visiting by myself (Sturgis, Pine Ridge, Custer: low crime, construction, live in)

[Mayabell]

Hello There!
I am coming out to S.D. to get away a bit and take a look at the Pine Ridge hospital. How is the drive from Pine Ridge to Custer at 11pm on a Friday nite?
Anything I should know about traveling alone?
Thanks much!

[Jammie]

Hi May and welcome to So. Dak. I hope you find it relaxing since that's what you're looking for. Personally, I'd make the trip during the daytime. The two towns are probably only about 100 miles apart, but the roads in the Hills can be narrow in some areas and of course they're hilly and wind around a lot. There is the risk of hitting a deer so I'd definitely put deer chasers on my car. (They do work) That's about the only problems you would encounter here. So. Dak is a low crime relatively peaceful state and I hope you enjoy yourself.

[Mayabell]

That is so thoughtful of you to write me back. I don't really know what deer-chasers are but I will try to keep the road slow. I read that there is a new cross being put on hte road in Pine Ridge every wek due to accidents. I am concerned but I can't really make it out of there any earlier.

I hope all is well with everybody out there. Are folks looking forward to the whole Sturgis thing coming up?
~May

[Jammie]

Oh yes, we've never actually gone out to the Sturgis Bike Rally, but we live in eastern So. Dak right along Interstate 90. You can hear the bikes going down the interstate day and night. It's quite exciting because so many stop here for food, gas, lodging, etc.

I'm not sure about the intersection you're referring to, but I'm guessing you're right on that. As long as you drive carefully, you should be fine. Oh and deer chasers are little ornaments that go on the front bumper of your car and they give a whistle as you drive. People can't hear them, but deer can and they run the opposite direction from them. We've commented on how they actually do work. Anyway, hope you have a wonderful and safe trip.

[uncleharley]

You will probably be taking highway 41 from Ogalala to Hermosa, then west on 16A to Custer. Some of highway 41 was under construction about a month ago when I was thru part of that area. You might want to call the Department of Transportation for travel advisories. Be sure to have a full tank of gas when you leave Pine Ridge because most services will be closed or unavailable. It's beautiful country in the daytime.

uh