Sturgis now over and being the last of our ‘deadline’ until New York then Montreal, we are heading for the great Lakes before stopping in Amish country next. I want to ride through Badlands National Park before leaving the area, and we are not disappointed.
Badlands National park
Badlands National Park – so many motorcyclists
Badlands national park
Gary, a BMW rider from Orange City, Fl, stopped to chat
We pick a zig zag route north – we need to get through the vast flat, tiringly boring area of North Dakota safely and give ourselves a break from the winds. We are not great distance riders anyway and the monotony of the deadly straight stretches means we need even more stops. We overnight in Pierre before stopping in Fargo for 2 nights. It is the first time we are spending more than one night in one spot since Casper, as the lack of posts for the past 2 weeks testify!!
Lovely spot to stop and revitalise
We still see many Harley Davidsons, a few Honda Goldwings and the odd BMW or other brands obviously making it to Sturgis for the last few days of the rally or riding home, wherever that might be. About half of them take their bikes on trailers and only ride in Sturgis or maybe the surrounding area. We are glad we didn’t chicken out completely based on everyone’s “warnings”. One day and night there was perfect for us. We see a bike pulled over and of course stop in case he needs help. He has a puncture, is waiting for the tow truck but would like to pump some air into his flat so that he can ride up the tow truck ramp without damaging his tyre. He is from Winnipeg, went to Sturgis but didn’t take any repair tools with him. Glad we can help.
As we are riding, we discuss all the things we need to do while in Fargo and we quickly decide we will stay an additional day so that we can relax a bit too. It is always great to go to bed knowing there is no rush in getting up in the morning.
As we ride east then north of Aberdeen, there are so many lakes. We have seen fields and fields of wheat, soya beans, sunflowers and I ask Anthony whether rice is grown here as it would be a great use of the natural water available here. My question is answered when we cross Wild Rice river and confirmed with a Google search later.
So many lakes in North Dakota
Sunflower fields around Highmore
Wheat fields around Aberdeen
Had to stop in Miller and take a photo for my mum:
Named after my mother’s ancestors?
Having watched the Republican, or commonly referred to GOP (Grand Old Party) candidates debate last night in Pierre, it is interesting to listen to various commentaries on different channels the next day. Over the last 2 months in the US, we have met many people who have willingly shared their political views with us. Never before have we felt such a gulf between the Republicans and Democrats. It seems that over the last few years, under Obama, views and parties have become polarised. And they are not class related as I originally thought. Very simply and maybe simplistically, there are those on the left, the Democrats, who believe there should be safety nets and programs to help everyone under every circumstance, while those on the right, the Republicans, who do not want or expect the government to be everything to all people, are tired of being ‘institutionalised’ with too many laws about every aspect of their lives, and believe it is up to individuals, who are able to, to make it for themselves.
While in Fargo, we upload photos and videos, make space on our desperately full iPads, do all our washing, make some plans and bookings for our time back in Europe, send emails, skype family, message friends, go to the movies, get our hair cut, write new posts for the past 2 weeks, do some basic bike maintenance, write emails and … spend time with our feet up watching tv and simply relaxing.
Storm building in Fargo, North Dakota
It is funny how after just over 24 hours in our lovely hotel, I am itching to get out onto the road again, missing the wild open spaces of Kyrgyzstan… And it feels very strange to think that one month from now, our trip will nearly be over, with our bikes with Air Canada ready for shipping back to the UK, a day ahead of us… The excitement of seeing family mixed with so many other feelings…
– Anne
2slowspeeds 
Fame at last! TKU for that photo. And do those clouds over Fargo have the same name as the mountains near Jackson? xx
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Haha, thought you’d like that photo :-). Yes they do – they are called mammatus clouds!! Xxx
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Good to read the latest report. I’m worried as you must be about what to do after your trip, I might have to leave my armchair and ‘get out there…’
I notice you’re still in the habit of making friends too. Having seen all the other bikers, do you have any thoughts on going for more cc’s next time ?
Hope you take the time to meander around Canada.
Keep safe and throttle on.
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Interesting question: we would only go for more cc’s if we planned lots of touring in the US. In other countries, we would actually go for smaller bikes. No time to meander around Canada this time. Will have to leave that for another time… Time for you to get out there yourself soon mate!
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Wow and time is going to literally fly ! Was thinking it has just been such a treat to be in constant contact – long may it last !
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It has been wonderful to stay in touch – we will just have to continue by email after this trip finishes. But we will visit soon! Xx
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It has been wonderful to stay in touch – we will just have to continue by email after this trip finishes. But we will visit soon! Xx
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Interesting post – thank you Anne. I think a lot of commentators would put the polarisation of American politics much further back than the Obama period. When George W Bush was “elected” in 2000 he came into office promising to govern in a bi-partisan manner, recognising the narrowness of his “victory”. He then did just the opposite with major cuts to taxes and welfare spending. The polarisation is exacerbated by constant gerrymandering of congressional districts to make them “safe” for one party or the other. Where it all ends no-one knows, but it seems like a troubled society from this distance, with horrendous gun crime and very little social cohesion. I hope I’m wrong…
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The election and law making process is definitely strange, complex and not very transparent. And sadly, I would agree that it is a troubled, polarised society. But as always, individuals we meet are all lovely and very interesting – and help us understand the US.
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You could ski around those clouds – well you two could! 😃. Nearly home. ☺️
Love x
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Those clouds are fun looking – love the idea of skiing them!!! Yes nearly home :-). Xxx
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I was in the US for two elections, the nomination process is a tough gig for all (including the poor citizens who watch). It brings out the worst of polarised positions with the centre largely ignored. After they get nominated much damage has been done to the candidate – such is politics.
Strange to think the trek may be coming to an end, the tragics like me who hang out for your blog will have withdrawal symptoms. Travel safe and keep feeding us with those blogs!
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Such a long, painful and expensive process!! Interesting to be here for long enough to get a better insight. Strange for us too to think of this trip is ending soon… Our followers like you have been such a great support but I am afraid the blog entries will end soon.
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Can’t believe you are nearing the end of your trip. We have loved reading your blogs from the comfort of our armchairs! Looking forward to seeing you soon ? Enjoy the rest of the open road XX
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