Black Hills Rally - Spring 2007

[4U2NV]

Last year my wife and I participated in the Lake Superior Circle Tour. We had a great time and met some nice people. Even Griffon was tolerable. :) Since returning from the trip I have been thinking about a spring 2007 trip. Here is the “tour” that I decided on...

Black Hills, SD
The initial plan is to stay there for about three - four days and visit the sites and travel the mountain roads. Below are some the of the highlights of the area.

Jewel Cave
http://forums.s2kca.com/photopost/data/15262/a3_jewelcave.jpg

Crazy Horse
http://forums.s2kca.com/photopost/data/15262/a3_crazyhorse.jpg

Scenic Black Hills
http://forums.s2kca.com/photopost/data/15262/a3_blackhills.jpg

Area Maps
http://forums.s2kca.com/photopost/data/15262/medium/map_bhvgdetail1.jpg

http://forums.s2kca.com/photopost/data/15262/map_bhvgdetail2.jpg

http://forums.s2kca.com/photopost/data/15262/medium/map_bhvgdetail3.jpg

http://forums.s2kca.com/photopost/data/15262/map_bhvgdetail4.jpg

I have talked to another member (c-zap) in Minnesota about this trip and he wants to join in on the fun. This is an open invitation to all other that want to join us.

Right now, the only that has been determined is the date. C-zap and I both have vacation scheduled for the last week of May (May 27th – June 2nd). This time should work well, since it won’t be anywhere near the Sturgis Rally. It won’t be in the hottest part of Summer. And it won't interfere with S2K Days 07 (usually in the Fall).

I am working on a detailed itinerary and I hope to have it finished during our Christmas/New Years holiday time off. I am open to suggestions on scenic stops. If someone is familiar with the area, please send your ideas to me.

Let me know if this is something that you would like to do.

[Ulrich]

Oh man, under different circumstances I'd so be there... Between this trip, the Garden State gathering, S2KDays, Valentine's Route 66 trip and all the other travel this year, it is really going to be tough to choose. :(

Here are some more ideas of what to do in the area: http://www.roadtripusa.com/routes/oregontrail/nebraska/nebraska.html

[karwath]

Great idea! I probably will be unable to make it,due to a busy schedule in May and early June (and then the US Grand Prix in Mid June) but if that changes I would not miss it.

We had fun doing the Lake Superior tour last year, and I think it would be great to have a Midwest event like this once a year.

Thanks for taking the lead on getting this planned and organized. :clap:

[Jerome]

Hello 4U2NV, Sounds good to me. I will see what I can do to make it.

Jerome
NW Arkansas
Black Stealth '02 S2000
'06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

[Java]

Wow, Ulrich is right, lots of great trips being planned that sound like a lot of fun. Really tough to choose from such a menu.

[FurY]

I would love this since I've always wanted to visit South Dakota. However, with other trips I have planned near that time, I don't think I can take off for this as well... I'd never go back to work with all the trips that are lined up lol. If something changes and I can make it though, I will definitely post up!

[S2K Ian]

Last week of May in the Black Hills. Fantastic. Finally something in my vicinity of North America (we live In Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada). Coincides with my S2000 coming out of storage as I don't drive it in the winter in our climate. Challenge all Canadians...lets go.

[Alexei]

Wow! Looks like a lot of fun. That is a great part of the country.

My wife and spent a few days in the Black Hills on our cross country trip in a Z3 three years ago; incredible scenery and some great mountain roads. I think our favorite spots were Crazy Horse & Devils Tower monuments, Custer State Park and of course Mt Rushmore... the motorcycle museum in Sturgis was fun too.

It would be another long road trip out there from SoCal; however, I could start now and try to convince my wife on the pretense of visiting my brother in MN.

[emg88]

Great roads!!! :agree: I would be there, but too many already planned events this year that we have committed to. I have been there numerous times on my Harleys. I would love to do this in the S. For a classy dinner go to the Jakes at the Midnight Star Casino in Deadwood. It's owned by Kevin Costner or try one of the Lodges in Custer State Park. I really want to go, but we can't! :thumbdn:

[c-zap]

So looking forward to this trip :thumbsup: :vtec1:

[timg]

I live in Spearfish right now. I travel a lot for work, so I may not be there when you all come though. If you want any suggestions for the trip, let me know. It's a fantastic area with lots of great driving roads. If you can, a short side trip to Devil's Tower in Wyoming is worth it as well.

Tim

[c-zap]

That's great ! Knowing someone local is key. I hope more intrest is expressed, (maybe some of the mile high group?) 14U2NV has a good idea going here. :thumbsup: We're going regardless but The more the merrier. :)

[Fredric]

It is a little early to make a firm commitment but Rose Mary and I are interested in this trip.

[griffon]

Just what exactly do you mean by "tolerable", Jason? I was one of the highlights.(Or was that the sun reflecting off my head?) :think:

As for the Black Hills Motorcycle Classic (Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, for you cage jockeys :D ) it is the first full week in August, so any May, June, or July date will miss it.

There are a lot of great drives but among the best are Spearfish Canyon and the Custer State Park/Needles drive to Rushmore.

And what's wrong with sharing the road with a half million bikers?

[4U2NV]

I believe that I meant to say that we could "tolerate" you during another trip. :)

All kidding aside, Melinda and I had a great time and hope all or most of the Lake Superior group can join us on this trip. I wanted to get this thread started so everyone can start thinking about it and make the necessary plans to attend. I should have a more detailed itinerary completed by the first of the year.

I look forward to all that can attend!

[griffon]

To really appreciate Devil's Tower you have to climb it. :rolleyes:
Watch out for UFOs though.

[colo_s2k]

This sounds like a GREAT idea!!!!! Nancy and I get up there several times a year and LOVE the drive through Spearfish Canyon! Our nephew owns a cabin in the canyon (just a few miles from where "Dances with wolves" as filmed) and we use it as our base. We also attend "Kool Nights" every year in Deadwood!!

:drivingsk

[Wanderer]

I believe that I can speak for my bride here, we're definitely interested. Not to mention, it's just a short jaunt to the black hills from here. :)
Will have to get into planning mode here.

[ScottEvil]

If you can plan a cruise on the Needles highway I can talk the wife (woah, I will be married by then) into this. What about Badlands and Wall Drug?

[4U2NV]

Thanks for the input everyone. It looks like I have a few places to put on the itinerary. Keep posting ideas!

[4U2NV]

Day One (Sunday)
Travel day for everyone to get to Keystone, SD. Everyone will meet in Keystone and get settled into the hotel. That evening we will all meet for diner and get acquainted.

Day Two (Monday) - 180 mi
There are several interesting roads in the Keystone area. We start the day off driving through Custer State Park. Then we enter Wind Cave National Park and make our first stop. Once there we will have our choice of three or four tour options of varying length and difficulty. After our tour, we travel back through Custer State Park. We will take a couple of side routes on the way to the next stop. We will twist and turn to Jewel Cave National Monument. After our respit we will travel to Custer for a lunch break. Just a short distance away is the Crazy Horse visitor center. When we are finished being "Crazy", we will travel north to Sylvan Lake. This may be just a short stop. From here we take the LONG way back to Keystone. Again we have the night to meet as a group or check out the local scene on our own.

http://forums.s2kca.com/photopost/data/15262/SD_Day_1.jpg


I am working on Days Three, Four, and Five. Check back later today or tomorrow for the rest.

[4U2NV]

Day Three (Tuesday) 253 mi
The first stop today is Mt Rushmore. This is only a few miles from our hotel in Keystone. I figure that we will be there for a hour or two with all the other tourists. From there we take a scenic drive to the West and the North. We then loop back to the East and head to Rapid City for lunch. After eating we stop at the Thunderhead Underground Falls. Next stop is Wall Drug. We will take I90 to get there and when we are done we will travel through Badlands National Park on the way back to Rapid City. This would be a good time to grab some diner and stop at the Black Hills Caverns. When are finished meandering around the caves we drive back to our hotel in Keystone.

http://forums.s2kca.com/photopost/data/15262/SD_Day_2.jpg

[4U2NV]

Day Four (Wednesday) 264 mi
We check out of our hotel in Keystone and head North towards Deadwood and Lead. Our first stop should be to check into our new hotel in Deadwood. While there we can tour the Broken Boot Gold Mine. From here we head to Spearfish Canyon Drive on the way to Belle Fourche. Belle Fourche is the geographic center of the US. There should be a real nice plaque where we can get a group photo. This may be the best time to grab some lunch. Now that we are centered we travel West to Devils Tower in Wyoming. After our devilishly good time we head back to Spearfish and take the Spearfish Canyon Drive back to Lead. In Lead we get to visit the Black Hills Mining Museum. After learning everything we wanted to know about mining we travel to our hotel in Deadwood. Emg88 recommended Jakes at the Midnight Star Casino for diner. I believe that would be a great place to end our day.

http://forums.s2kca.com/photopost/data/15262/SD_Day_3.jpg

[4U2NV]

Day Five (Thursday) 76 mi
This is the final day that I have planned. Since I have heard that the Spearfish Canyon Drive is spectacular, I thought one more trip on it would be wise. From there we go to Sturgis and visit the Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. This is the end of the road. This is a good location for me to start the trip back home. My wife and I will say our goodbyes and we can all go our separate ways.

http://forums.s2kca.com/photopost/data/15262/SD_Day_4.jpg

I believe that I have pack a lot of miles and stops into this vacation... maybe too much??? This is a lot to take in, but I think we will all have a great time. If you have nay suggestions for stops that I have missed, or for locations that can be skipped, let me know and we can alter the plans. I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

[4U2NV]

Planned Accommodations for This Event...

KEYSTONE
Hotel: K Bar S Lodge
Check-In: May 27th
Check-Out: May 30th
Rate: $99.00/night
Phone: 1-866-522-7724
Website: http://www.kbarslodge.com

The K Bar S opened in 2006 and features many up-scale, distinctive touches that will make your stay one you'll remember forever. Set on 31 magnificent tree-covered acres, the K Bar S Lodge is less than 1/2 mile from Keystone's Main Street. Guests can enjoy beautiful views from their own room, two gazebos, or any of the large decks at the K Bar S Lodge.

Also included in the room price is a deluxe, extended Continental breakfast with fresh waffles, and hot syrup, as well as egg omelets, fresh muffins, bagels, fresh fruit, a selection of cereal, toast, coffee and juice.

All rooms include:
# The finest quality Serta™ Presidential Diamond Plush Queen size mattresses
# Free HBO
# Free in-room high speed Internet access
# Free in-room coffee
# All rooms have access to free guest laundry in each building

DEADWOOD
Hotel: Cadillac Jack's Gaming Resort
Check-In: May 30th
Check-Out: May 31st
Rate: $99.00/night
Phone: 800-396-5007
Website: http://www.americinn.com/display_property.aspx?id=47

All rooms include in-room Starbucks® coffee, HBO, and High Speed Internet access. Enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, exercise room, arcade, guest laundry, and free parking (above and underground) during your stay. A FREE delicious hot breakfast is served in Cadillac Jack's Restaurant from 5am-9am for Hotel Guests.

[Bob A (SD)]

Yowser! I haven't been around the forums in quite some time unfortunately. Now I see this in my own backyard. I'm set to retire the end of March and may be on the east coast when this takes place. If not I intend to try to catch up with the gang.

-=Bob=-

[Ulrich]

Jason --

A friend of mine sent me a route he made in Delorme Street Atlas v7.0 (which I don't have and don't know if MapPoint can open the file format -- can you use it?). As he says:
It is a scenic almost unknown (for non locals) road that goes through Bad Lands National park as well as some points of interest that I marked along the way. Watch OUT for cops around Scottsbluff and Alliance Nebraska, they WILL pull you over for 66 in a 65.

The route I picked out has Indian reservation police along it rarely, and I have met them doing about 70mph in a 55, and with my heart in my throat watched them go out of sight. They are at least semi-tolerant, just slow down for the 2 or 3 towns and WATCH OUT FOR PEDESTRIANS in the towns (I say towns, you'd prolley say eyeblinks, you'll go through the towns in around 40 seconds if you slow WAAAY down ie 25mph).
If you can use the data file, I can e-mail it to you...

[4U2NV]

I don't have street atlas. Is it possible to get a JPG or screen shot of the route? I can then either remap it in my software or use it as is.

[Wanderer]

Our reservations are made! :D

Do we have a preliminary head count yet?
:drivingsk

[The Mangonel]

This trip will have to go on my planning list. The wife and I have toured that area a few times. We haven't seen the progress on Sitting Bull in about 10 years. Wind Cave, Badlands, Devil's Tower, Mt. Rushmore, the original WalMart, been to them all and don't mind going back.

[Mackbike]

My Dad and I will miss you by a few weeks. We are making a loop through Rocky Mountain National Park, Tetons, BearTooth Highway (212 out of Yellow Stone), Glacier and then home through the Black Hills. We are atarting out the first week in June.

[Ulrich]

One more local tidbit from my buddy:
You should stop in at the Tri-State Livestock news office, in Sturgis, SD. I think they still have an old soda glass bottle machine. you gotta drink the soda there cuz the glass bottles have to be returned. Nothing like Bubble-Up from a glass bottle. :)

[4U2NV]

NOTICE!!!

I made my reservations today and others better act fast. The K Bar S Lodge is filling fast. As of today there are only 6 or 7 rooms left. Act NOW or you will have to find alternative housing.

If you are not sure you will be joining us on the trip, make you reservations anyway. There is only a 24 hour cancellation policy so if you need to back out of the event you can get your money back.

***OOPS*** I stand corrected. :)
24 hour notice at the AmericInn for cancellation and 7 day notice at the K Bar S.

[Ulrich]

Actually, the K Bar S Lodge has a seven-day cancellation period, but who's counting? ;)

[c-zap]

Just made my reservations :clap: However as of now the 27th is full at the k-bar, in fact I ended up getting the room where the bus drivers stay for $79.00. I'll be rooming there for the entire duration of my stay. They do still have the 2 queen beds for $99.00 between the days of the 28th-30th.

[4U2NV]

Bump!

And updated thread to fix broken image links.

[Ulrich]

Should we start another beer exchange for the first evening's entertainment? :)

[4U2NV]

Melinda is all for the beer exchange. I think I will just stick with Coke. :)

[Wanderer]

The beer exchange might have to be a 12 pack. Or maybe swap two, since my wife would like to have one too.

[4U2NV]

I did a quick search on the roads in the Black Hills and I found this article. The itinerary I planned covers many of the roads described below. There is some good info here.

:paper: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It should be no surprise that a large number of motorcycles and convertibles are sold to people who live in the Black Hills. The highways and back roads here have frequently compared to the Alpine roads of Europe ... but, without the congestion.

Driving the open roads in the Black Hills can be an exhilarating experience. The majority of roads are two-lane and more-or-less follow the contour of the land. This makes for lots of hills and curves, but not many straightaways. Throw in some of the best scenery in the USA and (for people not in a hurry) you have a great driving experience.

It is safe to say that the biggest draw for the annual Sturgis Motor Cycle Rally is the Black Hills road system. There are hundreds of miles of roads that are just plain fun to ride, thus throughout the summer months the Black Hills roads attract riders from all over the world. (People even ship in their bikes from Europe and Asia to ride here.) A big factor is that even during the busiest times, the roads appear uncrowded to folks from somewhere else.

And, it's not just motorcyclists. Numerous car clubs schedule annual rallies in the in hills. These include Corvette owners (see: http://www.vetteweb.com/features/0501vet_south_dakotas_black_hills/). classic colletable groups..

Here are some things that are helpful to know:

MOTORCYCLES -- Many secondary roads are paved and in good repair. Potholes are uncommon, however it is not unusual to find gravel and small stones on less well-traveled roads.These tend to be near intersections with other, unpaved roads or driveways. Also curves can be unpredictably sharp. The main reason for accidents involves riders who take a curve too fast. If a warning sign says 15- or 20-mph, it probably means you should hold below that speed -- at least until you've been around that curve a few times.

CARS -- Handling and suspension is more important that raw power. Your Interstate Highway cruiser with a big engine and squishy suspension isn't going to handle well on Black Hills back roads. You might as well just sit back and enjoy the scenery. On the other hand, these roads are ideal for an european-type sports car. Does the word "Lamborghini" mean anything? How about the word "convertible"?

ROADS -- This is a list of various paved roads in the Black Hills and their "driveability" ratings -- in other words, how much fun they are to drive.

* Needles Highway (SD 87 between US385 and US16A) -- The most scenic road in the Black Hills but too slow to be much fun from the driver's perspective. Too many slow moving tourists in summer and hairpin curves will keep your speed well below 25 mph.

* Iron Mountain Road (US16A between Keystone and Custer State Park) -- Also Not the Roosevelt Inn courtesy van scenic but clogged with slow drivers in summer. First five miles south of Keystone steep have tight curves and tunnels so they are slow going, The last 13 miles from the top of Iron Mountain down to Custer park are fun but challenging. The road has a low posted speed limit so it is easy to catch yourself going too fast.

* Black Hills Parkway (US 385) from Hill City to Deadwood -- A wide, fast two-lane road. Traffic can be heavy at times but there ample passing points. This is a popular drive that tends to induce speeding.

* Spearfish Canyon (US14 from US85 north to Spearfish) -- An extremely scenic road more suitable for gawking than driving. Usually jammed with slow drivers in summer. Tourists are often stopped alongside the road to take pictures.

* Vanoker Canyon Road (a paved county road between Nemo and Sturgis) -- Possibly the best motorcycle riding road in the country. The road has gentle curves and follows the hills like a gentle roller coaster. If you have a motorbike,this is a must ride.

* Nemo Road (a paved country road between US385 and Rapid City) -- Another great driving road with enough of hills and curves to induce car sickness in small children. Little traffic except around Nemo and as you near Rapid City.

* SD44 between Rapid City and Pactola Reservoir -- Well maintained fast road with enough curves and loops to make it exciting. Easy to find yourself going over the speed limit. Can be busy with local traffic as there are many homes along this road.

* SD244 between Keystone and US385 -- A nice road, but be aware of the heavily patrolled area around Mt. Rushmore where the speed limit is only 35mph. Often clogged with tourists in summer, and some people will stop their cars anywhere to look at the mountain goats.

* Sheridan Lake Road (between Rapid City and Sheridan Lake) -- Slow going between Rapid City and Countryside, but it opens up nicely thereafter for a fun 20-minute ride.

* US385 from Hill City to Hot Springs -- A major highway with lots of straightaways and broad curves. Go slow in Custer and the section through Wind Cave National Park is a speed trap. Diligently patrolled by radar-packing park rangers.

* Deerfield Road (Country Road 17 from Hill City to Deerfield Lake, pictured above) -- a good paved road with hardly any traffic. Flatter than most other Black Hills Roads, but still plenty of curves.

* Rockerville Road (a paved country road between Keystone and Rockerville) -- scenic and challenging. Watch out for wildlife and livestock. Could be a good test of your breaks. It is a great back way from Rapid City to Mt. Rushmore. There are any homes along this road so watch for cross traffic.

* SD44 east to the Badlands -- A wide-open road in the prairie with plenty of curves and some hills. It takes discipline to not speed, expecially when the local drivers go whizzing by at 20 mph over the speed limit.

* Rocheford Road (a paved county road from US85 near Terry Peak to Rochford) -- A road that goes to nowhere and has no traffic to match. Sometimes you can drive the whole road and never see another vehicle. At the end you can either take a gravel road over to Mystic or go back the way you came.. Or, if you are the designated driver, you can let your passenger enjoy the Rochford Saloon: Someplace in the middle of no place. (Bring your six-shooter.)

* Custer State Park Roads (all) -- Poorly suited to performance driving. Wildlife and tourist hazards abound. Best left to slow sightseeing drives. Not a bad pleasure in itself, however.

* Main Roads (I90 and much of US16) -- You'll need to drive these roads sometimes to get somewhere, but there's nothing special about them. US16 from Rapid City to Mt Rushmore is four lanes except for the stretch near Keystone. Some people think this stretch of road is scenic, but we think it's been ruined by billboards. Main roads are heavily patrolled in summer. Speed traps are often set up on US16 near Reptile Gardens and just east of Rockerville.

Well,.. That ought to get you started.

One more thing to keep in mind: Except as noted most of these roads are lightly traveled, so there is a great temptation to speed or take the curves a little too fast. Also, these roads often have blind intersections, free-ranging livestock and the ever-popular deer caught in the headlights -- to say nothing about slow-moving ag and forestry equipment. There may not be any friendly officer patrolling the road, but common sense dictates that you don't drive too fast for the conditions.

[c-zap]

Note to self, get new tires mounted before trip:think:

[s2kbobby]

YES the trip sounds like a blast and you can expect a car from Winnipeg to join in on the fun.

The wife and I were trying to decide whether to join the S2KI (the other S2000 club) Pacific Northwest tour to Victoria this summer, or just take a holiday alone in the Black Hills. The drive west is a long 2 day straight line drive for a car that likes the twisty roads. We had just gone to Seattle last summer for the S2KI road trip to Leavenworth WA. The people were great and you felt at home with fellow enthusiasts.

Then I found this thread in this S2KCA board, so I registered and finally got privelages to post messages.

We really enjoy road trips in the S2000 and organized S2K events are even more fun. Imagine my surprise when I found this post which would work in well with our plans for a road trip.

Now I have just got to get on the phone and make some reservations.

Bobby,

[Ulrich]

Day Three (Tuesday) 253 mi
This would be a good time to grab some diner and stop at the Black Hills Caverns. When are finished meandering around the caves we drive back to our hotel in Keystone.
Money-saving coupons! Print and take with you!

http://www.blackhillscaverns.com/images/pics/bhcoupo2.gif (http://www.blackhillscaverns.com/images/pics/bhcoupo2.gif)

[Ulrich]

A couple more sights to see (as suggested from that friend of mine living in the area)... Those numbers are GPS coordinates, in case your mapping software knows what to do with them. Can we incorporate any of these destinations in our general plan?

43.140885, -102.366077, Wounded Knee Cemetary is located on a small hill. Famous for Wounded Knee Uprising. Locals will sometimes be waiting south of the big Foot trail, and will tell the story (and expect a tip)
43.238900, -102.331335, New Road from here on. Very nice. WATCH OUT FOR DEER/PEOPLE/CATTLE/HORSES
43.389617, -102.399070, Gas Station here, I've never been in it.
43.460841, -102.490095, You can see Chimney Butte better from the BIA RD33, but it has potholes and is not as good condition of road..even though I drive it all the time, unless I'm on my motorcycle.
43.512534, -102.483095, Look to the east here, and you will see the winding river and it's steep banks. The bank is familiar to you if you've seen Dances With Wolves, as this is the bank that an indian jumped off of, to knock the hero off of his horse.
43.702964, -102.526788, Look to the West here, and you will see Sheep Mountain. This is where the Lakota threw 2 FBI agents off of during the Wounded Knee Uprising. Also the mountain can be seen in the Lou Diamond Philips movie Thuderbird..'er Thundersumthin can't remember the name.
43.784996, -102.544143, Gas Station here, I've stopped here before, for fuel. It also has restrooms. There is a bar across the street
43.904234, -102.659650, It's either here or the next valley that you will see a life size brontosaurus statue in the middle of a fella's pasture.
43.980537, -102.916600, It's either here or the next valley that you will see a life size brontosaurus statue in the middle of a fella's pasture.
44.087569, -103.199609, Imperial Chinese Restaurant (605-394-8888) You HAVE to eat here. Order the Beef LoMein, or the Cashew Chicken. Make sure and order some Wonton soup with it.

[4U2NV]

I have been having a few computer issues lately. When I get an opportunity I will plot these locations out and fit them in the route plans.

[bigsakius]

hey guys i just happened to tumble on this thread, I am actuially moving to Rapid City from florida probably by end of may or so. I may miss this event but would like to get something started for years to come. Also what may help alot of you out is that I am actually purchasing a small hotel in Rapid City so I maybe able to help with accomodations and group rates and all depending on the time frame. I won't know for sure when the busy weekends are until I get there but I definetly would like to help get something going.for our area. Maybe for once I can utilize my s2000 to its potential on the mountain roads than the flat lands of florida :) Let me know if I can help.
Tej

[Ulrich]

Griffon said he was able to secure rooms at our "primary" hotels, so if you were not able to get a room at the 'K Bar S', perhaps you can give them a call and see if something opened up. You should still be able to cancel your other reservation(s) without penalty!