July 12 - Iron Mountain Road and Mount Rushmore

I love Custer! Of all the places to stay in the country, this small town in South Dakota is one of my very favorite. There is excellent riding just a few minutes down the road in Custer State Park, the people are so kind, and you can walk to so many wonderful things right in town. Today’s ride was rather short as I had a service appointment at the Rapid City Harley Davidson right after lunch. But I managed to squeeze in a ride on Iron Mountain Road, get some awesome views of Mount Rushmore, and take care of a couple more bike issues.

Right after breakfast this morning I headed east on highway 16 out of Custer and through Custer State Park on my way to Iron Mountain Road. The road is exceptional – beautiful vistas of rolling hills and needle rock formations, hairpin turns, two 360 degree turns, three tunnels, and many views of Mount Rushmore from the road itself. I think my favorite part of the road is when you go through the tunnels and can see Mount Rushmore on the other side. Last year I was able to get some great pictures of the view of that national treasure as seen through the tunnel. However, there was a lot more traffic this year and it would not have been safe to do so. So I just took a quick picture of the tunnel and got Mount Rushmore separately.

As I was finishing my ride on Iron Mountain Road road I saw a sign I had never seen before announcing a “profile view.” I looked up to see an amazing larger than life view of George Washington sculpted from stone as seen from the side. It is so true that even when you’ve been somewhere many times before there is always something new to learn.

I want to thank my two hosts in Custer for making my time so enjoyable. Michelle Lamphere from Bunk a Biker graciously hosted me for an evening at the Chalet Motel. She was so positive and encouraging and it was wonderful to spend time with her. I look forward to coming back and seeing her again.

I was also so incredibly honored by the hospitality of Don and Brenda Herren. I have known Don and Brenda for seven years now as I always stay with them at the Rocket Motel when I am in town. Over the years Don and Brenda have been so friendly and helpful and I think of their place as my home away from home. This year they offered to help me celebrate the publication of my new book by treating me to dinner at my favorite restaurant in town. Don also took time out of his busy schedule to help me fix my saddlebags. I have had my share of breakage on this trip, with my tether mount, saddle bags, saddle bag liner, touring bags, selfie stick, and helmet all breaking in one way or another. I had just replaced my saddle bags a few months ago and was frustrated to discover that the metal clasps were coming off. I was very relieved that Don was able to help make my saddlebags secure again. Time after time I have seen the inherent goodness in other people and am so grateful to have been the recipient of so many acts of kindness.