Ahh.. teaching some French to 2nd C.A.V folks...Deux =Two LOL...
A choice needed to be made, was I going to Sturgis as a Lone Wolf or going back with the Group of friends, to Ottawa, Via the MR. Drifter, highway of Good Times...
I think our local C.A.V units need a "MR.. GREEN-JEANS" and maybe a Capt...ahh thats enough of that...
Decision made, Two good friends with the Patriot guards who came to Kenora for our Annual C.A.V event, volunteered to escorted me to North Dakota, near Fargo, after that I was a lone wolf to Sturgis.
Bucket list item to be removed....
Doing it Lone Wolf teaches you new things about riding, even when you have been riding all your life, good lessons learned safely...
I will miss a friends B-Day, which I would have liked to attend, but being this far away, I just cant make it, Une tres Bonne 50ieme Marc
I arrived in Spearfish South Dakota Wednesday the 3rd of August, and walked into Chris's campground, with a tag removed from Trappers bike, in my hand which I gave to the nice lady at the desk and said I rode here in the hopes of getting a spot for my tent, and staying a few days , well I have that tag signed by that fine lady and will be giving it back to Trapper when next I see him. That sweet Lady and her hubby say Hello Trapper, and wish you were here.. What did you do to them ??? lol
Getting to the Sturgis South dakota area early was and is a great idea, I did the black hills, the Nemo hwy, I was able to drive my bike through Sturgis snapping pictures, as of today walking is much faster through Sturgis.
A great sadness occurred the day before I arrived, A Ripid City Police Officer walked up to 4 bikers and went to ask something, one of them drew a concealed weapon and killed one officer and injured 2 others seriously, the animal that should have never been let out of his cage was killed.
I felt it necessary to go find my way to the police station in Rapid City, and sign the book of tears, so I signed it as follows"
On behalf of the Canadian Army Veterans Riding Club and Ron and Sue Wood from Ottawa, Our Deepest and most sincere sympathies, God Bless"
I signed it and left, with a small tear in my eye for a terrible sadness which I wished had not occurred...
I hope you all agree with the way I signed it......?
Back to the smiley parts of the story...
The needles highway is a need to ride, an experience like no other. It cannot be done at fast speeds for certain, you try you die...no doubt !
The Devils tower run is a scenic ride through the old west, everything your eyes see is deja-vu, as it is all in movies...
Drove back Via Montana, and went to the Steelhead Saloon, where the Very large sign clearly says " COLD BEER LOUSY FOOD"
The town of Deadwood has a fitting name, and is just like in the movies, or parts there of anyway... It is where the cowboys of old and legends were made. Annie road, Calamity Jane creek, Widows creek, Veil falls, so many unique names and places, all with their own story. Most have placards of some kind, but this time through I was not there long enough to read them all.
Enjoyed it all, especially those painted ladies, just how do they get paint in those.....enough said soldier. I wish I could be so much more descriptive, but this is a family show after all...
I did sadly get some bad gas and we all know thats a bi^%h so after working that through, I am Ironarshing it home, 3 days ....uhh Popeye what have you done to me....
One thing I do wonder about is why there is so many FRENCH names in and around South Dakota and Minnesota, some lost tribe of French guys looking for the pretty girls perhaps?
Mon Cherie come to the little Canada and we will make beautiful music together?
On my way back home...
A friend went through all the trouble of setting me up a nice route back, T'was a nice ride for sure thanks Popeye, I just did it a bit to fast, ahhh next year, take a full month.
Well made it home in 4 days, 2700 and change Kilometers and almost no Interstates, Boy oh boy, gotta get a new bike, it took more out of the bike than me... lost the Odometer just before Pembroke, and when parts start a falling, new gear is a calling...
This Bucket list quick trip makes me think of one of my favorite sayings..
" Life is not about getting to the grave in a well preserved body, rather, sliding in sideways screaming thanks for the great ride God, can I go again...Amen."
Riding with my C.A.V brothers and sisters, or alone proudly displaying my vest, which for me says, I am my brothers keeper and will help anyone , anywhere, anytime.. has opened so many doors of freedom for me, wind in my hair sun at my back, riding while helping others and having fun. Let it be said loud and proud Strength and Honor for one and all.
Later Soldier
Kitbag