Dave Smith enjoys his 25th Mayor’s Ride

Dave Smith has been participating in the Custer Mayor’s Ride each year during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This year was his 25th ride, and he has been doing it since it was first started by former Custer mayor Gordy Heggen. During these 25 years, Smith has ridden with a few different Custer mayors.
He says the best part of the event is is simply “being able to go for a ride”  during one of the busiest weeks in Custer. Smith also enjoys making it a family event—this year he was joined by his granddaughter, Ariyah Bennett, who rode on the back of his motorcycle.
This year, there was about a dozen people partcipating in the ride, but none as long as Smith. He says people should participate in the Mayor’s Ride “just to enjoy the Hills” and all there is to see on the route, which changes a bit each year. For example, this was the first year that they took a route  through Hell Canyon to Newcastle, Wyo., and up to Deadwood.
After the ride, participants made their way to Mount Rushmore Brewing Company to enjoy a dinner sponsored by Janet Boyer and Mount Rushmore Brewing Company.