You’ll have a blast at the chip! Going into town is slow- lots of bikes! Get out and ride the hills, go see Mt. Rushmore, that Jeronomo statue is coming along and its right there. Then go through Newcastle Wy and stop at the smoke shop for a brewski and tell them Jameson says hello, and push on to Devils tower. Don’t forget to do needles highway, but respect the tunnels! Gotta share! Cars are crazy! But there is a spot you can-stop and see a side angle of Washington’s face! Have fun be safe.

 

I've ridden there and back from Charleston SC 4 times. Once all the way to Yellowstone and back. The ride is completely worth it even after consecutive 500-600 miles days. It's about 2000 miles from CHS.
In my opinion having been on the bike and in the elements that long (4-5 days straight for us) makes getting to the rally more like an achievement, something earned.
When you roll into the cool mountains of the Black Hills after days in those boring hot high plains you'll sincerely appreciate it and may be proud of yourself for taking the journey.

Travel/Rally advice in no certain order:
1. If you have a bunch of stuff, just ship it to the campground - seriously do this. It's easier than carrying it into a hotel every night and making sure it doesn't fall off the bike all day.
2. Learn the "go around Lazelle Street" routes.
3. Get a Ozark/Yeti 20 Ounce cup with Magnetic top slide and a handle bar cup holder (like Ciro). I hate drinking hot water after a few hours. Nothing is easier to use and is as perfectly insulated. JMHO
4. If you're getting old like me, take aspirin before you need it. Couple of hours into a ride, start taking it. Nothing like riding with side/knee/leg/neck pain while you wait for meds to take effect.
5. On long rides, 100 miles = two hours on average no matter how fast you ride. Plan accordingly.
6. If you're going to visit local attractions, get out of the campground early. Put you some coffee in that Yeti and roll out soon as possible.
7. It's like 10 bucks for parking at Rushmore. Don't act surprised when you see that. Merica.
8. If you make it to Yellowstone/Grand Teton, it's like 25/30 bucks to get into each park. Again... Merica.
9. If you have to use the public showers bring shower shoes. You don't want your feet getting screwed up or worse yet, pregnant.
10. If you want to sleep at the Chip, pick a spot well away from the stage.

Anyway, have a great time. I'm skipping this year, going to Laconia next year, so maybe I'll be heading back the year after. Can't wait. It's excellent.

 

Not crazy at all!
Made my first trip to Sturgis in '14, and rode my Street Glide.
There were 6 of us. 4 rode, the other two loaded their bikes on a trailer.

Plan for lots of different weather. Black Hills weather is very unpredictable. It can be all sunny and hot one minute, and then pouring rain with hail 5 minutes later.
Bring your rain gear for sure. And a good leather jacket. Gets cold in the evenings!

You will have a blast!

Be sure and get one of the patches!

 

thanks guys, I'm looking forward to it. we will be in a camper at the chip so hopefully not too close to the concert area. I couldn't talk any of my buddies into going so I'm riding solo and the old lady and 1 of her friends are driving. The last trip we took 2 up was the smoky mountains and by the time we got home a week later she was ready to get off of the street glide seat.! I will spend all of my time riding the black hills.. definitely want to get the" I rode mine patch" .

 

I understand it. Some can't handle riding that long out their due to age, time constraints etc. Ever seen the hail storms on the way.......you'd love to be in a trailer. Once there, rides are beautiful.

Enjoy the ride out there OP

 

man don't say the "H" word! I've got rain gear but hail, I will find cover! I'll be 59 in November but I do several 400 mile day trips all the time. I can't check in at the campground until the 3rd. I'm stopping around des Moines on the first day 480 miles, then to Mitchell SD 350 miles,from there it's 300 miles to the chip. With good weather it should be a fairly easy ride ,but I'm not holding my breath for good. weather!

 

Be prepared, bring a tank and fender cover, safe riding.

 

thanks I will !!

 

I get the whole age and health issues when talking about trailering, but not the time constraints excuse, I can go as far in one day on my bike as I can in a truck with a trailer so I don't buy that excuse.

 

I'll second that. On any trip I'm planing, I figure we cover about 50 miles in an hour. Between gas, food, picture, breakdown, bathroom stops, etc you may not cover the mileage your expecting. Not a problem for me, I always try to enjoy the ride and even though the unexpected can throw a wrench into ones plans, it's all part of the adventure.