Deadwood

Went to Deadwood South Dakota with the HOG chapter group for the annual Gamblers Run. This is a four day three night trip. We stay at the First Gold Casino and Hotel. We get a discount for staying here and they take real good care of us. This is the 10th year for this run and every year they get rain. This year was no exception. It rained on us every day. The only good weather was here in Hardin and Billings.

Had a great time, lost my money, ate too much food and drank too many beers. We left on Thursday morning. It was beautiful when we left Montana and the further east we went, the darker the clouds got. Our first stop was in Sheridan for gas and a short break. From Sheridan we traveled on Highway 14 to Ucross then over to Spotted Horse and down to Gillette. This was the old highway to Gillette before the interstate was built. We stopped in Spotted Horse for a beer break. We had a diet coke. The only claim to fame for here is that Peter Fonda stops here every year to hunt. Ate a late lunch in Gillette, then headed on the interstate to Deadwood because of the weather. We ran into rain at Sundance and it rained all the way into Deadwood.

Got checked in, then headed down to the casino. They have a slot tournament just for our group and also had some wine tasting. Gary and I didn't win any prizes, but it was fun. Spent the rest of the night in the casino gambling.

On Friday we rode with a group to Sturgis, then we made our way to Rapid City through Vanocker Canyon. In all the years that we had been in the Black Hills, we have never been through this canyon. It is a pretty little canyon. Stopped in Rapid at the dealership for a short break. We then went to Keystone for some lunch. Finding a parking space is a chore, most of the parking lots charge by the day now. We did manage to find a space, thank goodness for delivery trucks stopping traffic for us. After lunch we made our way back to Deadwood before the rain hit. Started to rain later in the evening. This time we made our way to downtown Deadwood. Went to the Number 10 Saloon and had a few rounds with our friends. Took the trolly, which was a good thing. There were several bridal parties going on. While we were waiting for the trolly to take us back to our hotel, one of the parties stopped to talk to us. We told the young girl not to do it, it's not worth it. The guys told the girl what would happen after 23, 30 and 42 years of marriage will do to her. She informed them that we all looked pretty good and we told her to take a look and see what will happen to him. Afterwards the girl gave all the guys a lei and we sure had fun with that.

Saturday it rained all day. We decided not to ride, no sense in being out in the wet and having a miserable time when it's not necessary. Our group walked downtown this time and just went looking in all the shops and just having a nice relaxing time. Gary and I did find a sheepskin seat cover. We were told that they are worth it, especially on the hot summer days. We have a short get together with everyone in the chapter for some prizes. Every year they give away a leather jacket. The rules are if you won a leather jacket you can't win one again. Our odds are getting better. We didn't win the jacket this year nor did we win the money $200. One guy in our group won the money and he took all of us out for dinner afterwards. Gary and I did win some other small prizes, we both won some pins, a t-shirt, pens and key chains. We also go a patch for attending this year's event.

After it was all over, we rode the trolly back downtown for a steak dinner. Found a nice little place and had a very enjoyable meal. Even though we weren't able to ride, it was a very enjoyable day spending relaxing time with our friends. Gambled one last time, Gary did have some luck playing 3 card poker. Called it an early night, got everything repacked after all we are coming home with more than when we started.

Time to leave on Sunday morning, pretty mean looking clouds so we wore our rain suits just in case. Good thing, it was a pretty chilly ride, didn't get better until we got into Montana. We had a great time and looking forward to next year.