ok guys, I'm starting to plan my trip to Sturgis 2018 from Central MA. First time for a trip like this.

I have two starting routes, one thru NY to Buffalo (90), other route is thru PA (84->80).

My goal is to enjoy the ride, not white knuckle it, stay away from bad roads and construction, but don't want to waste much time.
What would be the preferred route.

thanks

 

I would stay off I-80 and take I-90. Sturgis is off I-90 and the speed limit in SD is 80 mph. I-80 has lots of traffic and semi's.

Riding the Black Hills is magical with 500,000 bikes. I take I-90 and get there as quick as possible so I can ride the Black Hills. Lots of beautiful country in Buffalo and NY.

Let me know if you have questions.

Ride safe and enjoy the experience.

 

Thank you ! - I will definitely be asking a few more questions in time.

 

Is the I-90 route a straight run right to where you come off at Sturgis ? On a Google map the area around Chicago looks pretty complicated...b.

 

Be sure to STAY CLEAR OF CHICAGO ... You will feel like a freckle on a moose's *** with regards to the traffic ... semi's everywhere ... 4 and 5 lanes of traffic with tool booths popping up everywhere ... I've been to Sturgis many times and it is a much greater adventure off of the Interstate.

 

Larry what's your recommended route to get round the Windy City ?...b.

 

do not go thru Chicago during mid day the traffic is WORSE THAN NY!!!
we leave NJ & stop in Portage Ind. about 30 mi E of Chicago, I go thru Chicago @ 6:30 a:m on a saturday.
we make our way to Rt 29 in Iowa then head No. our stop is Sioux Falls for the nite, the next day we have 400mi to go & we're done.
Our rms are pre-booked, rooms can by real tuff, motels are crowded!!!
we've done this 3 times, this yr is my 4th trip to SD, never mind Montana, Wyo, Colo.
up to you plan well it pays off in the end.

 

Chicago traffic often isn't a big deal, especially on the tollway that circles to the west. Like any city, rush hour is busier, so avoid that. I live almost to Wisconsin, right by the interstate. I go to Michigan several times a year, and typically, it takes me 1.5 hours from the Indiana line to home. Traffic can move fast, and I found it much worse in Toronto, on my one trip there.

 

thanks - I have family in Chicago. They are in-laws, so I'll stay clear of it. I plan to ride under on Rt 80 from Gary Indiana heading west.

 

It's easy enough to keep up with traffic conditions on a smartphone map, and make decisions on the fly.

Again, traffic isn't nearly as bad as some folks make it sound.