It's been an interesting couple of days. We are now in Fargo and seem to have gotten beyond the majority of the bikers. There are still plenty around, even here at this hotel there are a few bikes and trailers.
Everyone we talked to said that attendance at the Stugis Rally is way down this year. Well if this is down - I'm glad I wasn't here during a record year.
This isn't something I'd ever choose to see, but having seen it by accident, I have to admit that these guys (and gals) are great. They are courteous and kind to our big truck. Of course they have one eye on Bridgete most of the time. :) Last night, we even heard some French Canadian bikers at our hotel.
The only drawback - and it is a big one - they are absolutely everywhere in western South Dakota. Every hotel, restaurant, gas station, park, tourist attraction has bikes in abundance. We had booked our hotel in Spearfish ahead, but last night had to drive for some time before we found a place that would take us and kitty. If I was an alien and just happened upon South Dakota at this time, I would think that everyone rides motorcycles and 90% of them are Harleys. I understand the appeal. They are gorgeous and if I were to buy one, that would be the one I'd want. I did ask Bridgete which came first - the girth of the rider or the size of the bike. I'm thinking that the size of the bike has grown as the girth of its ridership has also expanded.
The road conditions continue to hinder our travels. There is a great deal of construction on I-90, often down to one lane in each direction. We finally broke with that and got onto 285 N into North Dakota, but the construction followed us here too. At one point we were back to gravel roads - with a small sign warning us - Pavement Ends. And it did. I think I-94 into Minnesota will be okay and I'm looking for a way around Minn/St. Paul. With the recent bridge collapse, I don't want to get caught in anything there.
For the most part, everyone we've met has been kind and courteous. Everyone takes great interest in what we're doing here and they all want Bridgete's business card when she becomes a lawyer.
We had rainstorms today through the Dakotas - but still I see the beauty of the waves of grain. Field after field of corn, grass, sunflowers, all undulating in the wind. It was something to see.
Oh - and Bridgete and I are now biker babes by proxy. We got tattooed in Rapid City during Stugis week. I think that counts! I'll post picture soon and ask for your vote on who got the better one.
