Sturgis, SD

I left MN yesterday morning and drove halfway across SD to a campground 40 min south of Pierre, which the locals pronounce as pier. It was the end of the weekend so everybody had left and I got a great spot right on the edge of the Misouri River. The ride across MN was one of my favorite of the trip so far but I wasn't prepared for the size and desolation of SD. The though that I had rebuilt nearly every piece of this motorcycle became sobering as I drove fo hours without seeing 20 people or buildings. At every cross-roads the pavement ended at the horizon in all four directions. I left for Sturgis this morning better prepared for the emptiness. I decided that riding across the prarie was like being out on the open ocean and that seeing a car or a house was like passing another boat. With that in mind I thoroughly enjoyed the four hour ride to Sturgis. I set up camp just north of town and walked in to check out the scene. The town is overflowing with bikes, bikers and scantilly clad biker ladies, all of which look as if they have seen quite a few miles. I am anticipating some crazy partying tonight. I'll let you know how it goes.