The wife and I rode out from Southern Illinois last year and like's been said, around 2 or 3 in afternoon we'd stop and look up a place on the smart phone and make a reservation. No problems finding a spot.

 

Been to Sturgis the past 2 years once during Bike week once the week before .. My Plan is be on the Road by 5 AM and be off by 4 PM and never had a problem with a room all the way there or back .. naturally for the Stay in Sturgis or close by had the rooms reserved well in advance ..

 

I had reservations on the way out to Sturgis this year. In retrospect, I probably didn't need them. However, the later in the day you show up, the less likely you are to get a room. If you stop before 6 PM, you should have no problem finding a room. After 10 PM, there's a good chance you won't find one.

 

I agree with what the others have posted. Having a reservation means that is where you stay. but your body may say otherwise. if you are having to fight wind, rain etc you may want to stop earlier or you may have great travels and want to go farther.

Tim

 

It may also depend on the day of the week and whether you are staying near a tourist spot, like near Yellowstone or Glacier. You should still probably be OK to check for a room in the early afternoon, but around 5:00 on a Saturday I've seen people unable to get a room in Columbia Falls. I would guess the same would be true in the towns around Yellowstone in the summer.

 

Of all the riding i ever done i have never booked a room in advance. It takes all the fun out of it.

 

Thanks for everyone's input. We'll do as suggested and find a place on the phone and call in early afternoon for a reservation.

 

Who's going with ya? Sounds like a great trip!

 

I think that's good advice. I used to just ride until I was tired and kept my fingers crossed that I could find a place to stay. Sometimes this wasn't until 9:00 PM or so. I have been burned using that practice several times. Sometimes in large cities (couldn't find a hotel or motel room ANYWHERE near Colorado Springs once) and in smaller more remote areas, Cheyenne WY, in the middle of the week.

It kind of takes the spontanaity out of it, but now I do as others have suggested here and stop around 1 or 2 PM and commit to where I will be that evening and call ahead for a room.

 

We are planning on leaving Seattle area Friday the the 3rd getting to Clinton MT just east of Missoula MT Friday afternoon for the ******** Festival. The Testy Fest is pretty wild at times and everyone should see at least once.
Then on to Sturgis Saturday. You shouldn't have any problem with hotels in Missoula you can call and make reservations The Best Western in Missoula is good place to stay.