My Black Hllls trip - Ducati.ms

Bravo51 · Oct 7th, 2007, 2:49 am

A couple weeks ago I took a week off to take my 748 to the Black Hills South Dakota to do some riding and camping. The roads are pretty twisty and only a few of them were rough.

The first day I stoped in a saloon looking to watch the 250 GP race and when I came out it was pouring. 120 miles in full leathers wasn't so bad, just cold. The Foggy breath mask is a life saver.

The second day was a lot better weather wise. I cruised up to Cathedral Spires and then to Mt. Rushmore. 10 and 15 mph switch backs are sweet. I almost droped the front end on a low speed hairpin and while correcting it I almost lost it again. It would have come out looking like a very embarasing low speed high side or something. I did it again the next day, but just throttled out of it (some advice from an old guy at my camp site that used to have an 888).

All in all it was the coolest trip I've done on the bike. In September the amount of tourists was a lot lower, but there were way too many cars still. Lots of wildlife too. Squirls, donkeys, deer and goats are what I saw.

I used my trailer to haul the Duc down there, a lot easier loading by myself.

I think I rode through this.

Nice profile shot, but watch out for Winabagos and such.

My bike and I

I was really looking foward to writting about this trip as soon as I got back, but to my horror the site was down. Thanks for getting it back up computer folks.

Darkness · Oct 7th, 2007, 5:25 am

Thanks for sharing. I suppose the Duc slept in the tent at night as well??

Stasher · Oct 7th, 2007, 11:05 am

Best place around for me to ride....I made 2 trips down this year. You need to come down with me and I will take you on the best routes imaginable!

Here is a blurb I wrote about the trip over at the DML. I am not trying to steal your thread here but just want to convey how much of an awesome time you had. I see you live in ND, I will definately have to let you know when we go again.

Here is my write-up...

I go down to the Black Hills all the time for riding because it is absolutely beautiful and the roads are pristine. I just got back from the largest trip I have organized so far. I organized the trip, rented the 6000 sq ft mansion, set the itinerary and set all the daily routes. I convinced 16 riders that this would be the best experience on a bike for 2007 and that they shouldn't miss out. I suggest that you go to this beautiful slice of road heaven if you get the chance. Avoid going in July because it is too damn hot and avoid August because of the damn Harleys. Sportbike and Ducati riders are a very out of place sight and you definately get alot of attention and compliments on the bikes

We did manage to keep the Ducati representation out there....I had my 749, my wife had her monster and my other 2 friends came on a MTS and a 749. It was a blast, here are some pics for you to check out.

Our Rental House

The garage

Stasher · Oct 7th, 2007, 11:08 am

The Bikes

Stasher · Oct 7th, 2007, 11:09 am

The wife and her Monster

I'm too quick for my buddy's camera

The wife and my buddy coming through the Needles tunnels

Curves of the Needles

A friend in front of Mt. Rushmore

Bravo51 · Oct 7th, 2007, 11:37 am

Hahahaha, bike in the tent? No, but Mr. Glock 22 was. The bike got it's own piece of plywood.

Stasher, I will definetly be down for more trips down there. From my current locaton near Minot ND its only about an eight to nine hour drive. I stayed just south of Hill City. Needles was crazy, I was wondering if it was a dead end until I got closer. The road up to that was pretty neat, got to make sure to look through the turns. Not anything like that here. So yeah, let me know next time you do something like that and how much it is and such. Good stuff.

Stasher · Oct 7th, 2007, 12:04 pm

Well, I'm just shy of 2 hrs from you up here in Estevan. It will be easy to meet up with you for our ride down next spring.

Bravo51 · Oct 7th, 2007, 12:22 pm

That's cool. Do you ride down there or truck the bike? I use my car trailer to move the bike around when by myself. I can set it up to throw a bunch of bikes on it and I got a nice little ramp on it too. You could ride down here and load the bike and we'll take the crew cab. It's good for five people. Just a thought. I guess there's a few months to figure that all out. Damn it, now I can't wait till winter is over.

**John** · Oct 7th, 2007, 12:30 pm

Cool posts. I love ride tales. The mansion was awesome and the line up of bikes was cool too.

I finally figured out how to go on an extended trip or catch a well known but distant attraction with a 916. Trailer it there and drop it! Why not? Avoid the back breaking slab, less useless miles and I have an enclosed ramp trailer with two Condor Chocks. Done.

Stasher · Oct 7th, 2007, 12:53 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by John

Cool posts. I love ride tales. The mansion was awesome and the line up of bikes was cool too.

I finally figured out how to go on an extended trip or catch a well known but distant attraction with a 916. Trailer it there and drop it! Why not? Avoid the back breaking slab, less useless miles and I have an enclosed ramp trailer with two Condor Chocks. Done.

I absolutely agree.....keep those useless miles away that get us closer to service intervals.