Great Rides

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of gripping the handlebars, twisting the throttle, and letting the open road carry you forward. Being a woman on a motorcycle isn’t just about riding—it’s about freedom, strength, and claiming space in a world that often expects us to stay on the sidelines. When I ride, I’m not just a passenger in life. I’m in control, fully present, and completely alive. The rumble of the engine beneath me drowns out the noise of daily stress, and suddenly it’s just me, the bike, and the horizon.

The ride began with a familiar thrill: loading up early in the morning, pointing the bikes west, and setting our sights on Utah, Idaho, and Minnesota with a stop at the HOG Rally in Colorado Springs. Getting there wasn’t without its pauses. Somewhere along the road to Durango, construction brought us to a standstill behind a pilot car. Four hours of waiting had us restless and hungry, but patience paid off. Once released, we discovered the Gorge Bar & Grill—where a gorgeous burger, topped with smoky Hatch chiles, became the perfect reward.

The video says it all.

Most of the DHOG group knows I LOVE TO RIDE my bike. ALOT, a long way. I don’t have a car, only a handful of motorcycles. I’m fortunate that my job is less than 3 miles from home, and I only work 3 days a week. Both of those give me a lot of freedom and opportunities. I’m also fortunate enough to have accumulated 6 weeks of vacation time every year. That coupled with the fact I can do my work schedule and work 6 days together and be off for 8 days straight and not use any of my vacation time, gives me the ability to do lots of miles. 

It’s go time. Saddle sore run to Duluth, MN (1,140 miles), then up to Angle Inlet, MN to hit the Northernmost Point Buoy — all in 36 hours — to knock out the Bun Burner 1500. After that, I planned to meander toward the World’s Largest Buffalo, cruise through Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and eventually link up with the DHOG crew and my dad on Friday. Day 1 Recap:

As the week in Sturgis began to wind down, Saturday was a mix of activity and relaxation. Some riders stayed back at the houses to rest up, catch up on laundry, and start packing for the ride home. Others weren’t quite ready to slow down yet—venturing back into Sturgis for last-minute tattoos, some serious people-watching, or to explore more of Full Throttle Saloon and Buffalo Chip.

After exploring Mount Rushmore, Iron Mountain Road, and Custer State Park, the DHOG crew was ready for more—and Sturgis definitely delivered. We kicked off the next leg of our adventure with a ride along the legendary Needles Highway, twisting and turning through the spires and tunnels. Unfortunately, a tragic accident blocked the return route, reminding us all how quickly things can change on the road. Out of respect, we rerouted and continued the day with a visit to Black Hills Harley-Davidson, where we wandered through rows of vendors, bike accessories, and souvenirs.

The Journey to the Black Hills Begins. Three groups. One destination. A thousand memories in the making. This year’s DHOG Sturgis adventure kicked off with riders heading out in three waves. One group left earlier in the week to take their time and soak in the scenery. Another truck rolled out Saturday, hauling gear and prepping the way. The largest group departed Friday—13 motorcycles, one car, and 16 excited riders and passengers with the open road ahead and Sturgis in their sights. Their first day’s destination: Amarillo, Texas.

  We all buy bikes for different purposes. I have owned Suzuki’s, Honda’s, BMW’s, Yamaha’s and two Harleys for one reason, to see the backroads of America for the past +45 yrs. Latest trip, solo 7108 mi in 15 Days. What a trip! Mother Nature threw everything at me. Seventy plus mph winds East of Laramie, Wyoming at the Sherman Summit. Flurries and Sleet on the Elk Bend pass in Idaho, lots of rain that slowed me down some, no surprise in the NW. Mid 50's to over 100 degrees in a matter of hours.

Look at Mike's adventures at the Great River Lower Road Touring Rally.