Spearfish II
We're doing it again folks! 2006 will mark our 2nd Venturer Ride-in to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Take a little time and come on over to the Wild West. Once again we'll be headquartering the Ride-in from the Spearfish Canyon Resort. To put things in perspective, Spearfish Canyon Resort is located about 11 miles south of Spearfish, South Dakota along Hwy 14A. See this map:
http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/go.asp?ID=206 . A little larger map is located at:
http://www.blackhillsattractions.com/pics/bhmap.jpg . Deadwood, Sturgis, Lead, and Spearfish are a short ride away; Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, Custer Park, SD Badlands, and the Rapid City area are a little further.
This Ride-in is for Venturer Members, Associates, or a guest of a Venturer Member.
There's a lot to see and do in the Black Hills, I live 400 miles from there and still haven't seen it all. To aid in your research here's a few links to get you started:
http://www.blackhillsphoto.com/blackhillsattractions.html
http://www.rapidcitycvb.com/pg/ap/vn/Attractions?query=listingsearch&search=&type=Attractions
http://www.deadwood.org/
http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/
http://www.spearfishchamber.org/cvb/
http://www.travelsd.com/
http://www.walldrug.com/
http://www.mtrushmorejewelry.com/
http://www.blackhills.com/bhpp/pp_index.htm
http://www.nps.gov/deto/
A few notes about Spearfish Canyon Resort and surrounding area:
The Spearfish Canyon Resort is a great place to spend some time. It's located all by itself in the Scenic Spearfish Canyon about 11 miles south of Spearfish, SD along highway 14A. The Lodge was built in 1996 and features 54 well done rooms, meeting areas, bar and lounge, a large patio, Latchstring Restaurant, and a large parking lot for anyone wanting to trailer or drive. There is a walking trail next to the Lodge that features various water falls, indigenous plants, etc. The film site for "Dances with the wolves" is located about a mile to the south.
You can view more about Spearfish Canyon Resort at this link:
http://www.spfcanyon.com/main.html# .
You can view more about Spearfish Canyon at this link:
http://www.spearfishcanyon.com/intermap.htm .
To the north and East is the famous old west town of Deadwood and few miles east of there you'll find Sturgis, home to the one and only Sturgis Rally. South of the Resort a few miles is a little place called the Boondocks. The Boondocks has a ride-in photo studio for any of you wanting to get a professional picture of you and your bike. You can either take the picture as is or let the studio dress you up in some of their special costumes. Further south is Mount Rushmore and at the southern end of the Black Hills is Custer State Park which includes the Needles Highway.
The Black Hills is outstanding for motorcycle touring; you'll find breathtaking scenery at every curve. Roads are well maintained except for the occasional road construction. Since the Sturgis Rally is held there every year you'll find many accommodations for bikers.
You might decide to spend an afternoon at Spearfish Canyon Resort rather than touring. The scenery at the Lodge is very relaxing. I suggest everyone bring a jacket seeing it gets a little cooler in the canyon area. We'll host a patio get-together each evening where you can meet and visit with your fellow Venturers over a beverage of your choice.
I've negotiated a special group rate for our Ride-in. The rooms are $109 per night ($149 normally) and 15% off on all suites.
You must state you're with the Venturers Motorcycle Club in order to receive this rate. The same rate applies to any of you 3 days prior and 3 days after the Ride-in providing the rooms are available. Reservation phone number is toll free (877)975-6343 or International (605) 584-3435.
If you plan on attending please complete the Registration Form at this link: http://www.venturers.org/Spearfish2/form1.html" Target="_blank">http://www.venturers.org/Spearfish2/form1.html
If you prefer camping or staying at another motel I would suggest you stay in Spearfish since it's the closest. The only discounted rate we have available is at Spearfish Canyon Resort, all other lodging is at their current rates. Here's a link to other accommodations: http://chamber.spearfish.sd.us/WebSite/cw_1001.htm , http://www.mountrushmorecamping.com/spearfish.htm .
Below is a description of the Spearfish Canyon Lodge suites:
Bridal Veil Falls Suite:
King bed in private bedroom, Jacuzzi tub, gas burning fireplace, private balcony, living area with full size futon, partially equipped kitchen, microwave and coffee maker
Calamity Jane Suite:
King bed, single sleeper sofa, gas burning fireplace, mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.
Muir, Hugh Glass, and Black Elk Suites:
Two queen beds, gas burning fireplace, mini fridge, wet bar, microwave, and coffee maker.
Custer Suite:
King bed, gas burning fireplace, mini fridge, wet bar, microwave, and coffee maker.
Potato Creek and Raspberry Gulch Suites:
King bed, gas burning fireplace, single sleeper sofa, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker
Burlington Suite:
King bed, wet bar, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and adjoins boardroom
Berry Patch Cabin:
Two-bedroom cabin with a queen bed in each room, gas burning fireplace, mini fridge, microwave, private deck, and private parking.
Due to everything there is to see and do I'll only host one group ride this time. The Group Ride Waiver and other area info will be in your welcome packet when you arrive at the Lodge. If you're staying elsewhere please see me for a welcome packet. The signed waivers will be collected during the morning of the group ride. We'll be taking a route through one of the other canyons and eventually end up at Rapid City. For those of you interested in pairing up for touring I'll have a whiteboard in the Lobby area. There you can post your name, departure time, and where you're destination is. If other Members want to join your ride they can add their name to the list.
Below is a tentative schedule for the Ride-in:
Monday:
Technical seminars from 9:00 to 10:30 am held in the parking lot. Social hour for the Ladies held on the Lodge Patio during the same time.
3 pm - Bus ride to Mount Rushmore for Independence Day celebration and Fireworks. $13 bus fare per person plus park fees at Mount Rushmore (I'll collect the bus fare before we leave). Buses feature comfortable seats, restroom, air conditioning, and are video equipped. Bring a cooler along with your favorite beverage. Fireworks start around 9 pm.
Tuesday:
Your choice. Consider seeing attractions in the Northern Black Hills since we'll be traveling South on Wednesday.
Technical Seminars from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm held in the parking lot. Social hour for the Ladies held on the Lodge Patio during the same time. At 8:30 pm we'll host a get-together on the Lodge Patio.
Wednesday: (Ladies Day & Group Ride to Rapid City):
9:00 am sharp: Group Ride to Rapid City with a gas stop at Spearfish. This is a one-way group ride; once we get there you're on your own.. If you wish to ship anything home please see me and we'll get it arranged. Tip: Don't forget the Rushmore Jewelry Plant in Rapid City (good discounts on great jewelry plus factory tours). At 8 pm we'll host another get-together on the Lodge Patio.
Thursday:
Technical Seminars from 9:00 to 10:30 am held in the parking lot. Social hour for the Ladies held on the Lodge Patio during the same time. Remainder of the day is for whatever you wish.
Friday:
Departure Day for those of you who are leaving.
If you plan on attending please complete the Registration Form at this link: http://www.venturers.org/Spearfish2/form1.html" Target="_blank">http://www.venturers.org/Spearfish2/form1.html
PS: I'm looking for a few good men to help conduct the technical seminars. If you're interested please contact me.
On behalf of the Venturers I want to thank you in advance for your participation. As always we'll have a great time and hope to see you there.
Butch
Email Address: butch@daktel.com
