Buddy system mainly. If something happens, you have some trusted support with you. And someone to share the experience with. I'm sure I'd have a good time if I went alone, but sharing the experience would be better.

 

There is that ....However if the buddy you go with turns into a jerk its worse that being alone. I'll take my chances alone. Tons of bikers going and coming. I like going where I like when I like. Its all fun. What a great place to ride. Have fun.

 

Only been once a couple of years ago so no expert, only thing I can add is watch out for radar as you approach the small towns along your rides. They are everywhere, nothing like a ticket to put a damper on the day. If the sign says slow to 25, do it. Sturgis is as much a cash cow for the state police as it is for all the vendors. I saw lots of guys pulled over with looks on their face, "well this sucks." Also +1 on being prepared for heat particularly this summer with the heat wave going on. I was reading recently there are highways in SD buckling in places because of the heat. Not sure of your riding experience, but if you do the Needles be ready for heavy traffic (bikes and cars) and lots of hairpin cornering. I saw two people dump their bikes when we were on it, guy at the park gate told us there had been 7 accidents within the past week with one guy needing to be airlifted out. If you ride smart you'll be fine. I wondered how congested the roads would be with bikes, I went to the 77th and was pleasantly surprised it wasn't hard to get around at all. I've been told to avoid the anniversary years, 75th, 80th, etc., it gets way busier.

 

Once we were there, we'd camp together or whatever, but everyone kind of does their own thing. We've taken trips before and it works out great this way. Hang together if you want, or go checkout what you want. So if I were to ride out to Rushmore and he wanted to stay in town, fine. If I wasn't back by the time expected, he'd try and track me down. If I was really late, he'd get the authorities involved.

We had a mutual friend who almost died. Went for a 4 day trip by himself. Day 5 comes around and his wife gets worried. He was in a ditch with a broken back since day 2. It was a farmer mowing the roadside that found him. Docs said about 12 more hours is all he had. Sadly, he doesn't ride anymore.

 

........ is this not the truth. .....

 

Have a good trip. Also take a picture of your cycle insurance so you have it with you if you get pulled over. Lesson learned mine was in my tent. lol . They didnt believe me...

 

I would agree if we're talking about 1 or 2 other people, but I've done the group thing with 8-10 bikes. No thank you.

 

Headed out from Chicago on Thursday, meeting a buddy in Vail Co. Gonna ride through the Rockies and head into Sturgis on Saturday. First rally in 9 years for me, I'm pretty excited. Ride safe everyone!

 

T minus 19 hours before shove off :-)

 

Super jealous. Be safe!