2025-08-11: Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Milestones

• 16th U.S. State Camped (SHOW ON MAP)
• Part of my 4th Annual “Bike-A-Palooza” (SEE the Whole Trip)

The Campground

The camping was great… right next to a creek. Unfortunately, the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was being held that week in Sturgis, South Dakota, and the surrounding Black Hills region. I heard Harley-Davidson’s ride by for a whole day.

Within in a few minutes of arriving, the camp host (wife) came over and introduced herself. We talked a bit, and she was very helpful. The next day, the other camp host (husband) wanted to meet me and talk a bit. They were both very nice people. I told him I was headed to T.Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. He knew it quite well, and said I would enjoy it.

The Sightseeing

The first thing I wanted to see was Mount Rushmore, which was only 2 miles from my campsite. These pictures don’t come close to the real thing.

The Bike Ride

The second thing I wanted to do was ride my bike on the George S. Mickelson Trail which traverses over 100 glorious miles of the Black Hills of South Dakota. A former rail line, the trail crosses more than 100 railroad bridges and goes through four tunnels.

It’s hard to see it, but the following picture is of the Crazy Horse monument being sculpted out of solid rock.

The Breakdown

My bike broke down 2 miles from my car on the return ride. The pedal-assist also stopped functioning. Within a minute, 2 local guys came and helped me get squared away. I don’t know why these things happen, and then amazingly getting handled so quickly/easily.

What is God trying to tell me? I can have the same breakdown near my house and face exactly the same difficulties. So, really there is nothing special about breaking down in South Dakota. I can only do my best, and deal with whatever happens, as it happens. The only alternative is not to leave my bedroom and hide under the covers… I’m not doing that!