The 72nd annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, one of the largest in the world is taking place in Sturgis, South Dakota August 6-12, and motorcyclists from all over the world are riding the great roads that surround the area. One ride not to miss is Iron Mountain Road, US Rt 16-A, which will take one through continuous switchbacks with scenic vistas, wildlife, pigtail bridges, and treacherous drop offs before arriving at the colossal sized Mount Rushmore National Monument. Located just about 50 miles or one hour from downtown Sturgis, along the trip you'll enjoy some of the best riding anywhere. But, expect delays in the road where you may have to stop for wildlife like big horn sheep, donkeys, and grazing mountain goats. If you're lucky, you'll also see groups of prairie dogs digging tunnels. You also may see large herds of roaming buffalo, and if confronted with them, keep in mind that these animals can be very dangerous. Stop and give them the right of way. You can view a video that I took on my trip along Iron Mountain Road to Mount Rushmore in 2011 and my own encounter with the buffalo by clicking the video link on the left.
Riders on Iron Mountain Road will get clear views of the monument and there are several places to stop along the way and get pictures. The granite faces of four American Presidents tower 5,500 feet above sea level and are scaled to men who would stand 465 feet tall. Each head is as tall as a six-story building! Sculptor Gutzon Borglums attention to detail makes the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln appear almost lifelike in the morning and afternoon sun of the Black Hills. "The essential to budget travel is to plan ahead. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved trips and/or going to see new destinations we have never been before, the actuality of cost and budgeting is generally in the back of our mind. Considering and spending our travel budget correctly is a concern for most families. Curbing consuming and prices, while still taking pleasure in your vacation to its fullest, is the key to guaranteed achievements and fiscal obligation. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thinking behind economizing money while journeying is simple: Even if your personal budget is extremely small, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or departing the homestead! Also thinking about that while traveling, whether on a funds or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a big vacation or travel costs!..". The entire memorial covers 1278.45 acres and attracts 2,000,000 people annually. "The massive rocks that form Mount Rushmore, completed in 1941, stands among the Statue of Liberty and the Stars & Strips as one of America's most inspiring symbols of democracy", reads the Mount Rushmore National Monument website. I've made the ride several times and can attest to that fact. The magnitude of the formation jutting out of the mountainside will likely stir a sense of pride in every American visitor and likely, jealousy in foreign visitors. If you have time, stop at the visitor's center. During the Sturgis rally it's open from 8 am to 10 pm, but you won't want to be on Iron Mountain Road after dark, so plan accordingly. There is no entry fee to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, but motorcycle parking is $11.
This is a ride not to miss for many reasons. It is challenging and rewarding at the same time. The challenge increases during the Sturgis rally when thousands of riders make the trek up the mountain side. This is not for the novice or inexperienced rider. The switchbacks and treacherous drop offs are only part of the hazards. There are wild animals that might require sudden stops, there is a significant amount of traffic -- bikes are often jut a bike length apart, there are single vehicle tunnels, and there are cars on narrow roads with barely room for both the car and motorcycle to pass each other safely. Inexperienced riders should avoid this ride, especially during the rally. But for more experienced riders, don't miss this legendary ride while you're at the Sturgis motorcycle rally or in the Black Hills of South Dakota for a visit.
_____________
Contact Mary at maric12@gmail.com
Stay in Custer, SD- close to Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State ...
visitcuster.comCuster, in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest, is just minutes from the adventures of Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore and two ...
Black Hills Hotels & Attractions Mt Rushmore Vacation Packages
www.blackhillsvacations.comThe Black Hills of South Dakota is a great place to bring your entire family on an affordable, fun vacation. Check out our great Mount Rushmore Vacation packages
Mount Rushmore Yellowstone Tours Plus Grand Tetons by Caravan
www.caravan.com/tour/usa-mount-rushmoreCall Caravan Tours at 1-800-227-2826 for an all inclusive Mount Rushmore Yellowstone tour that includes Crazy Horse Monument, Little Big Horn and Grand Tetons.
Sturgis Rally Motorcycle Tour - Ride Free Motorcycle Tours ...
ridefree.com/sturgis_tourSturgis Rally 2013 and Colorado / Yellowstone Motorcycle Tours. Explore America on a Harley Davidson motorcycle on the ride to the Stugis Motorcycle Rally.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Keystone, SD
www.yelp.com Landmarks & Historical BuildingsJul 08, 2013 (605) 574-2515 "Everything I hoped it would be- and more. I love it for the artistic element, the historical element, and most of all for the symbolic ...
Black Hills Maps for Mt Rushmore, Sturgis, Custer State Park &
www.blackhillsvacations.com/blackhills/mapsOfficial Black Hills Maps - Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Sturgis, Deadwood and more.
Mount Rushmore Hotels & Lodging National Park Reservations
www.nationalparkreservations.com/rushmore.phpEcono Lodge, Rapid City Econo Lodge in Rapid City is a perfect base camp for your Mount Rushmore Vacation. You will have quick easy access to the National Memorial ...
For Kids - Mount Rushmore National Memorial
www.nps.gov/moru/forkids/index.htmFor Kids. You can learn more about your National Parks by reading the Junior Ranger Gazette. Try the National Park Service On-line WebRangers program.
Location - Black Hills, Mount Rushmore Cabins & Lodging - By ...
www.mountainviewlodge.net/location.htmVacation at our lodge & cabins in the beautiful Black Hills near Hill City, SD, just minutes from all the major Black Hills attractions - Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse ...
Mount Rushmore - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_RushmoreThe Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore near Keystone, South Dakota, in the United States. Sculpted by ...
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Click to see the code!
To insert emoticon you must added at least one space before the code.