Sturgis 2014
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 18
From: Maryland
I say go for Glenco. If the noise if what you are worried about there are spots way off "tittyalley", so you can get away from the noise. The fun is great and there is a lot to see and experience. 
For rides I suggest the ride to Devils Tower by way of Belle Fourche, Spearfish Canyon, Nemo, and the more westerly route north and south through the hills. needles is nice but can get crowded.
My group rides out from Sioux Falls, the trip is 400 miles, but we take Hwy 34 in and not I90. It has been Glčnco for us every year and not once have I had issues sleeping, etc. Take some ear plugs along if you think you will be kept awake wt night.
For rides I suggest the ride to Devils Tower by way of Belle Fourche, Spearfish Canyon, Nemo, and the more westerly route north and south through the hills. needles is nice but can get crowded.
My group rides out from Sioux Falls, the trip is 400 miles, but we take Hwy 34 in and not I90. It has been Glčnco for us every year and not once have I had issues sleeping, etc. Take some ear plugs along if you think you will be kept awake wt night.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Northern Iowa
As everyone has said, it depends on what you want to do. Partying=stay in Sturgis. Riding=stay outside of Sturgis. Over the years I have done the partying thing, not so much anymore. We stay in Custer or Hill City. I can hit Mt Rushmore, Needles Hwy, and Custer State park first thing in the mornings (8:00 a.m.) and have the place to myself! Anymore we only spend one day actually in Sturgis. Check out the vendors and get a t-shirt and then go back to riding.
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Went to Sturgis for the first time in 2012... rented a house in Spearfish with 7 others...cost $600 a person for the week.
We are planning to go back in 2015 for the 75th rally year, BUT we are going the week before rally..Since most private homes are not available before the rally, we'll be staying at one of the hotel/casinos in Deadwood.
The great thing about the week before is everything is open (vendors, bars) by Wednesday if not before, and the traffic in town and to the destinations is reduced by 70%. If you are going for the party, then definitely go during rally week, if you are going for any other reason, go before rally....although I will say, if it's your first time, it's worth it to experience rally week once.
We are planning to go back in 2015 for the 75th rally year, BUT we are going the week before rally..Since most private homes are not available before the rally, we'll be staying at one of the hotel/casinos in Deadwood.
The great thing about the week before is everything is open (vendors, bars) by Wednesday if not before, and the traffic in town and to the destinations is reduced by 70%. If you are going for the party, then definitely go during rally week, if you are going for any other reason, go before rally....although I will say, if it's your first time, it's worth it to experience rally week once.
Novice
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Went in 2010, the week before rally, and like 56tbird said, not nearly as crowded, could go anywhere no traffic jam, go into any bar and sit down, we stayed in spearfish, hada great trip, lots to see and do, enjoyed mt Rushmore and the devils tower especially. Rode from southeast tn in 3 days on the way up, done it in 2 on the way back, and planning to go in 2015 too, a week earlier than rally week.
Novice
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Man your a year too soon for us, going back in 2015. Outta chattanooga. Going to laughlin river run in April 2014.
Novice
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
I understand, we've got the next two years planned, we do one big road trip a year, so I know what you mean about trying to do two, there's no way I could.
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 658
Likes: 25
From: Parrish, FL
I did not read all the post in this thread, so if someone has already said this I apologize. For the oil change there is a church in Sturgis that does free oil changes during the rally. You bring the oil and filter and they have church members who have brought there tool boxes and stuff and will do the change for no charge. I did not take advantage of this while I was there, but one of the guys I was riding with did, and he had no complaints. Oh and he bought the oil and filter at the auto zone and it was regular price not jacked up.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
I haven't made sturgis plans yet for 2014, but I always wanted to go for the week and stay at Glenco. Maybe next year. Problem is getting the time off work.
I think Glenco is pretty much the best place to stay all things considered. Bands, parties, good facilities, boobies. What else could you want?
I think Glenco is pretty much the best place to stay all things considered. Bands, parties, good facilities, boobies. What else could you want?