Day 4 – Rest Day (or what passes for burning fuel for fun)
Sleeping in felt strange after days of waking well before sunrise, but it was a welcome change. A decent coffee (Starbucks) after a few days of lackluster cups was a highlight. The previous night in Deadwood was filled with Old Fashioneds, local lagers, barbecue, and even a complimentary bike wash—setting the tone for a day centered on enjoying the ride and the company.
Our first destination was Sturgis, which, before the famous rally, is a small, friendly town buzzing with preparations.
We stopped in for souvenirs at the Sturgis Harley-Davidson dealership and admired the impressive motorcycles on display, imagining which ones might soon find a new rider. And of course: Swag, Baby, yeah!
Next, we cruised through Vanocker Canyon on our way to Mount Rushmore—a must-see stop and part of the “15 for 25” photo challenge. Taking in the view, we joined others cooling off with ice cream, embracing the simple joys of summer travel.
The journey continued along Iron Mountain Road, a truly scenic drive filled with curves, hills, and beautiful landscapes. With light traffic, it was a perfect stretch to enjoy the open road and the surrounding nature—a favorite route of mine for good reason. I’ll let the video do the talking 🙂
Approaching Custer State Park, we encountered heavy traffic (hence, “Cluster State Park”), with cars and buses inching along Needles Highway. Although it slowed our pace, we made the most of the situation by stopping at overlooks, swapping stories, and laughing about the crowded tunnels seemingly posing a challenge to smallest cars.
Our relaxed day wrapped up with “Finding Nemo” (and riding through it) and a timely arrival in Deadwood, just ahead of a rain shower. There, we unexpectedly met up with friends in town, sharing dinner at the Saloon #10 over beer and bison burgers—a fitting end to a day focused on great roads, sightseeing, and good company.
Sometimes, the best travel days are the mellow ones filled with memorable moments and friendships.
Roaming Cage Free 
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