To me and thousands of other riders, Sturgis and the Black Hills represent just that, the land of the free and the home of the brave. I have watched countless documentaries about Sturgis, and I have yet to see anyone capture the essence of what keeps this 50-year-old woman coming back summer after summer.
For me the Black Hills hold a magical, spiritual beauty and energy that you don#8217;t find cruising Main Street. But with the tough economy, the girlfriends who often accompany me on the ride out couldn#8217;t make it. My new boyfriend wanted to be practical and attend to business at home. I contemplated not going myself#8230;but it was the 70th Sturgis Rally, my 50th birthday, and I hadn#8217;t missed the rally in more than 20 years.
And then there is my old Pa, who just turned 80, and his health isn#8217;t so good. In the past few years he and I have started a tradition. After the rally I head to Minnesota to visit my mom, sis, and youngest brother and his family. Then I fetch my Pa, and we do a road trip back to Wyoming to visit the older of my two brothers and his family in Lander, Wyoming, where he works as a deputy sheriff. So I decided, as I almost always do, to cast fate into the wind, and head on down the highway.
My first stop was Hotchkiss, Colorado, where my Uncle David and Aunt Shelia have a horse ranch, and where I am moving in October. I stopped in to see my new place, and hung out down at Dave#8217;s trout ponds. It#8217;s a view I have grown up looking at, and am excited that it is about to be the view I wake up to every morning.
Ken Conte from Rise Above Consulting has been kind enough to get me accommodations at the Buffalo Chip the past few years to cover the events going on there. So I had this keen idea to utilize the pass to its full extent, and see what it would be like for a woman to camp out by herself at the Buffalo Chip all week.
Having only been to the Chip a few times, I held the illusion that I might find myself a quiet corner under a nice tree to pitch my tent. And upon arriving, I did try#8230;and I gave it an honest one night#8217;s sleepless effort. Holy moly! At age 50, I decided I was simply too old to appreciate the Buffalo Chip. At 20, I was too old to appreciate the Buffalo Chip. The Buffalo Chip never sleeps, and neither did I. I crawled out of my sad Walmart tent, and asked a group of guys where the nearest bathroom was. #8220;Beetsie? Betsy, I am Carlos, your Facebook friend from Chihuahua, Mexico. I can#8217;t believe it#8217;s you! Can we take a picture together?#8221;
That first day I headed over to the county line Broken Spoke for Michael Lichter#8217;s ride with custom bike builder Sugar Bear. My friend Bean#8217;re (pronounced Beaner) and all of my buddies from the Limpnickie Lot, and the Wall of Death were staying there. I decided I would move out to that campground in hopes of a more peaceful rest. The ride took us down some scenic roads for Michael to do what he does best, shoot great pictures. After you reach the hot lemonade girl, you turn back and head for the drag strip.
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At the drag strip, anyone who wanted to drag his or her own bike was invited to do so. Bean#8217;re, and Chris Callen of Cycle Source magazine, had a mean competition going on. Before they even took off, Chris got his pant leg caught up in his belt drive. He had to be cut him out of his own pants. Now that#8217;s what I call a drag race! I don#8217;t remember who won being that they kept challenging one another to yet another run. They might still be out there on that track.
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After a long afternoon of watching the races in the blazing sun, I decided to move my camp down the road to the more relaxed fields of the Spoke, but as I was passing Bear Butte Mountain, I looked up and remembered my favorite times at that spiritual place. I fell in love on that mountain with a beautiful Native American man named Anthony Salazar. The mountain will always hold the magic of those memories.
I turned in without hesitation, and went up to walk the trail. I stayed there for a long time and looked out over Bear Butte Lake. I remembered the first time I went skinny dipping in that lake, and tore my shirt to make prayer offerings and head bands for us. I decided to stay there in the energy of the mountain, and headed down to make my quiet camp.
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This campground has no facilities other than a non-flushing toilet. The quiet enveloped me, and I slept like a baby! The only sound I heard that night was a lone cow mooing in the distance. I woke up to a golden sunrise, and went for a long swim. There were a handful of other campers around, and only a couple had motorcycles. There were frogs all over the lakes edge soaking in the sun, so I tried not to disturb them as I tip toed in for my early morning swim. Then I headed over to the Legends Ride, a charity event taking place in Deadwood.
The Legends Ride was jamming! Pee-wee Herman was there with a bicycle that was custom built for him and that will be auctioned off for Legends Ride charities. The crowd seemed to really love him along with Rupert Boneham, a past winner of TV#8217;s #8220;Survivor#8221; and who was also one of the #8220;legends#8221; on hand. Lorenzo Lamas was there with his new fianc#233;e, Shawna Craig, along with his business partner, Chad Greulach of Lorenzo Cycles.
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The Legends Ride route did a loop through Nemo and back through Sturgis. The ride was attempting to head out to the Buffalo Chip but got stuck in standstill traffic, so I pulled over to buy a glass of lemonade from a little boy on the side of the street for 50 cents. Rocker Gilby Clarke, formerly of Guns N#8217; Roses, and his pals pulled in behind me to do the same. I told the boy that the cool guys walking up were rock stars from Los Angeles and that he could charge them $5 for a glass of lemonade. #8220;Do you really think I could?#8221; he asked. By the time they all finished, I think Gilby gave him $30 and the little boy almost peed in his pants he was so excited! #8220;I gotta go make more lemonade!#8221; he said as he ran off.
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Gilby and his friends invited me to tag along to go backstage at a new place called the Monkey Bar. They were headed to see a band called the Darling Stilettos. They were as sexy as the Pussycat Dolls, and certainly kept the boys mesmerized.
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That night Baker Drivetrain held a burnout contest out at the county line Broken Spoke, and my friend Kevin Alsop, owner of Big Bear Choppers, impressed the crowd with his seemingly effortless skills at bringing his bike to its ultimate performance level. Kevin was nursing fresh road rash from going down after hitting a deer the day before. Not much seems to faze the man!
The next day Chris Callen and and the Cycle Source boys organized their own ride out to the Nemo horse ranch where we had a barbeque lunch. Every day was sunny and filled with friends and laughter. Several of my pals were working at the Broken Spoke in town— Sasha Mullins, and comedian and host Jack Schit—but they were able to sneak off that day to be on the Cycle Source ride with us.
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Tuesday night at The Buffalo Chip was Michael Lichter’s custom motorcycle exhibition and show of his lifetime work of motorcycle photography. The exhibit is always impressive and takes you back in time to the changes that have occurred over the years in the lifestyles of riding. The most important people in the world of motorcycling turned out to show their support of everything Michael has done.
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After the show, Genevieve, my new friend Masyn Moyer, and WRN columnist Diva Amy and I immersed ourselves into the sea of people at the Buffalo Chip to watch Bob Dylan warm up the stage for Kid Rock. We were not close enough to the stage to get the most out of being at a Bob Dylan concert, but when Kid Rock hit the stage, the crowd went crazy. We elbowed our way up closer. Now that is a rock star! The man really does well what he does. He had four middle-aged women who are all in relationships saying, “Yup, I get it.” Somehow that skinny white trash boy from Detroit is all kinds of sexy!
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame induction ceremomy breakfastcame early the next day, but I didn’t want to miss it as my good friend KiwiMike Thomas was being inducted, and was seated at the head table next to WillieG. Davidson and his wife, Nancy, who was also being inducted. I alwayslove to hear the stories of the lifetime passion the inductees have for thesport of motorcycling, and this was no exception. I was proud to be there withKiwi’s family, my friend and longtime rider Grace McKean, and other friends tosee him honored that way.
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My last and favorite day was spent with the Limpnickie Lot boys doing a “Ride to the Rez.” It was on Friday, and many people had already pulled out for the week, so we had a small group. Chris Callen was leading the ride, but had a back tire malfunction, so the bike went onto a trailer. I offered Chris my bike, and I rode bitch on the back of my own bike through the Badlands to the Pine Ridge reservation. There was a group of kids waiting to meet us at the Boys and Girls Club, and we all headed out to a baseball field where we played ball and gave motorcycle rides to the kids around the outfield. The children were so enthused that it made our whole trip very rewarding. I fell in love with a young girl named Shayla that looked like Pocahontas, and gave her a long ride through the wheat fields of the rez.
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Every one of those kids told me that someday they wanted to have a motorcycle, and they all got to choose the bike they liked best. The Pine Ridge reservation is a very impoverished place where clean running water, a resource we take for granted, is something they do not have enough of. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge this year was meant to bring awareness to this problem, but has yet to really do so. This long-distance endurance ride that occurred in June ended up embroiled in controversy.
Bikers as a group can make a difference when they band together for a greater cause. This is an important one to me as white men took the Indian’s land and gave them nothing in return except empty promises. We continue to enjoy and use their Black Hills while they continue to exist on very little. I hope the Hoka Hey ride has a second year, and that it helps to bring awareness in the form of actual change.
Bean’re and I rode back to Sturgis through the Badlands as the sun was setting. It was a most perfect ride, day, week…rally. I absolutely never get tired of the Black Hills. The beauty still leaves me in awe, and the energy will always be magical. My friends in the motorcycle community are like a huge family. Every year it is like renewal of existence for me. It recharges my battery and helps me to put everything else around me into perspective. If you allow yourself to be alone with your thoughts, surroundings, and the open road, a calm knowing happens. Instead of seeking answers to your life questions, the open road has a way of bringing clarity.
My old Pa doesn’t have the energy to ride on the back of my motorcycle anymore, or to come to Sturgis during rally, so I threw my bike on the trailer and went and fetched him in the truck. After visiting the prettiest girls in the Midwest, my nieces, Sienna and Maddy, I brought my dad to the Crazy Horse Monument to see the progress being made on what will eventually be the largest, most meaningful monument in our country. Dad was overwhelmed with the whole museum and the story behind it all. We spent the whole day there. We went on to spend some quality time at my brother Joe’s and my nephews shooting grasshoppers, fishing, wandering though ghost towns, wading in streams, roasting marshmallows for s’mores, and taking motorcycle rides. And every year I re-learn that it is as much the going, as the getting there that is good.
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I hope you enjoyed riding along. You can find me on Facebook and at BetsyHuelskamp.com.
Awesome pictures. Looks like a great time was had by all. Would love to see all this in person. Maybe next year.
Thanks for the great pics as well as a good story and, once again, a solo lady rider is truly “Soulo.”
Great. I can’t wait for this August.
You are one gutsy gal Betsy! I love your courage and outrageousness. Hope to meet up with you on the road.
Great story. I’m sure glad I found the WRN Web site. Thanks Betsy and Genevieve.
Hey Betsy, love the pics! Hope to see you on the roads here in Colorado. Let us know if you need anything.
I would love to live the life that Betsy lives. Wish I could afford it. She is such an inspiration!
Great job! Love your writing and pics! Perfect picture of “paints in front of crazy horse.” I’d love to bring my horse out there to ride, as well as my Harley. Hope to meet you next year in Sturgis.
Hi Betsy,Wonderful pics, great story, amazing people. Guess one day I have to go myself to this land of romantic lakes, black mountains and endless roads. Maybe we will meet. Would you take a ride with me?
I am a real fan of Betsy and admire her lifestyle. Her writings have a way of gently reminding me what’s important in life. She is a valuable asset to WRN!
Terrific article! I totally related to your comments on camping at the Chip and the serene setting by the lake. While I would have loved to hear Dylan, Kid Rock, and others – just can’t face the hassle of the crowds. Your pictures and story were done just right and were enjoyable to read. Keep up the good work!
Ya know, you do not look 50 and with a raked out bike, I am impressed. And who doesn’t want to get their picture taken with one beautiful lady as you and that cool bike! I just turned 61 myself and still riding high on my second Harley. Nothing special, all I can afford is a Sportster but I call him Mr. Dawg2 and he is special to me! Someday I hope to be able to afford to ride to Sturgis. Been there when I turned 50 years old, the 60th Anniversary, and that is what made me buy my first scoot. Like to go back riding the next time! Hehaw! Keep on the rolling YOUNG LADY!
Thanks for being the power of example on how to be a free spirit. Just being yourself having an awesome time! I appreciate the power of a strong lady like you. Thanks for all you do for women riders!
I just loved reading your story. I too love the mountains, the peace they bring but for now, every day I get to ride my bike is another day of freedom. Thank you again for a wonderful story. Wish it could of gone on and on.
Wonderful article. I attend Sturgis every year and I feel the same as you do. I just don’t have the ability to put it in writing. Thank you for writing your story. Can’t wait for next year.
You told a great story gal, and made me so want to go to Sturgis! The first pic of the road made my heart yearn, and knowing that the story is not always about the event, but the other side of enjoying, alone time, friends , and good causes make this event more attractive. Not a lover of crowds, your way sounds like a hell of a good way. Mahalo from the Hawaiian in Nevada!
Next year, be sure to let me and Lorenzo know about the trip to Pine Ridge Reservation. That’s something we’d definitely like to do.
Love the article. Fantastic.
Betz-Just fabulous! I am sorry I missed you. We are both a 1/2 century now, and you are in my thoughts. I wish you peace and happiness. Continue to be true to your heart and soul and know that you have an old friend from a different time that looks at you and smiles. Don’t squat with your spurs on! And always drink upstream from the herd! I always wanted to say that.Love, Sandy
Betsy, you freakin’ rock.
Betsy, You always write the best articles sprinkled with unique insights and commentary. Your ability to bring across a feeling and a different perspective on things is a gift and we as readers are the better for it. Hope to catch up with you again at another of the events with the Limpnickie Lot. Till then, ride safe and enjoy your wonderful life God has blessed you with! C’ya
Betsy,I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article. You have an amazing life. Thank you.