Originally Posted by lp

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 32 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.

Originally Posted by Keithhu

Idiots will tell you it's crazy to ride there. I've been 5 times, rode there 5 times from Michigan. In some ways it's the best part of the trip

Originally Posted by ridingout

I will be leaving Indianapolis on 8-1 for my first trip to Sturgis and I can hardly wait. The bike is ready, new tires,brake pads,all fluids changed. I'll be staying in a upgrade camper at the buffalo chip. My boss gave me this paid for trip because him and his wife decided not to go this year. All I have to do is get there. Some people are saying I'm crazy for riding out there but I like to ride,to me the journey is as enjoyable as the destination. So I'm looking for advice or tips from people that have done it. Maybe I'll run in to some of you there. Thanks in advance

Originally Posted by n of 1

I've never made the trip so no advice there, but of my friends who have those that rode had the better experience. I've never understood trailering a bike to a bike rally. Trailers are for boats. Enjoy the trip, day trips in the area sound fantastic.

Originally Posted by Softy 103

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.

Originally Posted by e6fmf

Say that after you turn 50.

Originally Posted by Circa58

1200 miles from Indianapolis, but I agree, its all part of it, my son is riding with us on his Ducati Hypermotard, now that might be considered crazy :-)