• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Smackdab Summer Solstice Run –*Kansas to North Dakota!

smoof said:
I believe Belle Fourche is in South Dakota.
Click to expand...

I meant to type SD but hit ND. I spent 5 months in Gillette WY building a Restaurant and rode nearly every weekend, all over the Blackhills and Bighorns. We are goung to the Deadwood Rally this summer to ride again.
 
Can anyone provide some insights on the Smackdab route? I know the road is pretty straight forward but I was wondering about must stops along the way. Scenery pull-outs, marvelous diners or restaurants along the way, unique shops to browse when a break is needed and any must stop for gas locations ( I read where things are little dry in parts of North Dakota).
 
Scotts8826 said:
Can anyone provide some insights on the Smackdab route? I know the road is pretty straight forward but I was wondering about must stops along the way. Scenery pull-outs, marvelous diners or restaurants along the way, unique shops to browse when a break is needed and any must stop for gas locations ( I read where things are little dry in parts of North Dakota).
Click to expand...

The only really scenic geography would be around Fort Randall Dam, just inside South Dakota. There's some hills around there and the road twists a bit, and there's a scenic overlook by the dam.

Tammys-Curve.jpg


IMG_0043-720x540.jpg


As for gas stops, here's an interactive fuel map on Bing: Lebanon To Rugby
Just click on the little gas pump icon:

17190571_814751928689661_3780749627289612637_n.jpg

There are some 70-90 mile stretches between service stations in North Dakota, but if you fill up whenever you see open pumps, you'll be fine. Just adjust your schedule to leave time towards the end for a few extra stops. You shouldn't try to stretch your range between stops. Also, you might not always find 92 octane fuel, so filling up every half tank will keep your average octane level up. You should definitely stop to fill up in Carrigton, ND...and while you're there you can take a selfie with the Chieftain.

IMG_0057-720x540.jpg


There are no truly notable dining stops along the way. You'll be eating at places like the 281 Travel Center in Wolsey, SD. The food was unremarkable roadside diner fare, but the staff were really, really friendly and pleasant, even when some pretty weary bikers were filling every table and wanting to get back on the road quickly.

Wolsey-SD.jpg


One couple on the ride said they had a good meal at the Hakuna Matata restaurant in Edgeley, ND, but that's just one review, so I can't really endorse it myself.

For the most part, just be prepared for lots of this:

Dawn-patrol.jpg
 
Thanks for sharing. I am still contemplating this ride. It can be a little more difficult finding information along this route since it is off the major Interstates. I'm used to planning and except for "just head north" there doesn't seem to be much other planning necessary.
 
Scotts8826 said:
Thanks for sharing. I am still contemplating this ride. It can be a little more difficult finding information along this route since it is off the major Interstates. I'm used to planning and except for "just head north" there doesn't seem to be much other planning necessary.
Click to expand...

You can certainly arrange to ride with a couple of others. A couple of ad-hoc riding groups usually get assembled before departure. Last year, three guys who'd never met each other before the riders' meeting ended up doing the trip together.
 
Not this year

I can not do it this year but hope to do it next year. If I do I will make a short stop just North of Hastings, Nebraska. Hope to see you in 2019, ryde safe.
 
Scotts, What he said We rode it last year, saw groups that stopped at every state border crossing to get group shots. The ride really is about doing it on the longest Saturday, starting in the middle and ending in the middle :D. Kind of a "Bucket list" type ride, like a Ride Around Kansas, (or Iowa) in a day...
C'Mon out and join us!
 
CAMPING ACCOMODATIONS

I spoke with the US Center Foundation and confirmed that camping WILL be available in Lebanon Park again this year. The park is located in the center of Lebanon on the south side of Kansas Ave, just west of Main Street. Bathrooms will available, but no showers. For those who don't want to have to get up any earlier and ride any more miles than necessary that day, this is about as close to the departure point as you can spend the night. For some, this might be the only option because motel rooms in the area are filling up fast. Camping in Lebanon is FREE, but I've set up a GoFundMe page for people who wish to make a donation to the city's non-profit foundation.

Camping in Rugby on Saturday night is available at the Pierce County Fairgrounds, just across town about 2 miles north of the monument. The Rugby Convention and Visitors Bureau would like a count of how many will be camping at the site, so riders who are interested in camping at the fairground; a note to [email protected] or a post in our Facebook group would be appreciated. Camping is also available within walking distance of the monument at the Oakwood Inn & Campground on US Hwy 2.
 
I just learned that the registration plug-in on the Smackdab website was broken (again)! I updated the software and I think it is working again. If you've been to the website in the past week or so and didn't see a registration form, you should now be able to register online. Thanks for your patience.

http://smackdab281.org/registration
 
North to Alaska Ride

PrairieSpyder said:
That would be fun, but not all in one day! Besides, I plan to be on my way to Chelan Washington for the North to Alaska ryde at that time.
Click to expand...

is this a organized ride or are you doing on your own? either way, where can I find more info?

Thanks, TomG
 
TomG said:
is this a organized ride or are you doing on your own? either way, where can I find more info?

Thanks, TomG
Click to expand...
TomG, PrairieSpyder's post was from 2014, their NTA trip is long gone and finished, there is a thread on SL with all the details. But you're welcome to join us on this years (2018 SmackDab).
 
DGoebel said:
TomG, PrairieSpyder's post was from 2014, their NTA trip is long gone and finished, there is a thread on SL with all the details. But you're welcome to join us on this years (2018 SmackDab).
Click to expand...

Correction - we did the NTA trip in 2015.

Yes come ride with us this year! This is our first SmackDab and are looking forward to it.
 
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