaven) and back
to Keystone. Just a good day's ride or drive. You can also visit
Deadwood, Spearfish and other old towns that have a lot of history and
charm.
Good riding to all.
Good riding to all.
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