Howdy, wife and I are heading to Sturgis this year. We are planning a 21 days trip, leaving New Mexico August 1st, hitting Durango, Grand Junction, Green River, Jackson, Bozeman, Great Falls, Billings, Sturgis, Cheyenne, Colorado Springs and return to NM.

Right now, we just have reservations for Sturgis. What do you guys think about making reservations in the other Cities? After a year in Iraq, in a tent and on the ground, I don't camp anymore!

Can anybody give us an idea on the Weather we can expect in CO, WY and MT in early August.

We did a 9 day ride last year that was spectacular, really looking forward to to this one, any advice would be appreciated

 

i don't have much advice. but when we went up to sturgis from abq last year, there was rain and fog around the nm/co border. other than that, it was all sunshine and warmth but we trailered so we did it all in one day.

 

Travelled through that area last year. Same temps as New Mexico except in the higher elevations. Comfortable during the day & cool at night. I wouldn't make any reservations, you never know when you might like to stop & sightsee or how windy the roads are. Sometimes you also can get a better deal on hotels/motels by negotiating a price, especially at mom & pop motels

 

I went to Sturgis with the wife during my two week break from Iraq last Fall, bring plenty of money and a rain suit. It lightly rained at least for 5-10 min everyday, which wasnt bad. The hail storm was, $9300 worth of damage to my truck. Luckily the bikes were in the trailer and i had a $100 deductable. Dropped the truck off before i went back to Iraq and before i came home in Nov it was done. The rides around Sturgis are great, enjoy the trip!

 

We rode out from Michigan last year, had a blast, made no reservations for the trip except in Sturgis. As said already take rain gear make sure you ride Custer State park it was really cool.

 

Do the "Iron Mountain Road" Custer State Park, "Needles Highway" round trip,

Words cannot describe this route,

PS, try reversing the route the next day!!

 

Visit Custer's Last Stand at Little Bighorn, MT. Figure on an hour inside the museum, an hour walking the trail, and an hour ridng your bike along the battlefield road.

BigLow

 

I did a very similar route last year...left Santa Fe, NM on July 28 and landed in Spearfish, SD (Sturgis) on Aug 3. http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.c...r/share/188719

PM me if you want any specific info. The ride planner has the hotels I stayed in, but not sure if those will show up when you click the link.

I made most of the reservations in March and was already finding things booking up for that time! Esp in Durango, Jackson and the Yellowstone area. I'd reserve a spot now at the Yodeler in Red Lodge MT, if you're going there, as it's popular with bikers/Sturgis goers. It's a good idea to look at and make sure the cancellation policy is lax (like being able to cancel w/o penalty the day of or night before)...that way if you need to make a change, you won't get nailed. I keep that info in my calendar/phone so I can easily call on the road if need be. I often change my route mid-trip and this comes in handy. I've also been known to make an extra reservation or two along the route in case we decide to make a change as I'm not one who likes to take a chance on finding a place...esp when I'm on a bike.

I recommend taking it slow...but with 21 days (lucky!), it appears you are. You'll enjoy it more that way IMO. As I'm sure you know, you won't be making the same time you would down in the flatlands...you'll often be lucky to get out of 3rd gear in the mountains, and besides, who wants to fly through such beautiful areas anyway?

Weather? Anyone's guess. BE PREPARED for cold/snow and plenty of rain. Not to mention WIND in WY - particularly east of Cody. For the most part, the weather on my trip was moderate during the day. As can be expected, the mornings and afternoons can be chilly...esp in the higher elevations. Just layer up. The only day it was cold enough for heated gear (I'm a wimp), was going through the Tetons and Yellowstone. Beartooth Hwy can be cold too. It rains, if even for a little bit, almost every afternoon in Colorado. I never got hot, but I am a Texan, so take that with a grain of salt. My idea of heat is different from people from other, cooler parts of the country. But, considering you were in Iraq for a year, I'm sure your tolerance/idea of heat is different now as well.

It sounds like you have your route mapped out, but if you have any questions, I or many here are happy to throw in our opinions!

BTW, Welcome home and Thank you SO MUCH for your service! I have nothing but respect for you men and women putting it on the line so the rest of us can enjoy our freedom!

Now, have a safe and great trip!!!!

 

Just decide how many miles you'll do each day and see where that puts you on the map, then book a hotel for there and the return trip. You don't have to stay on the way back, but it's good to have options. It feels good to know after a days riding you can go straight to the hotel and chill for the evening. I'm with the other guy, after 23 years on the ground in the Army, Camping holds no thrills for me! Give me HBO, bed, shower etc.

 

Thanks a bunch for all the great replys. I thinks I will make some reservations and change as needed. I like a bed waiting at the end of the day. I will be a slow trip, just looking to enjoy the ride and sites. Thanks again.