If there is more to Billing’s than the hotel we stayed at, a grotty”Casino” next door, a gas station and a sports bar that served burgers, I certainly never saw any of it. As usual, we were pretty tired on arrival at the hotel, too tired to venture out to explore the sights of wherever we happen to be staying- life is full of choices, and whilst perhaps not doing justice to wherever we happen to be, I prefer to spend time riding rather than the alternative.
A few drinks outside in a shady spot was the perfect way to wind down after a full on day, with Doc and Barb providing the snacks. Most were pleased that this morning’s temperature was a much more acceptable 11-12C requiring 2 or 3 layers rather than yesterday’s extreme. Once on the freeway the miles peeled away - 70 to 85 mph (113 - 136 mph) is great for getting from place to place. The road was divided highway, two lanes in each direction, with the engineers rarely deviating more tan a few degrees from dead straight between horizons across undulating plains. Today’s ride was in direct contrast to yesterday’s, with scenery more reflective of Western states as opposed to mountain. There were what appeared to be fairly massive ranches and also areas that reflected a life of struggle, often measured by the number of wrecked vehicles and rusting machinery around a property that I have mentioned previously. Early on we passed what purported to be the biggest RV Centre in 4 states - this is caravans and motor homes to us. I could see many hundreds of mostly new or near new, some small, others absolutely massive. Whatever works for you I suppose. After an hour, those of us who’d visited the Custer Memorial previously peeled off- from what I have read about Custer, he appears to have had few redeeming features. History records that the American Indians involved paid a very high price for sorting George out….As an interested bystander, I recall Sir Apirana Ngata, the famous Māori statesman quoting that the Māori of New Zealand had been treated infinitely better and more fairly than any other indigenous people anywhere, certainly the Indians here. Our first stop for gas and coffee was at one of the iconic, almost “super store” gas stations that have several food franchises within - 2 coffees and a breakfast muffin cost $9.00. I resisted the temptation for a chocolate donut! Gassed up we headed off again, with Gillette Harley Davidson our next scheduled stop - despite the best efforts of all involved, only Bree managed to find something worthwhile. We know from experience of visiting dozens of Harley stores over the years that size isn’t everything, with some smaller stores really punching above their weight. 20 miles further along the highway, and again needs to top up we stopped for another gas station lunch - some had pizza, others sandwiches and salads, no complaints. Another hour of fast freeway riding saw our arrival at Deadwood, our base for the next few days. To our surprise we we able to access our rooms early. The second squad, including the vehicle with our bags was still away and being on the 3rd floor, we hoped beyond all hope that the broken elevator would be fixed by then - phew, it was - heart attacks lugging bach’s upstairs averted. Comments are closed.
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Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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