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I was at Sturgis for the first time and had a blast, the riding was awesome and see why people keep going back every year but I kept hearing that attendence was down about 40%. I was just wondering if others noticed the same or does anyone know of the attendence numbers?
This was my first Sturgis trip, so I can't give my own opinion, but I had a couple friends with me that were Sturgis veterans and they say the attendance was VERY light this year. According to them it'd take an hour to get from the Chip to the highway.... It rarely took more than 20 minutes this year. I am kind of glad attendance was light, we had a great time and there were no issues. I hope it doesn't hurt the town too much and I hope that it bounces back when the economy strengthens... I know I will be back either way.
I went last year and plan on going again next year, Last year was great not too much traffic in Sturgis and all the other places that are good riding points! We did about 300 plus miles a day just site seening!!
Been once before (three years ago) and I thought this year there were not nearly as many people as there were in the past. Had a great time.....going back again....
2010 was an aniversary year, so attendance was very high.
It seemed like most of the crowds waited until the last weekend this year. My wife and I got there on Monday and it was definately slower than last year. Mid week it really picked up.
We left on Friday and I will say that I've never seen so many people heading out prior to the end of the rally. 90 East was running hard with bikes and trailers at noon that day.
Was a good rally for us, had a great time this year.
My third year this year and it seemed a little down. I heard it was a little busier last year. But it made the rides a little nicer, not as congested but I like it with a little more people down on main. It makes for better people watching. When I say people I mean half naked women
I went last year for the first time. When I spoke to the local vendors most of them said things were slower last year than in past years. All I know is that I had a great time and hope to go again in a few years.
I was out there a few years back but trailered back then.
I have plans for riding out next year with some friends. We already have a deposit down on a house were renting and I'm really lookin foward to making the trip.
I have been the last three years. This year was down from last year but was about the same as '09 imo. Attendance may have been down some but people were spending money this year. Seemed like more folks spending money on stuff. Again that's just my opinion.
I was really shocked at the scope of "STURGIS"... There are so many things going on in the region, so many people, so many bikes.. It's really hard to take in. Regardless of attendance, the area is a beautiful place to ride and explore.
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