Sunday, June 9th, 2013
It was cloudy and cool ( 14 deg C or 57 F for my metrically challenged friends ) when I left Chamberlain but after an hour it became sunny, windy and warm. There were severe wind gusts and although the bike handled them very well, I had to lean down to keep myself from being blown off of it.
I made good use of another time change an hour west of Chamberlain because I had a lot of sight-seeing planned.
By 12:30, I had reached the Badlands of South Dakota and I spent several hours riding through the Badlands and stopping to take pictures. The Badlands are aptly described in Wikipedia as ” sharply buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest undisturbed grass prairie in the United States “. They are very interesting.
After leaving the Badlands, I rode through Rapid City to Mount Rushmore. I hiked the trail in front of the mountain and I asked to see the Hidden Hall of Records built into the mountain but I was told that it was not open to the public. The detail in the carvings are very impressive and they depict 4 people. Without looking it up, who knows their American history and can tell me the names of the 4 men depicted on Mount Rushmore?
I left Mount Rushmore and rode to the Crazy Horse Memorial. It isn’t finished but I was very impressed by the scope and dedication of the people to the memorial.
I then topped off my day by riding through the twisting mountain roads which included numerous hairpin and 270 degree turns that made for a challenging and interesting ride.
By this time it was very late, so I opted to call it a day and find a room in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Ralf Hamm 
Hi Ralf
Every day, I am reading about your trip. This must be great way to travel.
Catinha
Thank you.
It is an interesting way of travelling and so far, I’m enjoying it.
If you have time and are willing to backtrack a bit, try to see the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD and Wall Drug store in Wall SD. Then ahead of you is Sturgis and Deadwood. Of course, by the time your read this you will probably be in a different state. (State of the Union, not state of mind).
I skipped the corn palace because it was raining when I got there and Wall Drug appeared to be more of a tourist trap than a ‘ sight ‘ so I didn’t stop there. Perhaps another day.
You’re right. I’m in Wyoming now. I want to get to Yellowstone before it starts to rain.
Good suggestions but I’ll have to leave them for another day.
What do you mean hair pin corners? Your keeping your guardian angels busy!
Never mind driving me crazy with worry, which is my job! There’s no place like home!
Be careful you crazy rider!
Your favourite sister
Just because they are hair-pin turns doesn’t mean that I took them at high speeds. I’m crazy but not that crazy.
We love reading your blog . Thinking of you daily and praying for your safety. We booked a trip to Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone area for August 31st to September 7th. Based on your writings we are looking forward to our trip.
Please be careful and take good care. Hope to see you after your safe return.
I’ll share the rest of the pictures and impressions when we get together.
Be careful on your trip to Haiti/Dominican. It’s an admirable thing you are doing in helping them in their time of need.
All the best to you and I’ll see you when you get back.
We will be careful and we have armed guards at our hotel to keep us safe. Reminiscent of Egypt. Looking forward to spending time together and sharing our experiences.