Sturgis 4 dummies.
Dave and I were there when the shooting went down. Like I said before the place is so big and there are so many people, things to see and do, that we didn't even realize what had happened until some one told us. Then we had a hard time believing it because we were there and didn't know anything about it! The only thing that we saw that was unusual and what made us finally come to reality was the police and ambulances that clogged up the place as we were trying to leave. We just figured someone had crashed. And that didn't happen in downtown Sturgis, that happened in the Hills.
Some lines are longer than others, but the only time I ever heard of anyone running out of gas is because they failed to pick up enough gas before heading out on a long run through the prairie. 
Dave and his buddies all ran out of gas on a loop around Wounded Knee. 
The good news is they were less than a mile from the next station and there are plenty of people around who are friendly and willing to help a fellow out. Just make sure to "pay it forward"
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
You have to remember that "Sturgis" encompasses the entire Black Hills area of SD. That's a big area. There's always very slow traffic on Main Street because, well, it's freakin MAIN STREET and therefore it's a bottleneck. Just remember, if it wasn't fun there wouldn't be such a crowd!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 2
From: Naples, Florida
Dave and I were there when the shooting went down. Like I said before the place is so big and there are so many people, things to see and do, that we didn't even realize what had happened until some one told us. Then we had a hard time believing it because we were there and didn't know anything about it! The only thing that we saw that was unusual and what made us finally come to reality was the police and ambulances that clogged up the place as we were trying to leave. We just figured someone had crashed. And that didn't happen in downtown Sturgis, that happened in the Hills.
Last edited by Lawdawg; Jan 4, 2009 at 10:15 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 34
From: Ca
Went for the first time in 2008. Fantastic. Best trip of my life.
Great food/restaurants - not long lines.
Stayed South in Custer a few days before the rally, and toured all over with little traffic.
Rented at a very nice gentleman's house a few days in the north, and toured everywhere no problem.
Many more bikes than cars, and endless vendors.
It only rained one afternoon. Got soaked.
No security problems.
Great food/restaurants - not long lines.
Stayed South in Custer a few days before the rally, and toured all over with little traffic.
Rented at a very nice gentleman's house a few days in the north, and toured everywhere no problem.
Many more bikes than cars, and endless vendors.
It only rained one afternoon. Got soaked.
No security problems.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 14,865
Likes: 4
From: Mn.on a lake,well nxt to a lake.
I got sick of sturges in 96,for some reason it took a big change from what it used to be, the 80's and early to mid 90's were a blast........maybe I just got burned out as in same O same O thing.....
Thread Starter
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
Lots of good info in this thread. Thanks folks.
One more question. I heard about the "hangin' tree". Where they string up any non-harley bikes in a tree and leave them there for the owner to try to figure out how to get them down.
Is this true or a myth? I have a friend with a honda saber that i might be able to talk into coming down with us, but if he's going to have problems it might be a bad idea. Please advise.
One more question. I heard about the "hangin' tree". Where they string up any non-harley bikes in a tree and leave them there for the owner to try to figure out how to get them down.
Is this true or a myth? I have a friend with a honda saber that i might be able to talk into coming down with us, but if he's going to have problems it might be a bad idea. Please advise.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 651
Likes: 2
From: Calgary AB
I never heard of the hangin tree, but my first visit to Sturgis was on a Honda and I never had any problems at all with anything. Your buddy should be fine. but maby now is the time to scare him into buying a harley?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
Just go, like everyone has said, there's plenty to do. The riding is great. The country is fantastic. And at the Convention Center in Rapid City you get to be the first to see the new line of HD unveiled. All the 2010 models will be there in all their glory. Along with lots of options and aftermarket stuff that never ends.