After fueling up both ourselves and the bike this morning we headed east out of Bismarck and then turned right onto Highway 83 South. This took us past small farming communities and fields of corn, sunflowers and wheat.
The weather forecast warned of flash floods in eastern parts of South Dakota and menacing black clouds flanked our left as we headed south. Fortunately they stayed where they were and we had a good ride in reasonably mild overcast conditions. The days do tend to get really warm after about 2:00pm and there was a high later this afternoon of 94f (35c).
There is much interest in Sturgis and a lot of riders are on the road either leaving or going to the rally. Nearly every local in the small towns we stop at ask us if that is our destination - and when we say "Yes" they just chuckle, shake their heads and say "Good luck". I think Sturgis has developed quite a reputation! We will find out in a day or two if it is deserved!
I am still having problems with people understanding my accent. One local biker we spoke to was fascinated about us shipping our bike all the way from New Zealand. He wore the typical bikers leather vest (although I thought the 'Wild Hogs' patch let him down a bit). Here is a transcript of our conversation;
Easy Rider: "So are you headin' east after Sturgis?"
Me: "No, west"
Easy Rider: "Oh, so you think you will make it as far as Kentucky or Tennessee?"
Me: "No, we are going west. Probably come out around Oregan and head back down the Coast to L.A."
Easy Rider: "Oregan - but that's west of here, not east!"
We crossed over the state line into South Dakota and made our way to the State Capital of Pierre - a shorter ride today of 350km's. Pierre is the second smallest capital in the USA with a population of only 14000 and lies in the Missouri River Valley. It seems a nice place. We went for a walk and had dinner at a Steak House/Saloon called 'Dirty Mary's'. BBQ Pork Ribs with a sauce that kicks like a mule! A good way to finish the day.
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