Back from Sturgis
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 2
From: Central, NY
Back from Sturgis
Hey all. I'm back after a two week, 4,400 mile trip out and back to Sturgis.
The trip was great. We took four days going out from NY, via I-90 and came back in 3 days through SD, NE, IA, etc. We stayed at Custer Park and had the time of our lives. The riding was spectacular as was the scenery. We attended most all of the events we could, including spending about a half day at the rally proper. Remember, I'm not a party guy and there's only so many bars and T-shirt vendors I can view without getting bored! In addition to Sturgis, we hit the Harley event at the Rapid City Convention Center, the biker event at Rapid City Harley (Holy Cow!), as well as going doing all of the tourist stuff, Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Needles Highway, etc. We also rode out to Gillette, WY to the Harley dealer there. Even they were packed!!
There's really too much to tell. Some highlights include a wonderful ride out and back with my wife, surviving the absolute worst storm I have ever seen, (torrential rain, flash flood, tornado-like wind and 3" of hail in 45 minutes), the natural beauty of the area, the friendly people who partake in this hobby, and time well spent with good friends.
The bike ran great. No problems at all. It even handled the 100 plus degree heat, while stuck in traffic. I gotta say, I was impressed and pleased.
It was a great trip and I'm glad to be back.
The trip was great. We took four days going out from NY, via I-90 and came back in 3 days through SD, NE, IA, etc. We stayed at Custer Park and had the time of our lives. The riding was spectacular as was the scenery. We attended most all of the events we could, including spending about a half day at the rally proper. Remember, I'm not a party guy and there's only so many bars and T-shirt vendors I can view without getting bored! In addition to Sturgis, we hit the Harley event at the Rapid City Convention Center, the biker event at Rapid City Harley (Holy Cow!), as well as going doing all of the tourist stuff, Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Needles Highway, etc. We also rode out to Gillette, WY to the Harley dealer there. Even they were packed!!
There's really too much to tell. Some highlights include a wonderful ride out and back with my wife, surviving the absolute worst storm I have ever seen, (torrential rain, flash flood, tornado-like wind and 3" of hail in 45 minutes), the natural beauty of the area, the friendly people who partake in this hobby, and time well spent with good friends.
The bike ran great. No problems at all. It even handled the 100 plus degree heat, while stuck in traffic. I gotta say, I was impressed and pleased.
It was a great trip and I'm glad to be back.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 17
From:
RE: Back from Sturgis
I spent a little time in Sturgis this afternoon. Traffic on Lazelle was lighter than usual and downtown didn't seem quite so packed. But I saw more pretty girls than ever before. A win-win situation.
It's lose-lose though, when it comes to people coming to the rally and not knowing how to handle their bikes. There have been several accidents, some fatalities, caused by riders simply running their bikes off the road into the ditch or median. Most were not believed to be caused by alcohol. I don't know if it's newbies or people just not paying attention, but let's try to be careful out there.
It's lose-lose though, when it comes to people coming to the rally and not knowing how to handle their bikes. There have been several accidents, some fatalities, caused by riders simply running their bikes off the road into the ditch or median. Most were not believed to be caused by alcohol. I don't know if it's newbies or people just not paying attention, but let's try to be careful out there.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,549
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont
RE: Back from Sturgis
ORIGINAL: mp
I spent a little time in Sturgis this afternoon. Traffic on Lazelle was lighter than usual and downtown didn't seem quite so packed. But I saw more pretty girls than ever before. A win-win situation.
It's lose-lose though, when it comes to people coming to the rally and not knowing how to handle their bikes. There have been several accidents, some fatalities, caused by riders simply running their bikes off the road into the ditch or median. Most were not believed to be caused by alcohol. I don't know if it's newbies or people just not paying attention, but let's try to be careful out there.
I spent a little time in Sturgis this afternoon. Traffic on Lazelle was lighter than usual and downtown didn't seem quite so packed. But I saw more pretty girls than ever before. A win-win situation.
It's lose-lose though, when it comes to people coming to the rally and not knowing how to handle their bikes. There have been several accidents, some fatalities, caused by riders simply running their bikes off the road into the ditch or median. Most were not believed to be caused by alcohol. I don't know if it's newbies or people just not paying attention, but let's try to be careful out there.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Back from Sturgis
JBBOOKS, you are correct about the rally, downtown is a short visit for me. The great rides Spearfish canyon, the Badlands, etc. are best in the mornings before the crowds are out. The wildlife loop in custer is one of my favorites. I wonder at times how many from the rally get to see what is really there when your riding in a large group? Oh, did anyone notice that I-90. seemed very difficult between Chamberlain and Mitchell? I had to back down to 70 and pull over to check my tire pressure at Als Oasis.
As for accidents, I saw two wrecked bikes being hauled on wreckers tuesday. I'm not sure where from, but I talked to a friend who thought The accident and death rate was going to be high this year. That info will come out later. Many locals really get upset about the traffic and the sport bikes when I talk to them. Of course they may just be trying to be nice to me, since I just look like an old biker. LOL. Well I'll just pray for all the bikers on road.
Glad you enjoyed your trip and come back soon,
TC
As for accidents, I saw two wrecked bikes being hauled on wreckers tuesday. I'm not sure where from, but I talked to a friend who thought The accident and death rate was going to be high this year. That info will come out later. Many locals really get upset about the traffic and the sport bikes when I talk to them. Of course they may just be trying to be nice to me, since I just look like an old biker. LOL. Well I'll just pray for all the bikers on road.
Glad you enjoyed your trip and come back soon,
TC
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 544
From: North Carolina
RE: Back from Sturgis
Sounds great! Glad everything went well.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,199
Likes: 1
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
RE: Back from Sturgis
Welcome back, sounds like you had a great trip, My wife and I, with some of the family were there the first week of July, and I agree with you the scenery is spectacular. Unfortunately I was driving the cage on that trip, but we are already talking about touring that part of the country on the new ride when I get it. Ride Safe.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Back from Sturgis
THis was my 7th year going to "the rally" with the same group of friends. We went out early (8/1 - 6/06) this year to get in more uncongested riding...lot's of fun and no real traffic to deal with unitl Friday (8-4-06). Spent Saturday (8-5-06) downtown Sturgis people watching and checking out the vendors. All in all a great trip even though we weren't in the thick of it so to speak. We plan on doing a similar Sturgis visit next year. [sm=smiley20.gif]
