Sturgis rally
#21
07-20-2019, 01:20 PM
Cruiser
I've ridden there and back from Charleston SC 4 times. Once all the way to Yellowstone and back. The ride is completely worth it even after consecutive 500-600 miles days. It's about 2000 miles from CHS.
In my opinion having been on the bike and in the elements that long (4-5 days straight for us) makes getting to the rally more like an achievement, something earned.
When you roll into the cool mountains of the Black Hills after days in those boring hot high plains you'll sincerely appreciate it and may be proud of yourself for taking the journey.
Travel/Rally advice in no certain order:
1. If you have a bunch of stuff, just ship it to the campground - seriously do this. It's easier than carrying it into a hotel every night and making sure it doesn't fall off the bike all day.
2. Learn the "go around Lazelle Street" routes.
3. Get a Ozark/Yeti 32 Ounce cup with Magnetic top slide and a handle bar cup holder (like Ciro). I hate drinking hot water after a few hours. Nothing is easier to use and is as perfectly insulated. JMHO
4. If you're getting old like me, take aspirin before you need it. Couple of hours into a ride, start taking it. Nothing like riding with side/knee/leg/neck pain while you wait for meds to take effect.
5. On long rides, 100 miles = two hours on average no matter how fast you ride. Plan accordingly.
6. If you're going to visit local attractions, get out of the campground early. Put you some coffee in that Yeti and roll out soon as possible.
7. It's like 10 bucks for parking at Rushmore. Don't act surprised when you see that. Merica.
8. If you make it to Yellowstone/Grand Teton, it's like 25/30 bucks to get into each park. Again... Merica.
9. If you have to use the public showers bring shower shoes. You don't want your feet getting screwed up or worse yet, pregnant.
10. If you want to sleep at the Chip, pick a spot well away from the stage.
Anyway, have a great time. I'm skipping this year, going to Laconia next year, so maybe I'll be heading back the year after. Can't wait. It's excellent.
In my opinion having been on the bike and in the elements that long (4-5 days straight for us) makes getting to the rally more like an achievement, something earned.
When you roll into the cool mountains of the Black Hills after days in those boring hot high plains you'll sincerely appreciate it and may be proud of yourself for taking the journey.
Travel/Rally advice in no certain order:
1. If you have a bunch of stuff, just ship it to the campground - seriously do this. It's easier than carrying it into a hotel every night and making sure it doesn't fall off the bike all day.
2. Learn the "go around Lazelle Street" routes.
3. Get a Ozark/Yeti 32 Ounce cup with Magnetic top slide and a handle bar cup holder (like Ciro). I hate drinking hot water after a few hours. Nothing is easier to use and is as perfectly insulated. JMHO
4. If you're getting old like me, take aspirin before you need it. Couple of hours into a ride, start taking it. Nothing like riding with side/knee/leg/neck pain while you wait for meds to take effect.
5. On long rides, 100 miles = two hours on average no matter how fast you ride. Plan accordingly.
6. If you're going to visit local attractions, get out of the campground early. Put you some coffee in that Yeti and roll out soon as possible.
7. It's like 10 bucks for parking at Rushmore. Don't act surprised when you see that. Merica.
8. If you make it to Yellowstone/Grand Teton, it's like 25/30 bucks to get into each park. Again... Merica.
9. If you have to use the public showers bring shower shoes. You don't want your feet getting screwed up or worse yet, pregnant.
10. If you want to sleep at the Chip, pick a spot well away from the stage.
Anyway, have a great time. I'm skipping this year, going to Laconia next year, so maybe I'll be heading back the year after. Can't wait. It's excellent.
You need to update your map!
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lp (07-20-2019)
#22
07-20-2019, 01:54 PM
Road Master
#23
07-20-2019, 01:56 PM
Road Master
I will be leaving Indianapolis on 8-1 for my first trip to Sturgis and I can hardly wait. The bike is ready, new tires,brake pads,all fluids changed. I'll be staying in a upgrade camper at the buffalo chip. My boss gave me this paid for trip because him and his wife decided not to go this year. All I have to do is get there. Some people are saying I'm crazy for riding out there but I like to ride,to me the journey is as enjoyable as the destination. So I'm looking for advice or tips from people that have done it. Maybe I'll run in to some of you there. Thanks in advance
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#25
07-20-2019, 01:59 PM
Tourer
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Long lonesome highwayman (07-21-2019)
#26
07-20-2019, 02:05 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Sure, you might be able to cover the same amount of mileage, but it won't be in the same amount of time or you certainly won't feel as rested. Plus, in a car/truck one can share driving duties and certainly cover a lot more miles safer than one could on a bike.
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Long lonesome highwayman (07-21-2019)
#27
07-20-2019, 02:12 PM
Club Member
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#28
07-20-2019, 04:39 PM
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#29
07-20-2019, 04:50 PM
Also I know I can't cover as much ground on my bike as I can in a car. As I said earlier I've been to the smoky mountains twice and several 400 mile day trips. 75 to 80 mph starts to wear on me after 350 miles so. for that reason I planned on stopping in ankeny Iowa the first night, 480 miles. if I ride out of here by 6 am I should be there by dinner time, weather and traffic permitting.
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Circa58 (07-20-2019)
