New York, New York!

Well we just about didn't make our flight! The bus driver cocked up the time he was supposed to pick us all up so Jo had to hastily arrange for a shuttle to pick me and Jude up; we got to the gate just as the last small group were boarding.

The flight was uneventful but the view at night when flying over Manhattan Island was something to behold. We at next to a lady who lives here and she said to watch out for it as it would be good, it was. She also gave us info on the best way to get to our hotel; we took her advice and got into a Yellow Cab and the very friendly driver got us to our destination without incident.

Once settled into our hotel we took off down to Times Square to find the place alive from top to tail. We found the Walt Disney Shop; the M&M Shop; the theaters; Under Ground; took pictures with police officers including one with a rather menacing looking machine gun under his arm. While we were walking around we saw a rat running around people without fear picking up food like a pigeon in Wellington.

It is now 0030hrs and time for bed as it has been a long day.

Today some more exploring....

Denver

Today was a free day to do anything. Some of us decided to go out to Stapleton Shopping Centre on the site of the old airport. Whilst there were plenty of shops to look at; Macey's (where Jude bought a couple of pairs of boots)etc. the high light I think was the hunting and fishing shop, Bass Pro, which was huge! Not only did this place have every conceivable item required for the hunter/fisher it also had a huge array of live and stuffed animals.

Back in central Denver, and our hotel, it was nana nap time before meeting everyone going to the baseball game in the bar for a beer. The game started at 1845hrs so it was onto the free bus at 1715hrs to go to the stadium.

It was only a short walk from where the bus dropped us off to the stadium and while waiting outside the ticket window we were approached by a street seller offering us tickets for about $15 cheaper than the window price. Two of our group used to live in Denver s they took over the bartering  and only after we were assured they were legit we parted with our cash.

The game and atmosphere was great and the Denver team was well ahead before the heavens opened up. The game was eventually stopped and we left for home.

Tomorrow New York!

Wheatland to Denver (last riding day)

We headed out on our final riding day at 0900hrs, first stop Thunder Mountain Harley Davidson and Hooters!

Last night it was found that one of the bikes had a pretty long split in it's tyre so it was going to be a slow ride into Denver. After about an hour traveling at 70mph Denni and Jo decided to pull over and let those of us that wanted to ride on at a more spirited pace; we had our directions so it was off at 80mph.

About 15 minutes down the road Alan came past me like I was standing still, then Smithy, Chris, Lucki, Garth and Knackers all went past and all must have been doing a 100 at least! I was quite happy to behave myself when out of the corner of my eye I saw this finger telling me to roll it on and keep up, to my surprise the bike lept into action and was soon giving chase and it wasn't long before we saw the look of surprise on everyone's face as we passed them like they were standing still :-); it was fun.

After a look around the Harley shop (no prices on any of the bikes as it is against the law to sell motor vehicles on any Sunday) it was off to Hooters for lunch. Now I didn't really want to go but Jude assured me that the food would be great and I didn't have to look at the girls which was a relief...

After a very nice salad for lunch it was onto the bikes for our final ride into Denver and drop off at Mile High. All went well with the final inspection with no one being charged for any damage so then it was onto the bus and into town and the Sheraton Hotel.

Tomorrow is a free day to shop and chill.

Scottsbluff to Wheatland

We were out of Scottsbluff at 0930hrs which was very nice; a very easy day but one that proved to be rather taxing.

We crossed the border back into Wyoming which please some as they could again ride without a helmet. We went out through Morrill and Torrington on our way to Fort Laramie. The Fort was built around the mid 1800's to support the trading that was happening with the indians.

From Fort Laramie it was on to Guernsey where there is a huge rail yard which manages the coal transportation to the power stations; these trains are over a mile long and pulled with two loco's with a further two pushing. Guernsey also has a large military presence because of the large amount of missile bunkers around the area; these are no longer used and are reputed sold for people to live in. Here we also visited a historic rock face that has carved into it the names of those travelers that had passed it, one dates back to 1718.

We got to our hotel and unpacked before taking the bike up to the car wash to give it a quick clean before taking it back to the shop tomorrow; yes tomorrow is the last day on the bike!

Tomorrow it is Wheatland to Aurora Denver CO.

Sturgis to Scottsbluff, Nebraska

Today it was up early to pack away all the tents to be ready to head out at 0800hrs for Scottsbluff. Last night was a bit wild with rain and wind; the wind was thoughtful of the weatherman as it dried the tents out to allow us to pull them down and pack away.

The first part of the ride through to Scottsbluff was very picturesque but the second half was pretty much boring with very straight roads and hot temps which caused a few to deal with the boredom by checking out the absolute top speed of a Harley, 114mph.

We did go through one little town which a couple of years ago was doing ok but now is a ghost town; people have just packed up and left leaving behind everything that couldn't fit on a trailer.

Arriving in Scottsbluff we fueled up at this service station that had a 1950's two door Belair on it's roof and sold old school malt shakes!

Tonight we had the best meal we have had in the past four days' ; me ribs Jude pulled pork and veges!!!!!!!! Where we went was pretty out west theme wise, they supplied buckets of unshelled peanuts that you broke open and just tossed your husks on the floor; this was a little hard to do initially but after a couple of JD's it became quite easy.

Late start tomorrow 0930hrs.

Devil's Tower

Today I was up early to get the bike into the shop to have the clutch looked at, thank goodness it wasn't too serious and after being adjusted it was on the road to try and catch up the group who were on the road to see the Devil's Tower.

Jude was lucky to catch a ride with Bob on his trike while I stayed around the shop until the bike was fixed then it was off to the Devil's Tower. I never managed to catch the group but did see the Tower and a lot of country.

Getting back to camp no one had returned so I took the opportunity of the quiet and sat in the shade. I again met up with Jude and we went to the Full Throttle Saloon.

Tonight it was a few drinks then bed as it was up early to pack everything away and be gone by 0800hrs.

Tomorrow it is off to Scottsbluff.
J

Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse

We left at 0800hrs for fuel and breakfast at the gas station. I didn't have to fill as some company was giving fuel away yesterday (it was Ethenol mixed) so they filled my tank for me, so it was park up grab a coffee and Beritto for me and a tea for Jude.

Once all was fueled and fed it was off to our first stop for the day, . From here it was off to Mt Rushmore. What an amazing feat! I was not expecting to see what I saw. On the site they have covered car parks, souvenir shops, a cafe, an Amphitheater and museum. There was a plate with all the sculptures names on it and one of these guys had written a book and was there to sign it.

The sculptures were magnificent! Jude and I both said that this along with the Grand Canyon are definite high lights.

From here it was through Custer National Park, Black Hills Forest and the Needles High Way to see Crazy Horse. Crazy Horse. He was an Oglala Sioux Indian chief who fought against removal to a reservation in the Black Hills. In 1876 he joined with Cheyenne forces in a surprise attack against Gen. George Crook; then united with Chief Sitting Bull for the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In 1877, Crazy Horse surrendered and was killed in a scuffle with soldiers. Crazy Horse is being carved into a mountain the same as Mount Rushmore.

After Mount Rushmore it was back to Buffalo Chip, another good day had by all.

Tomorrow for some it is Devil's Tower but for me initially it is to try and get my clutch on the bike looked at; started to slip.