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Daybreak in the Badlands , enjoying a bit of sunrise solitude .
have a new favorite time to visit the desolate national park . Riding through the Badlands at sunrise started by accident . I was unable to visit on my way to or from the rally one year so I decided to try to ride through the park early one morning before I was expected at the Yamaha booth . I snuck away in the wee hours and rode the hundred miles to the eastern entrance to the park in Cactus Flats , South Dakota . I got there just as a hint of sun was stirring and long before a ranger would occupy the ungated ticket booth .
Starting the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway at the eastern side allowed me to ride it toward Sturgis , where my bike and I were supposed to be in a few short hours . It didn ’ t occur to me I would also have hints of daylight cracking the night chill behind me , creating a vivid backdrop for some great photos of all the rock formations . My secret rendezvous with daybreak also allowed me to witness the morning rituals of the local resident big horn sheep , jackrabbits , prairie dogs and bison . The Badlands are awesome and a great destination for anyone attending the Sturgis Rally .
National motorcycle rallies allow riders to gather and celebrate our passion for twowheel travel . Attending events in different corners of the country provides us with the opportunity to use our motorcycles to explore a new environment . Traveling on two wheels allows us to experience our surroundings with all of our senses . We hear the wind , see the clouds , feel the elevation , taste the rain and yes , if you start early enough , you can certainly smell a beautiful sunrise .
The author on the Needles Highway , an impressive 14-mile scenic byway in South Dakota that includes sharp turns , narrow tunnels , granite spires and world-class views .
For me , traveling from darkness into daylight is always magically invigorating , but there is something about a sunrise that makes me feel like it ’ s going to be a brand new day .