I am a local to the area and fellow HOG rider / Sturgis attendee since 2001........at that time from ND.......but moved back to my home state (SD) in 2013. This ride of needles is one of MY FAVORITES in the area.......but there are so many! Glad you enjoy our area! :)
oh man, you have to come when sturgis isnt happening, iron mountain road is really a blast to ride. then take the needles loop back toward custer state park. hit up the game lodge and eat.
Our group rode it on Tuesday after going through Custer State Park, so it was probably mid-afternoon, and it was very crowded. After going through the Needles Eye tunnel, the crowd waiting to come through from the other side must have been backed up at least a half mile. Riding early would definitely have been better.
Very beautiful ride it looks so pretty up there There in those mountains very cool nice ride thank you for the photos they really nice God bless you guys be very safe love your videos
That looks so awesome 😎 . If everything works out next year we will finally get to make the trip out there so thanks for the video you all stay safe out there
It's funny how I was watching the guy in front of you and saying he needs to learn how to ride and then you started talking about him. Then I really laughed when Brian said see if he can make it through the tunnel. I was waiting for him to bounce it off the wall. Lol I'm headed to Sturgis 2023 for my first time ever and appreciate your vids. I really enjoy your content.
I have had to wait in line at Needles. Once for a bad wreck. Once just due to large numbers of people. Once for an Eagle that was eating something in the road. Been stuck in the rain up there. A favorite ride for sure. For my money and relaxation I love Vanocker Canyon road. I also enjoy the ride from Deadwood to Hill City. Enjoyed the clip. Fond memories.
Rain at that elevation isnt to bad but got hit with pea size hail one time....thank god it was short storm, NO protection unless your lucky enough to be in the tunnels
So true, there's always someone infront, someone behind :) Ride your ride and enjoy it Although sometimes I think drivers in cars infront get nervous with a bike behind Definitely see them braking a lot more than I think they normally would Same happens over here
hey you crazy kids....just stumbled on your channel good stuff, so been to sturgis in 2019 and 2021 plan on going back in 2023 but I will say this , we plan on going at the least 4 days before the rally begins so we can enjoy all the rides just a bit better then just hang out the rest of the rally and not have to worry about doing the rides we like to do....took another couple with us this past year and they never been, so when it was time to ride needles and iron mountain we kinda got robbed, all I will say is please guys if your timid or a novice rider pull over and let other bikes pass, I dont want your ride to get ruined but dont ruin it for other bikers at the same time, just some friendly advice is all....keep up the cool videos guys, thanks
Another very good job by both of you, don't you just love it when people pull out in front of you and never even look. I can't believe that fool in front of you didn't wreck
Nice video! I can't decide if I like Needles or Iron Mountain Road better; both are great. I also stayed at the Center Lake Campground (twice) and absolutely loved it; very peaceful. My ride on Needles this year didn't seem so special as it was on my return trip from riding Beartooth Pass/Highway and Road To The Sun in Glacier NP. So many great places to ride and see. Love your videos; thanks for sharing!
I actually did it both ways this year. First time we went early in morning and it wasn't bad maybe stopped for under a min. Second time we went later in evening at around 6 and it was an even better ride nobody was really on the road and it was just one of those perfect evening rides. Was really hoping to get to run into you guys up there but didn't pan out maybe next time. Ride safe you two.
Greetings from an Aussie motovlogger! ✌️🇦🇺 What an awesome run through there, beautiful scenery. Sometimes it’s just nice to cruise through areas like that slowly, particularly with elevations. Great vid! New sub.
I've done it north to south twice and this year we did it the same way you guys did. I prefer the other way but I am also of the mindset that there is never a bad way or time to ride needles. I do have to say I like Iron Road more and we've also ridden that one both directions....in the same day!
Brian, Heather, Kinda reminds of .... pretty much everywhere in the South western part of BC and Vancouver Island. Twisties and more twisties, Just not so many Bikes :( . Bike season, if it isn't raining on the coast, is late March to Late October mostly. Same here for the Okanagan, just Wayyyyy less rain, and warmer temps :)). Stay Safe.
Have to agree that Needles is the best ride there. I would have stayed way behind the squirrel in front of you. Probably passed the MSF course and after riding a 125 cc bike, went out and bought one that weighs 850 lbs. If he goes down, he will take you with him.
I cut out a lot of his shenanigans but it was pretty bad. I try not to dog too much in inexperienced riders but he should have not been there at that time at all. It was scary.
Only ride with people I know. Trouble is, at our age, they are dying out. One in an accident, one had a stroke and traded in his Harley for a wheelchair and Lenny had a heart attack. Sucks getting old. Have to watch for cagers and squirrels. Keep your head on a swivel and be safe
The first Friday of the rally I was on the road by 6am to hit up Needles and Iron Mtn road and I only saw one motorcycle on Iron Mtn and maybe 10-20 on Needles. Otherwise I had them both to myself. It was incredible!
The lake at the end of the video is Sylvan Lake. It is beautiful. It is also COLD. If your headline still has the cat get a de-catted headline will improve power while reducing heat. Ride safe!
I have a ceramic coated cat less head pipe and that was the first time I noticed heat like that on my leg. Wind must have been just right or something.
PS-----you should really stay at Sylvan Lake sometime / that has been my favorite lake since I first went there 50 years ago......10 yr old......its beauty never gets old. I never ride needles tho during the month of August, but then again I have that option to AVOID traffic jams! Trout fishing and swimming is great at Sylvan!
That dude in front of you needs a trike or a rocking chair! I’ve been to Sturgis 5X, twice during the rally time. Try going back in mid to late June! The nights still get cold, but the hotels are 75% cheaper and there was no traffic at any of the attractions! Great video thanks!
That's strange. We passed you when you were coming up (we didn't make the video), but we didn't see any of that traffic. Did you do Needles more than once?
Ha! Were you the one who waved while we were pulled over near the south entrance? We actually started it and my helmet wouldn't turn on, so we had to abort and go to Custer to fix it (video from two weeks ago) and then once we figured it out we headed back to needles. It was quite a day lol.
I am strongly considering Sturgis next year but I think I would go the week prior to the official start and then bail out. I would much rather the tamer crowds.
My advice is depending on how long you are going, go out a little early and then spend opening day in Sturgis, then bail. The riding is a little better, then the last day you technically were at the actual rally and got to see the craziness for one day.
Hotels are cheaper too. Can get your riding in without the traffic jams. Most of the vendors are there and even music. We went for the rally week in 2015 and it was a zoo. Ever since its week before and opening day and head for home. Still get the sense of it all.
I like that idea too. Just know a day or two of the mass of humanity and I'll be done so I definitely want to get my riding done early before all the craziness.
That is crazy traffic!! I'd love to get to Sturgis one day but the volume of humans in one place would put me off a bit :D Really cool road even with all the traffic! :) Definitely my type of scenery!!
There was very little traffic when my wife and I were there two weeks before the rally. We left the day the rally started because way to many people and traffic for us!!
@@daytonehlers615 I think that'd be the option I'd go for too! I'm not a fan of crowds in general so I'd love to see the place in a more peaceful way! :)
I love Needles and IMR! Spearfish or 385 are probably my favorites, since they can be done at a little more speed. Do you have the 4 inch or 4.5 inch saddle bags?
Cool video, thanks for sharing. Stupid question: what is the temperature? Why they have you practice slow speed maneuvering. Anyone can ride a bike in a straight line down the highway. If you can ride slow you can usually do good fast.
You gotta love the Duckwalkers...we need to send him to a Ride Like a Pro class.
"He can barely keep it up, at a slow pace..." - that's what she said HA! :0)
😂
Good video. Good calm ride. Proudtexson
Hilarious!!!!
Best time to ride all of the blacks hills is out of season of the rally!im fortunate enough to live 5 hrs away.
Completely agree with that!
Both Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road are my favorites up there. Love the riding in The Black Hills…
Beautiful place it is!
You definitely want to ride the roads in mornings, as early as you can get up!
Definitely one of my favorite rides. In both directions. It’s crazy how it feels like a different road every time. Crispy clear audio. Great vid!
Thanks for taking the time to make and post the video. Black HIlls are so magical.
Thanks for the ride along and great video that’s a great ride
Such a great road to ride.
Yes it is i needes and iron mountain both awesome riding
Beautiful road. Sorry you had so much traffic. Thanks for sharing!
You guys are always so nice, I had to laugh when lady devil got pissed at the bikes pulling out in front of you at the tunnel!
She has an angry side once in awhile lol
There is a cool trail along Sheridan Lake that you need to walk. Its to the left of the lake from the store. Its will lead to the dam.
Appreciate the info!
I am a local to the area and fellow HOG rider / Sturgis attendee since 2001........at that time from ND.......but moved back to my home state (SD) in 2013. This ride of needles is one of MY FAVORITES in the area.......but there are so many! Glad you enjoy our area! :)
Another great video. You said it best, hit that area as early as you can.
I can’t wait to ride in the black hills again - thanks for the video
I love that road. Thank you for the share.
Loved needles we rode it the other direction and that pour guy in front of you he wibbled and wobbled but thankfully he didn’t fall down
Thankfully 😂
Great video! Thanks for releasing this one, also, enjoyed the casual conversation between you two. Nice ride!
Thanks for sharing with us guys...you all rock it...Hope to catch you on the road...maybe here in the Ozarks ✌🤙
Maybe K River next month? 😜
We rode Needles on Saturday 7th around 2:00 and it wasn't nearly that crowded.
I do enjoy your vids. I’ve not gotten to Sturges, yet, but it’s on the list. Thanks for the ride.
Looks like some awesome riding, hope to get out there soon!
oh man, you have to come when sturgis isnt happening, iron mountain road is really a blast to ride. then take the needles loop back toward custer state park. hit up the game lodge and eat.
We definitely prefer riding there when the rally isn't going on for sure! Went too early one year and got snowed on though in may lol
Just found your channel! Great ride! New subscriber!
Right on, thanks for checking us out, we are glad to have you!
Our group rode it on Tuesday after going through Custer State Park, so it was probably mid-afternoon, and it was very crowded. After going through the Needles Eye tunnel, the crowd waiting to come through from the other side must have been backed up at least a half mile. Riding early would definitely have been better.
Very beautiful ride it looks so pretty up there There in those mountains very cool nice ride thank you for the photos they really nice God bless you guys be very safe love your videos
We appreciate you!
That looks so awesome 😎 . If everything works out next year we will finally get to make the trip out there so thanks for the video you all stay safe out there
I hope it works out and we see you there!
Loved Needles Highway. Watching this video, I'm glad I rode last year when it wasn't as crazy. Thanks for another great video
BlacktopDevil, That Highway is beautiful with all the scenery. Love the rock formations. Too bad the Highway was so busy.
That direction was the way my son & I did it in '19. I haven't done it north to south yet. ☀️👍🏻⚙️👇🏻🐄🤙🏼🌞
I wonder if anyone watching your videos - see themselves driving by and say - HEY - THAT'S ME!
It's funny how I was watching the guy in front of you and saying he needs to learn how to ride and then you started talking about him. Then I really laughed when Brian said see if he can make it through the tunnel. I was waiting for him to bounce it off the wall. Lol I'm headed to Sturgis 2023 for my first time ever and appreciate your vids. I really enjoy your content.
Nice! Hopefully we can meet ya there! I think we are going there for more than 3 days this time lol
Another great video you too!!! Love to see road I've never ridding. This one on my list now... Thanks
Found out riding from Cherokee NC over to Gatlinburg tenn in mid October ain't the best time either 😮
I just found your channel. I enjoy you both, keep up the good work!
Awesome, thank you for checking us out!
Nice ride. Thanks for taking us along. Skol!
That’s Sylvan lake, I camped there with my bike. It is just amazing place to go hiking also. Great videography & editing was on point.
Black Elk Peak is the best hike I have ever done.
It is part of Sylvan Lake area.
Thanks for sharing, I did wonder about the Ultra in front of you with him duck walking and wobbly.
Poor guy. Hope he doesn't watch our stuff lol
@@LifeontheBlacktop well he realize how he needs some advance training or as Pro Monk says needs the power wheel chair lol
I have had to wait in line at Needles. Once for a bad wreck. Once just due to large numbers of people. Once for an Eagle that was eating something in the road. Been stuck in the rain up there.
A favorite ride for sure. For my money and relaxation I love Vanocker Canyon road. I also enjoy the ride from Deadwood to Hill City.
Enjoyed the clip. Fond memories.
Rain at that elevation isnt to bad but got hit with pea size hail one time....thank god it was short storm, NO protection unless your lucky enough to be in the tunnels
Beautiful ride.
OMG! Such beautiful country! I’ve got to get up there one of these days…..
Bummer about the traffic on it but it looks like an amazing ride to just cruise through
It's definitely an amazing road, even with congestion.
So true, there's always someone infront, someone behind :)
Ride your ride and enjoy it
Although sometimes I think drivers in cars infront get nervous with a bike behind
Definitely see them braking a lot more than I think they normally would
Same happens over here
Haha I've noticed that too!
hey you crazy kids....just stumbled on your channel good stuff, so been to sturgis in 2019 and 2021 plan on going back in 2023 but I will say this , we plan on going at the least 4 days before the rally begins so we can enjoy all the rides just a bit better then just hang out the rest of the rally and not have to worry about doing the rides we like to do....took another couple with us this past year and they never been, so when it was time to ride needles and iron mountain we kinda got robbed, all I will say is please guys if your timid or a novice rider pull over and let other bikes pass, I dont want your ride to get ruined but dont ruin it for other bikers at the same time, just some friendly advice is all....keep up the cool videos guys, thanks
This was an amazing road. We rode it about 4 years ago when we spent a week in the Sturgis area. Thanks for sharing the ride. Ride Safe
Another very good job by both of you, don't you just love it when people pull out in front of you and never even look. I can't believe that fool in front of you didn't wreck
I was like "yo, I'm right here!" sadly I've gotten used to it while being up there.
Nice video! I can't decide if I like Needles or Iron Mountain Road better; both are great. I also stayed at the Center Lake Campground (twice) and absolutely loved it; very peaceful. My ride on Needles this year didn't seem so special as it was on my return trip from riding Beartooth Pass/Highway and Road To The Sun in Glacier NP. So many great places to ride and see. Love your videos; thanks for sharing!
I prefer needles for the scenery. But yeah, definitely doesn't compare to that!
In my plans for next year but well before the rally. Nice ride even if slow.
I always go in the “off seasons and off times.” I really dislike crowds and congestion. That’s part of why I ride! To be alone enjoying Gods creation.
I'm with you 💯 %
Beautiful ride. Thanks for sharing.
I actually did it both ways this year. First time we went early in morning and it wasn't bad maybe stopped for under a min. Second time we went later in evening at around 6 and it was an even better ride nobody was really on the road and it was just one of those perfect evening rides. Was really hoping to get to run into you guys up there but didn't pan out maybe next time. Ride safe you two.
Next time for sure! Evening on that road would be amazing!
When we rode through there 2 yrs ago it was about 8:00 am. We must've seen maybe 30 bikes tops the whole way. Rode was clear.
Awesome video as always
Thanks Kelly 👊
I'd have to let that dude in front of you go on, he'd drive me insane. I'd end up following him into the cliff 🤣. Good stuff brother . God Bless
haha we finally got rid of him only to find ourselves behind him again near deadwood 30 minutes later
@@LifeontheBlacktop 🤣🤣🤣
Greetings from an Aussie motovlogger! ✌️🇦🇺
What an awesome run through there, beautiful scenery. Sometimes it’s just nice to cruise through areas like that slowly, particularly with elevations.
Great vid! New sub.
Welcome aboard! We appreciate it!
I've done it north to south twice and this year we did it the same way you guys did. I prefer the other way but I am also of the mindset that there is never a bad way or time to ride needles. I do have to say I like Iron Road more and we've also ridden that one both directions....in the same day!
Brian, Heather, Kinda reminds of .... pretty much everywhere in the South western part of BC and Vancouver Island. Twisties and more twisties, Just not so many Bikes :( . Bike season, if it isn't raining on the coast, is late March to Late October mostly. Same here for the Okanagan, just Wayyyyy less rain, and warmer temps :)). Stay Safe.
Needles and Iron Mt roads are two of the reasons I live here.
Great video guys .
Needles is really beautiful. Would love to come and go through there on our bike. Great video you guys!
Wow, what awesome views
Great footage I love riding all them roads, it's just nice watch it from your pov other then just keeping my eyes on the road🤘🤘🤘
Great ride, you guys did a great job on the video, sure glad I got to meet you
Good to meet you also!
Have to agree that Needles is the best ride there. I would have stayed way behind the squirrel in front of you. Probably passed the MSF course and after riding a 125 cc bike, went out and bought one that weighs 850 lbs. If he goes down, he will take you with him.
I cut out a lot of his shenanigans but it was pretty bad. I try not to dog too much in inexperienced riders but he should have not been there at that time at all. It was scary.
Only ride with people I know. Trouble is, at our age, they are dying out. One in an accident, one had a stroke and traded in his Harley for a wheelchair and Lenny had a heart attack. Sucks getting old. Have to watch for cagers and squirrels. Keep your head on a swivel and be safe
North to south for sure!
Great video guys. BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE 💥
👊
Love that road, we hit it early on Friday, the first day of the rally and as we finished it started getting packed 👍 on the video 🦬
Appreciate it ! Thanks for sharing this. 👍
The first Friday of the rally I was on the road by 6am to hit up Needles and Iron Mtn road and I only saw one motorcycle on Iron Mtn and maybe 10-20 on Needles. Otherwise I had them both to myself. It was incredible!
Wow! I bet that was a nice ride!
been there twice, thats why we go the week after when we go.That shit takes the fun out of it.Nice video
First.....hello from Sweden👍
🤘
"He can barely keep it up at a slow pace..." that's what she said lol
😂
The lake at the end of the video is Sylvan Lake. It is beautiful. It is also COLD.
If your headline still has the cat get a de-catted headline will improve power while reducing heat.
Ride safe!
Spell check got me....head pipe not headline.
I have a ceramic coated cat less head pipe and that was the first time I noticed heat like that on my leg. Wind must have been just right or something.
It was the best time , you guys did a great job 👍
Heavy Duty!!!🤘🏼🤘🏼🥃🥃🤘🏼🤘🏼
PS-----you should really stay at Sylvan Lake sometime / that has been my favorite lake since I first went there 50 years ago......10 yr old......its beauty never gets old. I never ride needles tho during the month of August, but then again I have that option to AVOID traffic jams! Trout fishing and swimming is great at Sylvan!
Nice vid guys. I haven’t been on Needles since 2001….I’m over due! But not during Sturgis!
Gotta love the cagers that take up the entire road round those blind corners 🙄
Did Spearfish Canyon about 7:30 am, no one around in the wee hrs
Best time to do that one I'm sure!
Thank you for the nice video!
Arive alive is my thoughts every day. Stay safe.
That dude in front of you needs a trike or a rocking chair!
I’ve been to Sturgis 5X, twice during the rally time. Try going back in mid to late June! The nights still get cold, but the hotels are 75% cheaper and there was no traffic at any of the attractions!
Great video thanks!
The off season is the best riding up there for sure! I went in May once though and got snowed on lol
Beautiful ride, thanks for filming
You're welcome!
Good stuff as always!
Thanks for the video! BlackTopDevil
Thank you guys awesome video quick question do riding with chaps on a hot day help from your coconuts from frying just wondering
With or without, they still fry lol
Beautiful 👍🏽 thanks for sharing
🤓love that road,thanks for sharing. Yup morning always better 🤓😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦
That's strange. We passed you when you were coming up (we didn't make the video), but we didn't see any of that traffic. Did you do Needles more than once?
Ha! Were you the one who waved while we were pulled over near the south entrance? We actually started it and my helmet wouldn't turn on, so we had to abort and go to Custer to fix it (video from two weeks ago) and then once we figured it out we headed back to needles. It was quite a day lol.
good video and audio. what are you using?
Purple panda mics in our helmets that lead to a GoPro.
Awesome job kids!👍 thanks 😎
My favorite ride out there! 👍🏼
I am strongly considering Sturgis next year but I think I would go the week prior to the official start and then bail out. I would much rather the tamer crowds.
My advice is depending on how long you are going, go out a little early and then spend opening day in Sturgis, then bail. The riding is a little better, then the last day you technically were at the actual rally and got to see the craziness for one day.
Hotels are cheaper too. Can get your riding in without the traffic jams. Most of the vendors are there and even music. We went for the rally week in 2015 and it was a zoo. Ever since its week before and opening day and head for home. Still get the sense of it all.
I like that idea too. Just know a day or two of the mass of humanity and I'll be done so I definitely want to get my riding done early before all the craziness.
That is crazy traffic!! I'd love to get to Sturgis one day but the volume of humans in one place would put me off a bit :D Really cool road even with all the traffic! :) Definitely my type of scenery!!
There was very little traffic when my wife and I were there two weeks before the rally. We left the day the rally started because way to many people and traffic for us!!
@@daytonehlers615 I think that'd be the option I'd go for too! I'm not a fan of crowds in general so I'd love to see the place in a more peaceful way! :)
What Dayton said is probably the best way to do it. Go early and spend one day at the actual rally and then head out.
@@LifeontheBlacktop That is now my plan! I'd I ever even manage to get over to the US again that is 😬
Got a feeling that dude in front of you probably drives his 1976 Caddy the same way. Just steering where his eyes are...yeesh.
Lol yep!
I love Needles and IMR! Spearfish or 385 are probably my favorites, since they can be done at a little more speed.
Do you have the 4 inch or 4.5 inch saddle bags?
These are Advan Black bags so I believe they are 4.5"
Cool video, thanks for sharing. Stupid question: what is the temperature?
Why they have you practice slow speed maneuvering. Anyone can ride a bike in a straight line down the highway. If you can ride slow you can usually do good fast.
It was a little over 90° that day. 🥵
Some people need to practice slow speed riding. Great video keep up the good work 😎
Loved it thanks sharing! 👍🏻
Hi guys im not a biker but needles highway looks like a great road to ride
It's amazing even in a cage. Definitely check it out if you're ever in the area.
Needles to say, you picked the wrong time of day.🤣
Nice ride tho
It really is!