Going to Sturgis (2010)!
If you have the time ride out, getting there is the adventure. If you are planning the trip with a group, bet on at least half backing out before the day you leave. If on the day you pick to leave all of your travelling freinds have backed out go anyways.
Once you get there I would recommend camping, you meet many more people in a campground. There are lots of campgrounds to choose from, depending on what you are looking for.
On my first trip out I camped right next to town that way I could walk in to hit the bars. The police are not tolerant of Drinking and riding.
Although there is lots to choose from I stay at Day's End, where you are close enough to walk to town the facilities are great and it is on the west side where all the riding is so that the only time you need to go through town is when you want to. To cruise Main and Lazelle or to see a show at the CHIP.
The best advise is to go there, you will not be disappointed.
We went freestyle (no rez) to & from Sturgis/Seattle, but while there we hotel'd it in Rapid City, about 20mi away, for an average of about $100/night (but I booked about late Sept the year before). RC is still central to everything like all the local rides, the H-D official convention, and less than 30min from downtown Sturgis.
My tip is only that you consider your priorities on a scale of 1-10... low to high...
(1) = cost-conscious/quieter/less partying (but not none!)/less-crowded/more sleep, vs
(10) = cost don't matter/louder/24-7 party options/more crowded-less sleep.
If you're a "high number" guy, stay closer in to Sturgis and/or the big party campgrounds nearby. If you're a low-number guy, think about staying out in one of the other nearby towns or more remote campgrounds. You can visit the big party places without actually staying there, and also go to their shows at night.
Oh, and don't think that people camping in-town in local folk's yards are getting to do that for free. There is nothing free in Sturgis during Bike Week!
Cheers, and enjoy!
Three of the bands that played this year was Foghat, 38 Special and Kentucky Headhunters.
Nice place to camp, quiet at night easy to get to from Sturgis on 79 about 7 miles from there. It is real close to Bear Butte.
http://brokenspokecampground.com
Tim
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders







