Although it didn't start out that way, today turned out to be a great day. We hit the road before 8:00 am. Once again, we faced dark skies and a not-so-good weather forecast. Added to that were cold temperatures. For those of you sweltering in the hot, humid South, we apologize. It was 57 degrees in Mitchell, South Dakota, when we left the motel.Mitchell, South Dakota, to Rapid City, South Dakota

348 Miles

1508 Total Miles

Although it didn't start out that way, today turned out to be a great day. We hit the road before 8:00 am. Once again, we faced dark skies and a not-so-good weather forecast. Added to that were cool temperatures. For those of you sweltering in the hot, humid South, we apologize. It was 57 degrees in Mitchell, South Dakota, when we left the motel.

We bundled up and headed west on I-90. The first 150-200 miles consisted of 60 minute jaunts down the cold, rainy interstate, which were followed by 15-20 minute visits to whatever c-store we could find. Coffee, followed by more coffee, fueled us for another cycle.

A tired Nelson recharges

It doesn't sound like a great day but then, about 120 miles from Rapid City, South Dakota, a miracle occurred: it stopped raining and the temperatures reached 70 degrees. We stopped, pulled off our rain gear, and enjoyed a brisk, sunny ride.

About 70 miles from Rapid City we exited the interstate and took scenic Highway 44. Within a few minutes we arrived at the Badlands National Park. What a terrific ride we had through the park.

The Badlands

The area was called "mako sica" by the Lakota. French trappers called it "les mauvaises terres a traverser." Both mean "bad lands." It's a terrain of peaks, gullies, buttes and wide prairies. It was striking. If you want to know more the web site is: www.nps.gov/badl/

Bo and Cleve in tourist mode

After leaving the park, we continued down Highway 44 for a wonderful 70 mile ride into Rapid City.

Once in Rapid City we found the local Harley-Davidson dealership, which filled Cleve and Nelson with an indescribable joy. The mechanics looked Cleve's bike over and scheduled his bike for a 3:00 pm service appointment tomorrow. Bo spent his time at the dealership concerned that the Harley Nation might torch his BMW motorcycle, which was sitting there in the parking lot surrounded by fat boys, hardtails, softtails and other Harley creations.

We left Harley Heaven and checked into our motel, unpacked our bikes and had a great dinner. Rapid City is a tourist haven and rooms are hard to find. Thanks to Holly for finding us our motel.

Tomorrow we head for the Black Hills. The forecast calls for sunny skies!

Our motto for the trip: "Follow The Pig"

P.S. to Nancy and Larry: In two days Nelson will split off and head for Alaska. We'll give you his route tomorrow.