I posted this in the “Georgia Crew” forum and “General Chat” also, but thought I might reach other Southeast riders in this forum as well. I’m turning 70 in March and headed to Sturgis this Summer for the first, and probably last, time. I’m looking to hear from anyone who has ridden to Sturgis from Atlanta (I live in Emerson, 40 miles or so NW of Atlanta) to give me tips on routes (backroads and/or highways), hotels/motels to stay in along the way (I’m not a camper), how many miles/days to get there, and any other information you think is pertinent. I was figuring 350 miles per day, but maybe that is too many or not enough.

I’d appreciate any and all responses. This is a long time desired trip, and being retired I can now do it. Thanks for the help...I truly appreciate it.

 

350 miles per say is a 3 day trip get there

 

I want what your drinking !

 

Actually, it’s about 1,550 miles to Sturgis. I’m thinking 4 and a half days to get there and same heading home. Plan is to head out on July 29, arrive Rapid City on Sunday the 2nd of August and “stage” out of there. Do a lot of riding around the area through the week and then attend Sturgis that starts Friday the 7th. I’m headed home on Monday the 10th. Any help, ideas, will be helpful. Thanks!

 

I'm not in your area, but we travel a lot. Before you ask for help, you need to answer some basic questions for yourself.

How many hours a day do you want to travel?

Mostly two lanes or freeways.

What kind of accommodations do you want? Not only bed, but pool, sauna, bike wash pit, large breakfast in House?

How many days at Sturgis? Is one enough, then how many to ride needles, iron Mtn, spearfish canyon, badlands, etc.

i have friends that burn I-90 from Seattle so they can party for as many days as they can stand up. We ride only two lanes going. We've been there many times, so only if someone "new" is with us, we don't even hit Sturgis. Hill acity, Deadwood are way more attractive if you are more interested in riding than drinking or buying lots of Chinese made biker wear.

Others, like us, like to leave reasonably early, stop for breakfast after an hour or so, and be off the road by 3-4, poolside or hot tub shortly after. 270-300 miles is good, but we also do some 450-500 mile days.

We average $25.00 per person per night for motels. We have our ways to get good rates, but that has been discussed in lots of other threads.

Do do you want to miss going through cities. I usually do, actually asked this forum for help getting around Chicago. That said, I ended up going into New York City which was horrible on the rain as we missed our turn due to being 5 lanes over from our turn with commuter traffic. But St Louis was far worse.

So, you need to tell your fellow riders, how long, how far, how many days to travel, to Sturgis, to get home. What kind of accommodations, and extras you want to make this trip memorable for you.

I asked Maureen, she said, "No, we are not going to ride to Georgia so you can ride back to Sturgis with this guy!", so you are on your own as far as idahodians are concerned. But it was worth asking, she says yes a lot....smile.

 

Thanks for your reply. I am way past my partying days, and have no interest to blurry-eyed and hung over greet a new day. I’ll be traveling alone (unless Mrs. son of the hounds changes her mind and would like to ride in the beautiful North Georgia/Western North Carolina Mountains...) and plan on easy days, meaning 350 miles or so and around 8-9 hours a day. I like to greet the sun in the morning and stop through eat the day when I feel it’s time, stopping for the day in the late afternoon/early evening. I plan on taking it easy going, while there, and coming home.

I’ve run a couple highway routes, but would much rather take less traveled roads there. I’m taking your suggestion and will look at both. Thanks again for your response.

 

IF you have never done this type of trip before, you have a bunch more than daily miles to plan for. But, 3 days won't cut it. Weather, unforeseen detours play into time spent. 5 days each way would be my plan from where you are. Ask here and you will receive an abundance of suggestion from people that have been there (I have) . Plan well, take the time you need and make the trip enjoyable. Hurry planning and getting there could make the trip a PIA.

 

I agree with all the advice and suggestions given so far. I want to wish you well. I'm 74 and still touring every year, sometimes to Sturgis and more often other areas of the country. But I know it will end eventually, so I want to get as much in as I can now while the getting is good.

 

Thanks, Bass Player. I intend to plan carefully.

Old bass player here too. Began playing again in January of 2018 as an old HS buddy (drummer) and I decided to put together a band for our 50th reunion. Played the next class’ reunion too! Still playing and bought a Stratocaster to get back to a little “blues” lead work.

 

Michael Psycle, I haven’t done any long trips. Wife tore up her knee and it’s uncomfortable for her to ride, so no more than an occasional, local 30-minute trip. This will be my first long one. Thanks for the response!