Everything I Learned, Loved & Hated About Sturgis!

[@JA-zh5xi]

I went last year for the first time. I’m not a party guy or a drinker. Downtown Sturgis - I only needed half a day to see it. Much preferred Deadwood and Hill City. The rides were very cool. If I ever went back I’d skip the Sturgis event and just go ride the rides without everyone there.

[@monkeespit]

I was a victim of the parking citation officer in Deadwood. Parked in the open lot on Pine St (this was post-rally) and got nailed. I would have paid to park but honestly I didn’t see a meter or any sign indicating to do so. The couple of riders who parked next to me got cited too. It’s predatory.

[@scott2228]

If you are out of state can you ignore them?

[@bigj2345]

I rode from the SLC area, across WY and to the Black Hills. I stayed at the Iron Horse Campground (excellent) and tent camped. I rode into town on a Suzuki ADV and left Sturgis on an Indian Challenger Limited. I spent a whole day in Deadwood and hiked all the way up to the top of Mt Moriah Cemetery. I met some 2 Lane Life guys. I spent a ton of time at Indian of Sturgis and got to see thousands of bikes. Sturgis is wild and the riding during the rally is pretty congested. But the people were pretty cool, the beer at the campground was cheap and the people watching was the absolute best. Getting to see Mt Rushmore for the first time was a real treat. I can't wait to go back.

[@ralphrotten6912]

Live in Montana. Weather can be anything up here in summer. If you ride, you will get wet. Bring your gear....

[@Squatch_Rider66]

Was at Sturgis the week after the rally this year and it was fantastic. Very little traffic and prices were back to normal. Met several other folks doing the same thing and we had a blast.

[@FFL-vg9ro]

As far as food prices, be aware that temporary vendors may be paying the City $5k to $10k for a vendor permit. Between that and traveling days there and back, and having to cover expensive rally price lodging for your workers, they are charging what they do to cover a shit-ton of up front costs.

[@mickeygaines007]

I went a couple weeks after the rally this year. Sturgis was pretty much dead but there was a classic car event in deadwood. Traffic through deadwood was insane every time I went there. I stayed in Lead and they had a shuttle to deadwood so that’s how I got to deadwood, then walked around. But deadwood was the place to be for nightlife. I rode everywhere else. Did iron mountain, needles, and spearfish canyon. I’d say spearfish was the most laid back with needles being the most technical. I took rain gear because I live in the Midwest and know how it can be. But the weather cooperated with me wonderfully so didn’t end up using it.

[@moegunn5434]

This year was my 1st time there. Got roped into it by my brother and didn't really want to go. SO GLAD I DID ! That part of SD is so beautiful. Seeing the Crazy Horse monument was on my bucket list. Mt Rushmore was awesome but even better at night for the lighting ceremony. Yes, the scenery for us bikers is the highlight but there were plenty of families out there, too. Can't wait to take my wife and kids one day.

[@HDFXSB645]

This year was my first time as well. We stayed in a simple cabin in a campground in Rapid City (HTR Black Hills Resort). We were there for 8 days, from the Sunday before the rally, to Monday. We got lucky and never got rained on, but we saw some videos of some pretty severe storms. Being from Northern Wisconsin along Lake Superior, the weather was brutal. I think the coldest day we had was 89°F, and the hottest was 108°F. The riding was great, and like you said, everything is so spread out that the only place that feels crowded is downtown Sturgis and the major campgrounds nearby. I'm not a big rally guy and don't drink anymore, so downtown Sturgis wasn't really my thing. But I'd consider going again just for the riding.

[@lamegame420]

I was at burning man last year and i remember they were going to send in the natl guard because it rained a little and one guy died from electrocution. The signs at sturhis on day 2 said there were already 7 motorcycle deaths this year. Crazy to me, it seems like the whole point is to go to biker bars, get drunk, ride back wherever you came from, go to sleep, then go hit vendors.. its not whatbi expected, but exactly what I expected at the same time. It was fun, but the real highlight was just a beautiful place to ride.

[@yabbadabba2887]

Unless you're planning on going back closer when you're 900 years old, Crazy Horse is probably going to look about the same

[@seththomas9105]

Or until a Hollywood type donates some money.

[@yabbadabba2887]

@ there's many locals that say work in progress is more profitable than finished product. I have a theory that they figured out years ago that the structural integrity of the granite rock won't support the majority of the carving. So they've slowed to a progress to a crawl in order to get as much money before the news that the Mountain can't physically be completed becomes apparent

[@seththomas9105]

@@yabbadabba2887 Really? I'd like to study that information. Where do I look that up? Cheers.

[@yabbadabba2887]

@@seththomas9105 well I can't say as my Theory has been published. More like a hot take possibility, gut feeling, what have you. As for the former, I do hear it a lot where I live. Sorry if I mislead...

[@seththomas9105]

@@yabbadabba2887 No problem. If it ever gets done it will be a amazing monument. And I hope it DOES get done someday.

[@DyinG_BreeD_MediA]

Yeah the higher prices are definitely a negative when it comes to big events.

[@bigjoe805]

It was awesome. The scenery, the riding, how spread out it is, and everyone was cool

[@2warhammer34]

This was our second year there. We stay in Rapid City. It’s close enough but far enough from the shenanigans. It’s a good place to start most of the rides. See ya there next year!

[@eddieellis677]

I grew up in Rapid City. There used to be some really nice family places South of the City. If you take 8th st south and go up the hill, there's Reptile Gardens and a really cool petting zoo that has baby goats and ducks that play with the kids. Custer State Park has buffalo that walk right next to you. Evan's Plunge in Hot Springs has a swimming pool that's spring fed.

[@davidfaria6194]

Never pull in downhill always back in

[@ericmcelroy6970]

We’ve been going at couple years now that my kids have grown. It was and is way better than I’ve ever thought it would be. There is so much to do and see. I’ve been riding out and picking up the wife at rapid city airport. Works out great.

[@peterston4039]

Stayed in Rapid City. Cool place, more relaxed than Sturgis. Stayed at historic Hotel downtown, easy walking to everything, they had events and bands, was good without the masses. From there you can hit every ride in the area, had six days of riding right out of Hotel. Everything in and around Sturgis, as you said, during the Rally is not just expensive, it’s freaking expensive. Hotel room outside of Deadwood now is $70, during the rally it’s $425 per night. So it’s a seventy dollar room you’re renting for six hundred percent. Area for riding is amazing, if your into rallies then it’s a must do at least once, if your into riding, you will be coming back.

[@schuylersnipez]

I stop (ALL THE WAY) at stop signs with no feet down all the time with wife on back. It’s do-able with practice

[@jadefreier8084]

As do I but it's still not legal.

[@schuylersnipez]

@@jadefreier8084 legal in California. Do not have to have a foot down as long as u come to a complete stop

[@jadefreier8084]

@@schuylersnipez I thought we were talking about SD?

[@franksaxton3583]

That "law" has nothing to do with safety. It's just one more way for local government to fleece tourists. Stop = no longer in motion. There is nothing in the definition for stop that includes putting your feet down, lighting up a cigarette, looking both ways, adjusting your jock and them motoring on. Just more tyranny from the defenders of democracy.

[@chrischaney9492]

Good evening from Indiana.

[@gordonwrichert8240]

I WENT IN 2005I WENT WITH 10 FRIENDS OF MINE WE RODE FROM BC ON OUR HARLIES IT WAS AN AMAZING RALLYI HAVE BEEN WANTING TO BACK EVER SINCE

[@gordonwrichert8240]

A FRIEND OF MINE WAS THERE ONCE BEFORE ME AND HE SAID TO ME WE WOULD SEE ALL THE WEATHER AND WE DID

[@jadewatson2440]

Parking ticket in deadwood is $25, if your spending too much money thats on you, we dont pay more than $4 for a beer, camping is cheaper than at your local state park.

[@bigjoe805]

Town of Sturgis , makes over $1 Billion during the month of August

[@richardrice173]

I’m hoping to go next year.

[@bydarkwaters2055]

I've been to the Sturgis rally about a dozen times or so over the years. Unfortunately, it's become a caricature of its former self. It is just not the same as 30-40 years ago. Now it's all about the almighty dollar. I am also annoyed with how many people trailer bikes and haul RVs. In fact, I joke that it has become an RV rally with motorcycles. That's why I stopped going several years ago. Too bad. I miss the authentic Sturgis rallies of yesteryear.

[@ab62051]

I had basically the same post, I just stopped going about 20 years ago.... Now I ride where I haven't been before, and get to see new places.

[@seththomas9105]

I worked at the Chip in 1990 and that was my first rally. To me it started to really change after about 2010. Haven't been since 2018 now because of family issues and work. Might go this year. I still go for the actual motorcycle things like the hillclimbs and races. And of course the riding. But between the greed, the cops, and the RUBS bringing CHILDREN to the rally it's just not the same.

[@DyinG_BreeD_MediA]

15:30 I bet that was fun fresh off of back surgery 😮

[@HegshotRides]

brother, it was too much fun lol

[@DyinG_BreeD_MediA]

Definitely Google map your way in and out of any situation.

[@harleyquebecenrevue3580]

Wouldn’t an electric reverse be a great idea on a Harley ?

[@frankfurther3828]

Then they will think they can add $7500 to the price.

[@frankbaine3918]

There are aftermarket options for a reverse kit available.

[@franksaxton3583]

Yes it would. And be sure to also order the optional tampon disposal canister karen.

[@SaltyOldBiker]

Good insights. Still looking forward to taking my 4 person crew there. Maybe next year! Looooong ride from Atlanta. 😆

[@richardrice173]

From Florida

[@majes1305]

Not worth going any more, just an ATM for locals ....

[@richardcooper7047]

Been to Sturgis 3x '09 '20 '21... 1st time solo I felt like a kid in a candy store YOU CANT TAKE EVERYTHING IN!!! 2nd x Alumni group we rode had a great time. 3rd x w/ my GF we stayed in Deadwood and enjoyed it better. We were riding either to or from Sturgis Some squid on his sportster was hauling wishing he was on a X'er I guess.. He was in our lane headed toward us lucky no bike was on our right yes I moved over. From that after 3pm or so we stayed in Deadwood. But we rode around had a blast had to UPS T-shirts home for everyone. FYI Dodge City Ks have a great Brewery there pizza is tasty too!!! I can go on and on but don't want to be boring...

[@tylerlower5140]

Been going to Sturgis Rally since i was literally a toddler 😆 (im in my early 30s now) it's a lot different from how it used to be. My buddy and i we both expect to spend $2k at bike week... But we eat good, go to concerts, party all that all week. I remember when crazy horse was just a face. For the surrounding states people, it is motorcycle Mecca. Gotta make the pilgrimage.

[@tacticalbacon8064]

Bike rallys where worth it before it became a sponsered advertisement campaign. Back when the point was to have fun not be baited into buying shit at every turn

[@theresaeddings6497]

Spearfish Canyon my favorite ride.

[@stevetaylor9265]

Go two weeks before the rally. The town is a great place to ride but it seems like the rally makes everything harder and more expensive.

[@bigjoe805]

Next time you go, Wednesday of bike week, ride to Hewlit, Wyoming, big bike event there

[@yabbadabba2887]

Hewlit😂

[@seththomas9105]

Thats turned into a shitshow too, sadly. When people bring CHILDREN to Hewlit on Wednesday that's just f&cked up.

[@MrGus4440]

The cops are not as bad as Daytona and nowhere as bad as Myrtle. Main and Lazelle only has maybe two red lights. The rest are four way stops so traffic always moves. Not like sitting at an intersection in Daytona for 15 minutes. Where did you stay? I stayed at the Chip one time. Never again because it was a pain getting in with all the traffic. I stayed at Kickstands in ‘23. It was easy in and out and the whole rally pass was $225 and came with a free da bus pass. Which we used one day because of torrential rain. Because of the crazy weather I can’t really blame you for towing your bike. Since you left early did you ride back? I used to take the interstate but the last few years I have been taking different back road routes. I enjoy the US and state routes because of less traffic. It takes me about three days to get out there like that but it’s more enjoyable. Motels are reasonable on the way out or if I find a nice campground I will camp. I had shoulder surgery and spent the summer in my recliner this year but I will be back next year.

[@bigdawg7186]

You went on the wrong year….every 5 years is a super rally….the 75th was shoulder to shoulder

[@jadefreier8084]

3 tunnels on Iron Mountain Road and they each frame Mount Rushmore.

[@unwrangler11]

Thanks for the great advice

[@nhzxboi]

When I first went to my local rally(Laconia, NH) near me in the '80s it was cop against biker...there were serious gang shenanigans going on(very violent things that I cannot tell about). Now(Laconia), is a carnival with cotton candy and fried dough and super commercialized. I have a sneaky suspicion that all other rallies are like that now. Does that interest me? Nope. Do I miss the [deadly] violence of days gone by? No, other than the rallies had some soul to them....even if it wad influenced by gang scuffles and silly drunkenness. Today, the rallies are well planned commercial events designed to extract the maximum # of $$$ from the attendee's wallets. No soul but hat's off to the planners, they do a great job of commercialization. I could care less about looking at a Stage X infotainment system at a rally. That is an insult to the culture.

[@seththomas9105]

100%. This!

[@DominiqueBarbini-s4t]

Being a rider, I always enjoy places where the unpredictable happens and it's not in Sturgis I will find it,never! Just a bunch of morons who enjoy being stuffed and abused by the whole town that just waiting to get their best income of the year!

[@bigjoe805]

QUESTION; Did you bike get damaged / dented from the hail?

[@morrisdennis]

Been twice 2 gd crowded!

[@one60studios74]

I signed up for the giveaway and cannot get to your member site. Do you have a link for me to sign in?

[@HegshotRides]

Hey man - download the Kollab App and put in your credentials there

[@Yorkdragonfire]

How was iron mountain road compared to the dragon?

[@mickeygaines007]

I know you weren’t asking me but I’ve been on both and I’d do iron mountain again before the dragon. It’s so varied, you’ve got more mellow sections and you’ve also got plenty of hairpin turns, switchbacks, and curves. But probably the big thing is not nearly as many idiots just trying to see how fast they can get their bike from one end to the other. I went a couple weeks after the rally so I’m sure that helped!

[@Yorkdragonfire]

@@mickeygaines007 Thanks for your response. I’ve ridden the dragon a couple of times. I remember hearing all the horror stories about how dangerous it was. When I finally road it, it wasn’t near as bad as I thought it would be. Just got to watch out for the other guys coming across the lines.

[@garypic4083]

It's cool to go to Stugis and Daytona to get the experince but year after year ?? Once is enough

[@jadewatson2440]

Different stuff every year, it's also our annual friends meet up, we have people from both coasts

[@seththomas9105]

We do Sturgis every 4-5 years on avarage. Jobs, money and kids are a thing for Blue Collar people like us.

[@nbowling10trio]

So the only way to win is fifty dollar subscription?

[@morrisdennis]

Law enforcement likes 2 shake us down 4 money on bs tickets...

[@ArneAsada69]

No such thing as an inflatable mattress that holds air and is comfortable.

[@seththomas9105]

Therma-Rest.

[@morrisdennis]

Research counter steering...

[@morrisdennis]

Leviticus 19:28

[@morrisdennis]

Go off season...

[@zillionhydro]

You can't do a review on going to sturgis if you go the week before. The week of is a complete shit show. Traffic everywhere Bumber to bumber. Going to the bad lands. Custards road needles highway all traffic. Mount rushmore. Only road that was good was spearfish canyon. Rv's blocking everything If you wanna go to sturgis go when no one is there.

[@rrmorris67]

Rode out and back from Ohio, via Chicago, in 2022 for the first time on my 05 Road King. Hopefully not the only time. We stayed at the Spearfish KOA in an old RV. I did a bit of investigation and had a very ambitious ride plan for the week and we were out in the morning and rode around all day, every day, all week. We rode over 700 miles. We went everywhere and did everything that people generally talk about when they talk about what you should do or see in the black hills region. We went into Sturgis and did the strip two different times and all I can say is meh. The cops are absolute nazis. especially Sturgis and Deadwood. We did the exact posted speed limit, put two feet down, and made sure not one inch of a tire was so much as on the paint or in the yellow. Having to be so nervous and afraid of these aggressive commie pigs all the time was annoying and unnerving. Got some food there one afternoon because we were so hungry we had no choice. And we got ROBBED. The only thing in Sturgis that I enjoyed on any level was the motorcycle museum. Deadwood was cool enough but the traffic is absolutely stressful and insane. And the crowds. And the parking. If you didn't know better and didn't read the signs and stuff you'd probably assume that the rally is actually in Deadwood. We passed on the Chip and that other huge outside town biker resort bar. something saloon....drawing a blank on the name right now. I'm 56. Im too old for that kind of shit. Plus, we heard stories about more hordes of predatory dick cops just lying in the weeds at those places looking for easy prey so that was an easy pass. The rides were absolutely fantastic. We rode Spearfish Canyon up and down probably 6 times. I wont run down the list but we really went everywhere. And we all loved all of it. i really enjoyed the smaller towns. Hill City, Sundance, keystone, Lead, even Belle Fourche....Im sure I'm forgetting a couple. I want to go back. But when we do we wont go during the rally. The touristy shit, the traffic, the prices and the cops are just too much. i can live without going through all of that again. For me and the couple guys I know the rides were what we went there for and its the rides that we long to do again. So we will maybe venture out there in mid July and rent a small house in one of the peripheral small towns. Thats my two cents.

[@seththomas9105]

You and I are about the same age and attitude! LOL. We are lucky that it is only 10-12 hr. ride for us from central Iowa. Pack everything on the bike and tent camp. You ain't missing nothng at the Chip. The cops have gotten 100 times worse over the years. Full Throttle Saloon is meh. Old one was better. The Vets Club in Sturgis is GREAT BREAKFAST and a honest price. Load up on a stick to yer ribs B-fast and ride the rest of the day. Hit up the hillclimbs and races. We love riding out to Montana and Hill City and Keystone. I've been going to the Rally since 1990 and I miss the "old daze". If you ever ride out and need a place to stay on the trip, hit me up. I live in central Iowa right on the way to the Hills. Cheers.

[@franksaxton3583]

First putt to Sturgis was in 1962. A lot has changed since then. There were a few thousand Bikers there and many were fairly local. I rode from Boston on a 51 panhead. The local businesses were VERY happy to see you and there was no problems with police. Fast forward to now. The local government looks at motorcyclists as ATM machines. 500k motorcycle owners and very few actual Bikers. Like what happens to a really good, not well known restaurant.... word gets out. Idiots descend on it. The owners jack the prices way up. Sturgis used to be great. I rarely even go there anymore and if I do I am only there for a day.

[@24james]

No