Rider #282

Lisa-

What an excellent weekend. It was great to see you, and with quite a surprise. You managed to take a very sad event, and turn it into a sharing of good thoughts and emotions with friends.

After reading the “bonus” I thought of trying for Hell’s half-acre, and then being able to say Eddie and I went to Hell and back.

I had met Eddie before I knew anything about Team Strange. One spot where our paths crossed early on was in a campground in So Dakota while we were both attending Sturgis. Eddie was there on a 400 Yamaha, and I thought “what a small bike to be riding all those miles”…..I thought he was “crazy”, and those thoughts were later validated after getting to know him!! This weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to go to that campground and scatter his ashes. Unfortunately the campground was no longer in existence. What to do….I was on my way home, and still hadn’t granted Eddie’s wish!.

I think you overheard me talking to someone about trying to find the “perfect” spot for Eddie. Actually my thoughts kept me entertained, because I kept thinking he’d ridden the whole ride with me (in my saddlebag) and I could imagine him goading me to ride more miles, and get more points!! I on the other hand was smirking, because…I GOT IRENE!!!

Well half way across So Dakota and heading back to Minnesota…I thought of Chamberlain, So Dakota. A beautiful spot overlooking the Missouri River, and noteworthy because of Lewis and Clark’s journey in 1804. The plaque at the rest area actually had the answer to a bonus question during one of the many rallies.

http://www.sddot.com/geninfo_projects_chambrestarea.asp

I’ve attached some pictures for you so you’ll know where just a small part of a very great man ended their ride I hope the sticker stays on that tree stump for a very long time!!!

Date/Time: 6-20-2010 9:20 PM Odometer reading: 143,XXX

I had packed up my camera, flag and was ready to leave….I looked back one more time and was treated to a spectacular sunset…..it seemed to be a sign that I found the “perfect spot”, and Eddie was happy.

Team Strange Rider #282