What a fabulous day! This was our day for “relaxation” a break from the road…however almost everyone found somewhere to ride to! Lorie M from HD had to head out this morning and continue her journey to Milwaukee, since she works for HD she has to be there before the party. This year she is in charge of the Motor Company’s FREE roadside assistance program. They literally will pick up any H-D rider during the 110th party in Milwaukee and get them to the nearest dealer with the least amount of wait time to repair their bike if they break down. How is that for customer service?! (I bet even the “nicest” people don’t offer that service…aka Honda riders)

Everyone was a little slower moving this morning, and as the hours ticked on more and more bikes left. Paul told me he wanted to ride with me in Spearfish Canyon, and Barry said he didn’t want to go. They decided we would all ride to Deadwood, then Paul and I would ride in the canyon.

Gotta watch out for this shit!

The whole time, Barry kept telling me how long and slow the ride would be. I didn’t mind, beats sitting around all day! For those that didn’t know it was my birthday today. So, I figured I may as well go for a ride.

Veil falls in spearfish canyon during my ride today

We rode to Deadwood, and walked around for a few minutes with Barry then Paul and I headed out on our ride. It was a pretty ride, but after the amazing scenery we had seen yesterday it just wasn’t as exciting!

Downtown deadwood

Paul and I had a nice leisurely ride but it was much shorter than we planned.

Deadwood hot August nights car show

Hot August nights car show

I was ok with that, since I was still pretty tired from yesterday and thought it would be a good time for a nap!

Horsing around deadwood

So we headed back to the hotel and I decided to shower and relax. Right before 5pm Barry called my room and told me he was hungry. I suggested we go to Deadwood for dinner since there isn’t much going on in Sturgis now that the party is over. Reluctantly he agreed but told me the New Jersey crew wanted to buy me a drink here first. I guess I forgot to mention them in my blog from last night. They are 3 guys from NJ who are here celebrating one of their retirement. And like most NJ guys, they are loud and entertaining! Lorie and I met them last night in the bar when we ate dinner and Barry met them after we did. They were staying in the room above ours, and the young guy in their group even offered to wash Barry’s bike…see picture.

Barry’s special bike wash by a jersey boy

So, when Barry told me we were gonna meet them for a drink then ride to dinner I thought it sounded like a plan. I decided I would put on some makeup and clean clothes since I might take a “self photo” for facebook at dinner later. Prior to going to get our drinks I was texting and telling anyone from our crew that I was going to go to Deadwood for dinner and that they should join me. When we got in the bar Paul was in the back corner, and said they were all back there. I figured the Jersey boys were playing pool or something. As I walked around the corner much to my surprise the ENTIRE Rogue Rider group was there yelling “Happy Birthday!”

The whole group together for my bday!

I was seriously the most surprised I have ever been. I don’t think I have ever had a surprise birthday where I was so oblivious! I had no idea, it was amazing!

Then I found out they had all known for the entire ride that this was planned and had somehow managed to keep it a secret! I am pretty perceptive so that was a challenge in itself! My dad was so awesome, he arranged in advance with the hotel, got a cake made locally and delivered with balloons and had the whole party and day planned without me knowing!

How did they manage a full sheet cake on Harleys!?

It really touched my heart, I love my dad but this is the most I can ever remember him doing for something like this. It was all really special.

What made it even more awesome was to be on the road with such a great group of people and for all of them to take time out of their night to come celebrate with me!

Howard and I and the horse he got me for my bday…I have a feeling this horse is going to be part of some pranks along the way!

You don’t want to know

Bday presents!

During dinner, a lady came in and told us her mother “Corky” was turning 92 today! Corky has been serving the free breakfast at the Presbyterian Church in town to all the Sturgis bikers for years and her daughter thought it would be cool if a bunch of bikers would sing her Happy Birthday!

Birthday girls! Corky and I celebrating 92 and 27!

What are the odds?! We surprised Corky and I got a photo with her, she was so happy to celebrate with us. What an honor to meet her and share the same B-day as her. Overall this was one special day for me, and I am so blessed to be a part of this community! Tomorrow we are heading to Sioux Falls where the dealer is having a reception for us!