Sturgis 4 dummies.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
From: S.C.
I can't really add more than what has already been said - a lot to do and a whole lot to see. My suggestions would be to get up as early as you can to do your rides/trips - a whole lot less traffic in the mornings (and a whole lot less sitting in traffic) which makes the sights much more enjoyable. You can spend an hour trying to get through downtown Sturgis or trying to get through Hulett on the way to Devils Tower in the afternoon.
After your rides I'd do the vendor areas in the afternoons and early evenings. Plan your days and routes in advance as there is so much to see and do you'll miss a bunch unless you know what's going on, where you want to be and what you want to see in advance. As an example from Sturgis you could go to Mt Rushmore early in the morning (good sunlight on the monument in the mornings), ride east (a lot of good routes) and go to Wall SD for lunch, see Wall Drug Store, and in the afternoon, early evening ride through the Badlands (colors in the land are better early or late) before heading back to Sturgis.
If you can go out the week before Sturgis actually begins and do your sight seeing then and then stay for a few days to see "Sturgis" itself before going home you'll enjoy the riding more then you will during the actual Sturgis event. If you have the time I would also suggest going further west for a few days and ride through the Tetons, see Yellowstone and ride Beartooth Pass.
Oh, and one more thing - if you can find a place to stay south of Sturgis you can cut out a whole lot of sitting in traffic and stop and go riding.
After your rides I'd do the vendor areas in the afternoons and early evenings. Plan your days and routes in advance as there is so much to see and do you'll miss a bunch unless you know what's going on, where you want to be and what you want to see in advance. As an example from Sturgis you could go to Mt Rushmore early in the morning (good sunlight on the monument in the mornings), ride east (a lot of good routes) and go to Wall SD for lunch, see Wall Drug Store, and in the afternoon, early evening ride through the Badlands (colors in the land are better early or late) before heading back to Sturgis.
If you can go out the week before Sturgis actually begins and do your sight seeing then and then stay for a few days to see "Sturgis" itself before going home you'll enjoy the riding more then you will during the actual Sturgis event. If you have the time I would also suggest going further west for a few days and ride through the Tetons, see Yellowstone and ride Beartooth Pass.
Oh, and one more thing - if you can find a place to stay south of Sturgis you can cut out a whole lot of sitting in traffic and stop and go riding.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,880
Likes: 9,633
From: Big Pine Key, FL
Was visiting my dad last week, he has lung cancer and is on Chemo and radiation treatments right now but they end in Feb. He has an Ultra Classic and wants to go to Sturgis this year. We have never been before and I would like to take him if he is feeling it. I would like to see what people have to say about this as well. I allready told him I would go with him this year, or drive him there is that is what it takes.
Novice
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
I grew up hearing my dad talk about Sturgis so I knew I had to go. I wanted to go this year but I couldn't commit. Finally, on Wednesday night of the rally I decided to go. I left Thursday at noon and made it to Sturgis on Saturday at noon. I took a few pictures, bought a couple of shirts for my wife and daughter, rode down to Mt. Rushmore then headed home. Made it home Monday night at 6:00. 2800 miles in 4 1/2 days, just me and the bike. My dad asked me if I saw this or that and I told him no but I saw everything I wanted to see. It was quite an adventure. I tell people who haven't been yet about that ride and they start staring out into to the distance. I may take a little longer this year.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
Ok, so I've heard about Sturgis most of my life. My cousin and my uncle used to go every year. They used to just smile and say how great it was there, but I guess I don't know what you actually do there.
I've seen photos of the main street with thousands and thousands of harleys parked. People walking up and down the street in their leathers and looking cool and dropping in on the bars and restaruants. But what else? There's got to be more to it than that.
I'd like to go this year, but it'd be nice to know what to expect. Can you fill me in? Share some experiences, memories?
I've seen photos of the main street with thousands and thousands of harleys parked. People walking up and down the street in their leathers and looking cool and dropping in on the bars and restaruants. But what else? There's got to be more to it than that.
I'd like to go this year, but it'd be nice to know what to expect. Can you fill me in? Share some experiences, memories?
Was visiting my dad last week, he has lung cancer and is on Chemo and radiation treatments right now but they end in Feb. He has an Ultra Classic and wants to go to Sturgis this year. We have never been before and I would like to take him if he is feeling it. I would like to see what people have to say about this as well. I allready told him I would go with him this year, or drive him there is that is what it takes.
You tellme basically WHAT you are looking for or like to do, we can put you on top of it, porb'ly MANY times.
I've been there as a drunken biker and a Christian over the past 35+ years.
There are quiet campgrounds, FREE breakfasts, if you can name it, it is somewhere 'round Sturgis. EVEN CAR SHOWS in R.C.
I have trailered the chop out the last 3 trips. Back is gettin' a li' tarred, and Momma carries enough clothes to open a small mall. IF you don't like seeing my chop on the trailer, turn your back til it's on the ground, and you'll not know the diff. And we WILL still take your pic on it.
Anywho, you prob'ly need to go twice, jus' to get over the crowd. Think Vegas for bikes. Nothing like it 'used to was'.
Flat trackers were back last summer for first time in a LONG time.
There are multiple websites that post almost complete daily itineraries for Sturgis, and you will NOT be able to take in 10% of the SCHEDULED events, let along ALL the other stuff going on.
IF the economy is as bad as they say, look for another decrease in the count, like this past summer. NO OFFENSE, but it was a welcome reduction for many ppl.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 29
From: IA
Keep a couple more things in mind. Several of the campgrounds party 24/7 if you plan on sleeping you may want to do some research. Also, I can only remember a couple years when we didn't get at least one South Dakota rain...meaning buckets. Some years it comes every day. I have seen 2" of hail on the roads when it was 90° If you just go out and find an open spot to camp it may be open because regulars know it is under a foot of water in a storm. Very few places have shower and toilet facilities that can handle the crowds so if you are picky about those things reserve a site that has limited users. Some areas like the Chip are a full adult dose if you offend easily you have to get past it. More people are in the area for one or two weeks than the entire population of South Dakota. Roads are packed, parking is a lot closer than what most people are used to. The activity in the area drives a lot of wildlife onto the roads.
I'm not trying to scare you off but with all the great things about Sturgis you have to deal with some reality. The first time out I would definitely make some plans and reservations. Spend a week or two getting to know the area. Be careful and never assume all those other people around you on the road know how to ride, plenty don't. Find what works for you and come back again next year. Things have really changed over the years and I hate to say that there are a lot of people who come to Sturgis now because they assume you are supposed to act stupid and ride like idiots so they do but don't let them keep you from meeting all the great people. Come out and have fun.
I'm not trying to scare you off but with all the great things about Sturgis you have to deal with some reality. The first time out I would definitely make some plans and reservations. Spend a week or two getting to know the area. Be careful and never assume all those other people around you on the road know how to ride, plenty don't. Find what works for you and come back again next year. Things have really changed over the years and I hate to say that there are a lot of people who come to Sturgis now because they assume you are supposed to act stupid and ride like idiots so they do but don't let them keep you from meeting all the great people. Come out and have fun.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 0
From: Olympia. WA
Was visiting my dad last week, he has lung cancer and is on Chemo and radiation treatments right now but they end in Feb. He has an Ultra Classic and wants to go to Sturgis this year. We have never been before and I would like to take him if he is feeling it. I would like to see what people have to say about this as well. I allready told him I would go with him this year, or drive him there is that is what it takes.
By all means go with your dad if possible.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 6
From: Greensboro, NC
Keep a couple more things in mind. Several of the campgrounds party 24/7 if you plan on sleeping you may want to do some research. Also, I can only remember a couple years when we didn't get at least one South Dakota rain...meaning buckets. Some years it comes every day. I have seen 2" of hail on the roads when it was 90° If you just go out and find an open spot to camp it may be open because regulars know it is under a foot of water in a storm. Very few places have shower and toilet facilities that can handle the crowds so if you are picky about those things reserve a site that has limited users. Some areas like the Chip are a full adult dose if you offend easily you have to get past it. More people are in the area for one or two weeks than the entire population of South Dakota. Roads are packed, parking is a lot closer than what most people are used to. The activity in the area drives a lot of wildlife onto the roads.
I'm not trying to scare you off but with all the great things about Sturgis you have to deal with some reality. The first time out I would definitely make some plans and reservations. Spend a week or two getting to know the area. Be careful and never assume all those other people around you on the road know how to ride, plenty don't. Find what works for you and come back again next year. Things have really changed over the years and I hate to say that there are a lot of people who come to Sturgis now because they assume you are supposed to act stupid and ride like idiots so they do but don't let them keep you from meeting all the great people. Come out and have fun.
I'm not trying to scare you off but with all the great things about Sturgis you have to deal with some reality. The first time out I would definitely make some plans and reservations. Spend a week or two getting to know the area. Be careful and never assume all those other people around you on the road know how to ride, plenty don't. Find what works for you and come back again next year. Things have really changed over the years and I hate to say that there are a lot of people who come to Sturgis now because they assume you are supposed to act stupid and ride like idiots so they do but don't let them keep you from meeting all the great people. Come out and have fun.
Probably the very best info given so far.
I can't tell you enough if you want to sleep, want good showers and toilets then you don't want to be in one of the big camp grounds. If you like 24/7 partying, nudity, and overall wildness then do stay at one of them. But either way don't roll in without a reservation and expect for sure get a spot there.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
I can't tell you enough if you want to sleep, want good showers and toilets then you don't want to be in one of the big camp grounds. If you like 24/7 partying, nudity, and overall wildness then do stay at one of them. But either way don't roll in without a reservation and expect for sure get a spot there.
Somewhere, not too far out would be good and it would be best if we were walking distance from the action. Then we can tie one over and not have to worry about riding under the influence... which would be dumb.
So anyone have any suggestions?
On another topic, I want to get the guide to the rally and I found two of them. One was recommended by Rhonda:
http://www.sturgis.com/mall/2009guide.html
But the other one is:
http://www.buffalochip.com/GENERALIN...0/Default.aspx
I was about to order the first one, but they don't have a download version and they charge extra to ship to canada so it would end up being almost 40 bucks. The second one, from the chip is a download version and is only 20 bucks. Anyone know if it's any good, or should I go for the 40 buck deal?
Last edited by zeus33; Dec 30, 2008 at 10:46 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: Scott City, KS
Hey that is a great suggestion, looks very comprehensive. Thanks for the link Rhonda.
I was reading about the buffalo chip campground, they already have a couple bands booked. do you think they'll get more bands as it gets closer to the date? And if so, maybe booking now would be cheaper? Will the price go up as the date gets closer?
I was reading about the buffalo chip campground, they already have a couple bands booked. do you think they'll get more bands as it gets closer to the date? And if so, maybe booking now would be cheaper? Will the price go up as the date gets closer?
Sturgis is what you make of it. There are ways around most of the negatives. I have a great time.