Live simple and be content

 The main theme of this trip was 'There is always a reason for the way things happen'. Going in knowing how things would go on my trip and how they went down were two totally different things. I knew that I would meet extraordinary people and that I would have some laughs and great times. I have allot of friends with motorcycles but I personally haven't had a ride in over 20 years. This fact is probably why I approached and experienced this trip to Nemo, South Dakota with such awe and childlike enthusiasm.
One man that I met on the first day was a man named Mark. He hails from Missouri or as he says so cute in his dialect, Missura. His life there he shares with his wife Diana of 37 years and he has had the humbling experience of being pastor to over 70 in his community for the past 13 years and hopefully 10 more. He was camping right near our trailer so our paths often crossed and a friendly conversations occurred. Being a pastor wasn't something I knew right off about Mark. Even before I knew I had the strong thought in my head that this is a man that 'walks the walk'.

This is Mark's bike and 'tent/hammock'. Notice there is no cushion on his seat, and he drove this all over the region and to and from Missouri! He is one of the happiest people I met.
One of my favorite conversations with Mark happened one morning at coffee at Jimmy's trailer. Mark and his family live in the county where Jesse James and the Younger brothers created their colorful part in the history books as outlaws. His history lesson that morning and consequential lead into a mini sermon, so subtle that if you weren't paying attention you would have missed the message, helped me to realize perhaps the reason why I was drawn to go to Nemo this summer.
Mark spoke of his life in Missouri and the fact that his church does not have a computer, phone, electricity or until recently indoor plumbing. The tone that Mark lives his life by and leads by example in a very profound way is 'Live life simple and be content.' This resonated with me as I had just spent the last two weeks quieting my mind and enjoying the gifts that were given to me by being able to spend time in God's country. the Black Hills are beautiful and to enjoy their splendor and rich history is something I recommend every American citizen does. By the number of bike enthusiasts I encountered I'd say that there are allot of people rediscovering how great this country that we live in is.
This next photo is of two great comrades. Both rally attendees for near 15 years, meeting at Nemo Guest Ranch for many of those rallies. Mark and Bryan share a love of the road that is typical to the people that are beckoned to these hills to gather once a year and celebrate the thrill that is being on a motorcycle in the great open spaces.

Nemo Guest Ranch 73rd Sturgis Rally season 2013