This morning  Mike, Paul, Gary and David met me in Gillette, WY. for breakfast. Afterwards we headed north on I-90 towards Sheridan, WY. with rain and cold temps. Just north of Sheridan we took 14 West riding through the mountains of Big Horn National Forest. The highest elevation was at Granite Pass 9033 ft.. These mountains were so magnificent with there colors and formations; as the Shell Creek ran through the canyon floor. On the other side of the mountain we stopped in Greybull, WY. for lunch. There we ate at Lisa’s for another great meal and great service. After lunch we continued on 14 West to Cody, WY.. On 14 there where mountains to our north and south with open ranges of farmland and grasslands. I know that this has been said before but it bears repeating. That God our creator is truly the masterful artist as He paint the canvases of this world. Thank you Lord for keeping us safe and up right as we ride the wonderful creation.

Today the good Lord gave us another perfect riding day. We rode through Needles Hwy. (87 South). Afterwards we traveled to Sturgis for lunch. After lunch I depart for Gillette, WY. for the evening, I will be joining the other riders in the morning as we all head to Cody, WY.. God’s Speed until the next time.

We rode out this morning to cool temps but by noon it had become  a prefect riding day. Riding out I-90 West then 14 West to Sundance, WY.. After a short visit with the Sun Dance Kid it was on to Devils Tower. Leaving Devils Tower we rode 24 East (WY.) traveling to the town of Aladdin with a population of 15, there we stopped at The General Store which is 110 years old. If you are interested in buying a town Aladdin can be bought for $850,000.00. Then it was on to 34 East (SD.) towards Belle Fourche, SD. there we went south on 85 to 14 A through Spearfish Canyon. The walls of the canyon which have chiseled through out the years were lined with Northern Pines, Blue Spruces and a occasional patch Birch trees. As the creek twisted its way through the canyon floor you could hear it speak as the water flowed over its rocky bed. Another day to enjoy God’s beautiful creation.

The Deadwood Gang

Dave waiting on the mail.

Today was a free day for everyone to do what they wanted to do. Some rode Nemo Road loop while others went sight seeing in Deadwood. Then there where those who took time to rest. Tomorrow we will ride to Wyoming to take in a few sights. May God bless your day as He smiles upon your heart.

Mike and Don giving Larry a helping hand in Deadwood.

Today we left under rain and a cool temperature of . 53 Degrees. Our first stop of the day was Mount Rushmore after that we rode the Iron Mountain Rd. ( US 16) to Custer Park. Afterwards we made the final stop of the day at Crazy Horse. Heading back to Deadwood the skies became clear and the temp was at 69 Degrees. A great day of riding and fellowship. We are very thankful for God’s traveling mercies and protection as He continue to bless us with them.

This morning we met up with Larry and Kathy to do a introduction ride to the Black Hills. We rode out 385 South to Nemo RD.  traveling towards the small of town Nemo we went through the town of Novak (population of 3). Then we continued on to the community of  Johnson Siding, there we went west on 44 through Rim Rock back to 385. Turning south we rode to Hill City before returning back to Deadwood for the evening. Dave, Sonya, David and Cheri rode to the Badlands for the day.

Kathy and Larry

This morning we headed out on 385 North Towards Hot Springs, SD.. The landscape was much like yesterday with grasslands on both side, on the east there were more wetlands and to the west mountains. At Hot Spring there was a fire on one of the mountains, the last we heard it had burnt over a 100 acres. From Hot Spring we went through Wind Cave National Park and The Black Hills. Stopping along the way to take pictures of the scenery and a few friendly 4 legged creatures, we arrived in Deadwood about 1:00 pm. By tomorrow evening everyone will be here. Once again we are just overwhelmed by God’s awesome beauty He has given us. He also gave us the opportunities to fellowship and pray with other people on our travel. Today was a short day 144 miles.

This morning we left out around 8:30 am on 26 West (Western Trails) the land scape to the north was grassland with mountains in the backdrop and to the south rails of steel for the Iron Horse with the North Platte River twisting through the fields. After stopping in Bridgeport, NE. for lunch at Riverside Grill we headed North on 385 (Gold Rush Hwy.). Those mountains that were to our north earlier are now rolling hills. Riding 385 N allowed us to ride through Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands to include the Pine Ridge area. We got to Chadron with afternoon around 1:00 pm this was a shortest day of the ride. Got a chance to get in the pool and clean our bikes of bug & bird debris. Gary got here this afternoon, Larry and Kathy are in Deadwood, Michele and Shelia went to Council Bluff, IA. while David and family are staying in Sioux City, IA.. I am thankful for being able to ride and see God’s creation, such a beautiful gift He has given us.  Take time to enjoy family and friends while sharing God’s creation. Total miles for today was 180.

Lake CW McConaughy

North Platte River

Today with cool temps and a big sky of blue we headed to 283 North then to I-80 West. In Kansas it was prairies with gentle rolling hills and plateaus. Traveling through Ness City, KS. we find out that their claim to fame is they have The Skyscraper of the prairie (their bank). Then on to Norton, KS. where we has lunch at Pfonz Grill,  of course it was another great meal. In NE. along I-80 the scenery was more of a flatland nature. Here are few things that Kansas and Nebraska have in common along these roads. They have miles of corn, milo, alfalfa and beans. We have be blessed with God’s traveling mercy and we thank Him for He has given us. Today was a great ride, we made it to Ogallala around 5:00 pm to give us a restful  evening. I checked with everyone this evening, Larry and Kathy are at Wall, SD., Michele and Shelia are in Springfield, MO., Gary is in Nebraska City, NE. and Dave’s and his crew were on the road just north of Chattanooga (still driving). Today we rode 339 miles. Tomorrow we are riding to Chadron, NE.. Brothers Ray and Coop our thoughts and prayers are with you as we ride through God’s creation. Here is something to think about,  we know who the true artist is for he has painted the universe. May each one have a blessed evening.

Before I write about today I need to complete details about yesterday and share some more info about our trip. First about yesterday during one of the rain storms Howard went through a road pond causing his bike to quit running and it would not restart. Howard and Gary ended up spending the night in Harrison, AR.. The next morning the bike was brought to a Harley dealership in Springfield. MO.. It was determine that there was a problem with the motor. The bike was left at dealership so the necessary  repairs could be made. Howard will be flying home tomorrow morning and Gary will be meeting us in Chadron, Nebraska. Second the trip is a celebration in honor of Kathy’s retirement. Larry and Kathy left Tuesday heading to Deadwood, SD.. Michele and Shelia left this morning heading in that direction. Dave, Sonya, David and Cheri will be leaving tomorrow afternoon for that same destination. We all meet there on Monday August 13 to help Kathy celebrate her new journey in life.

Today we left Springfield around 11:30 am after Howard and Gary arrived and we found what had to be done. Our ride started by going out I-44 West to I-49 North which took us Nevada, MO. where we had lunch at Buzz’s BBQ, good food and plenty of it at a good price. Afterwards we headed out 54 West in to Kansas. The landscape was that of rolling hills and farmlands  with scattered bales hay through out Missouri. In Kansas it became hills and prairies with winding rivers and creeks running through the grassland. In Yates Center, KS. we had  a short delay while waiting out a severe storm before we could our ride towards Wichita. Just outside Wichita 54 would become 54/400 West. Today was another beautiful sun set with the sun reflecting off the prairie floors of grass and casting shadows on the road in front of us as it peered through trees with it’s golden rays. Here is the thought for today, that God is our shinning light on the roads we travel through this life, we can rest assured that it will never fade or be snuffed out. Before our final run of the day we had dinner at Legends Grill in Pratt, KS., yes you guess it was another mom and pop’s place.  Then getting back on 54/400 West for the last 75 mile run to Dodge City before calling it a night. Total mileage today was 463. In closing may God’s Son always shine upon your face and in your heart.