July 4, 2008

We went to the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo at Belle Fourche today. It was a great rodeo and is billed as the 2nd best in the Country after the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. We arrived early and were entertained by the World Famous Belle Fourche Cowboy Band. They also played at the intermission half way through the Rodeo.

We watched Bareback Riding, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding.

The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls stunt riding was a special treat.

There were 17 bull riders and not one cowboy managed to stay on for eight seconds as required. I felt sorry for one of the contestants who rode for 7.9 seconds before being thrown off. That’s tough luck.

Our second stop of the day was the Black Hills National Cemetery. This is a beautiful place in the rolling hills of South Dakota. On this 4th of July, each of us had loving thoughts for the families of the many men and women who have given their lives for this great country.

Our third stop on the way home was at Sturgis where the Great Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Rally is held each year in August. There were only a few motorcycles present in town today.

We saw Museum and Hall of Fame pictured above but didn’t stop because it was closed for the Holiday.

In just about a month this quiet, peaceful town will transform into a loud and exciting place with the approximately 350,000 motorcycles anticipated coming for the Rally this year.

Our final stop of the day was at the Golden Corral in Rapid City for dinner. After dinner we traveled home so I could spend a little time on our blog.