Sturgis Screw Ups: I broke my own rules, don't do these!

I have a few Sturgis / rally rules I put upon myself after years of going to rallies, and despite knowing better, I made some mistakes during Sturgis 2022. Here are just a few of the mistakes I made while staying at the ‪@SturgisBuffaloChip‬. Learn from my mistakes and have more fun.
#HarleyDavidson #Harley #Sturgis #SturgisBuffaloChip #Biker #Motorcycle #StreetGlide #RoadGlide #CVO #131 #PerformanceBagger #RoadRage #ProMonkeyNation #IronHorseSaloon #MotorcycleRally

[@n8inc924]

I’m don’t ride a bike.. but I do love to listen to the ethic and the stories my man tells about something he is so passionate about. I wish I was half as passionate about my hobbies.

[@Jim_Berry]

Totally agree with your lane comments. The entire lane is mine in case I need it…..you never know when you might need it.

[@scottfowler5417]

Planning my 1st trip to Sturgis in 2024. Hope to get to meet and hang out with you. Ill bring the cigars you bring the bourbon 😁

[@kylemyers6837]

A wise man once told me - Don’t sweat the petty thing and don’t pet the sweaty things

[@gordonclark3533]

When I was younger I was more of a daredevil. Now that I'm a little older and somewhat wiser, I always wear my helmet. We don't allow lane splitting in my state "Washington", and while riding in Cali I've been spooked before as somebody goes roaring by me. Glad you're home safe. We rolled through Sturgis a week before just as everything was being setup without the crowds. Put 4000 miles on my bike this trip.

[@OGC1970]

Didn’t see you, but I caught Scotty on the main parking lot-“street”. Dungeon was fun and actually found a bare hidden spot to post a marker dollar. Rule1- don’t crash/get hit Rule2- make new friends Rule3- don’t get caught on film Rule4- don’t hurt anyone unnecessarily 😁

[@jfseb75]

Man I had a guy cut my lane leaving Laconia this year. Traffic was terrible and he just kept moving up passing bikes on the left and right. 3 of us were staggered at like 10 mph and constant stopping. Aggravating

[@RenoDeano]

Good advice and riding etiquette.

[@kleank5164]

Dont sweat the petty stuff pet the sweaty stuff lol

[@dogwooddigger732]

Great word. Thanks for sharing.

[@flstciguy8302]

Thanks for saying the important stuff out loud! 👍

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

You bet!

[@Popafrack730]

Been riding a long time. 1st ride was a 72 lime green Honda QA50 at 10yrs old. Recently while cruising on my 20 SGS at night in the left side of the left lane doing well over speed just enjoying the ride when a go fast bike doing at least 110 or more ripped by in the right side of my lane. I thank God for allowing me to bring my bike back under control.

[@johnproctor3071]

Welcome home. Funny how you can still learn new things about Sturgis and what you should do in the future considering how many times you've been there. Always good to stop and smell the roses. Take time to enjoy the chaos.

[@charlesmilligan6028]

First time listener, new subscriber. This would have been #45 STURGIS for me, but back issues prohibited!! Agree 100% re the DIP SHITS that pass in your lane. Not sure if they are stupid, arrogant or just don't care!! Will be lookin forward to more of your posts!! RIDE SAFE!!!

[@stephenbone9929]

So true, many good points. Take the time to smell the roses. It sounds like you realized your shortcomings, now you just need to get that helmet and sunscreen on in NC. I found that if I personalize my helmets and pick the right one for the day or event I will wear it with pride. Or, if you marry a nurse you will have to wear it, lol.

[@TH-uk6yj]

In some ways you were apologetic but in your mind, you did things that broke your commandments. It takes a bigger man to admit this, and you my friend, are the bigger man. I make no judgment on whether you did right or wrong, only you can do this. You care about your family. That’s a big man! God bless.

[@kronoswolf8335]

I am glade you said that about passing in the same lane, I had other biker's pass me like that, when I went for gas I seen them so I asked them why they did that, becouse one almost hit me. They told me that is the right way to pass other bike's in there state and I should learn that. To me that is not safe to pass nor do I want to do that to other's.

[@terrystotzheim9719]

Great video! I sure do enjoy watching ALL of your videos! Would love someday to go to Sturgis!

[@frankiemarinojr9279]

Saw you at the Advanblack tent doing your bike build. Wanted to say hi but didn’t wanna bother ya. At least I can say I saw you in person and also got to meet Jess Her Two Wheels which was amazing. You two are my favorite moto KZbinrs. Hope you had fun!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Next time!

[@zombiemike5611]

I agree 100% with you. Take that downtime and enjoy it. I work way too much and cherish the little breaks of family time I have. Stay safe, rubber side down!

[@ChrisCollins001]

I'm an introverted extrovert. I don't want to go anywhere or do anything, but once I'm there, I'll talk to anyone and everyone that wants to have a conversation and I'm usually the last to leave. When I go on trips I always budget for a day or two of recovery just to decompress and have quiet me time simply because I don't know how to have quiet me time at a multiday rally or family function. Love the channel!

[@wcraiderevo8078]

Rider safety isn't the small stuff. Keeping from chasing him down is an example of great self control. You're good on this.

[@richardbetter4522]

Pissed that I couldn't go this year! Just didn't have it in me to go down again on a bar hopper. Eyeballing a Road Glide .....that should make the trip more comfy

[@gmartgo]

Thanks for the videos.

[@davidking8361]

I like the honesty and self-reflection...pure gold

[@toddday356]

My brother's and I are going next year. Thanks for the videos on the do and do not do info! It all helps

[@stocksucks5984]

You are right about the rules passing in the same lane anger management didn't help me had to chase them down know the laws in every state

[@hdrider3720]

Totally understand on the dude passing you. Sometimes, things like that just hit you wrong.

[@markmcintosh7095]

Good to see that you and your wife made it home safe and healthy.

[@kevincallahan771]

All great points. 🤘

[@MrJackbam6]

Bummed out I didn’t make it to Big Engine bar to shake your hand. Your doing a hell of a job and having fun at it. Always makes me chuckle watching you and the Mrs !!

[@nicktd]

I've found that one of the hardest things for a highly motivated person, let alone couple, to do is to learn to stop. Stop running, stop doing, just stop, sit, have a drink, chat for while and enjoy what the day has brought you. It can be horribly difficult to do, even harder when you are at Sturgis with a million things to do. Still, you owe it to yourself to break the cycle, even for an hour or two to stop. You might miss x.. but you won't regret taking the time to decompress and enjoy the sounds, smells and sights. Those can be the best memories of the trip, easily. Don't lose that opportunity.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Perfectly put, my friend. Next year we are going to do just that for sure.

[@randys.8941]

Good comment.

[@maxw576]

You just described my wife and I perfectly! We're both retired and still keep running until we're exhausted.

[@JamesWatsonPA]

This is so true about life in general. Very well put.

[@nickthinkpainting1978]

I’m 66 yrs old it’s amazing how fast time is flying by. I turned down a local run today to just sit n my deck and enjoy …. Nothing.

[@Rolling6X2]

I appreciate the comment about passing another biker in the same lane, I have had that happen to me and it almost caused an accident.

[@HDFXSB645]

I would have been pissed about the yellow Street Glide guy as well. I believe in keeping your distance from riders that aren't in your group, and I expect the same from other riders. Unfortunately some people lack common courtesy and common sense

[@edwardlincoln360]

Enjoyed saying hello to you at the Pavilion in Glencoe. Thanks for not letting me trip on the railway track. Lol

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Right on!!!

[@copyguy2003]

Welcome back.. now time to get back to work making fun videos for us to watch and laugh with... but seriously glad you guys are back safe .

[@charliemccord9027]

Love the videos sir! Going to sturgis for the first time next year. Hope to run into you and the wife!

[@creepingjennie]

Our Rally looks a little different than yours, and that's ok. We do it backwards from you- we have downtime during the day, go tot he concerts, and then come back and run the party with the stripper pole in the South 40. The party after the party is fun, but it's a lot of work, and some nights we just aren't feeling it lol. Since it's all about enjoying our time there, we do have to stop and remember that it's ok to take a night off from running the stripper pole/karaoke if we are just not feeling it. We did a good job of that this Rally.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Its not easy for sure. Next year is going to have more leisure built in. I am more excited for next year than I have been in a long time.

[@sharipayne5181]

Glad you enjoyed Stugis and a big hello from the UK

[@btoso32]

Glad you made it home. I struggle with wearing a helmet myself. 1/3 of the time I wear it, I should always wear it.

[@jasonallen6406]

The only thing we didn't miss was the concerts and the rides. Missed your meet and greet at the bar. Missed your build at the dealership. Missed sleep. Seems like no matter what time i thought i was going to bed, it ended up being 2am. Lol learned a lot about getting around traffic. It was our first time there. Can't wait for next year!

[@breezetelemaster1368]

Thanks Brother! Great topics! Absolutely Awesome!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Much appreciated!

[@markwitkowski6418]

Home Sweet Home,three of the best words to make a statement,and two of them are the same.Glad you made it back home,to your girls .

[@jonz01]

Welcome home! I really enjoy your views on things.... things that make someone think! Great video as always.

[@jared6200]

My wife and I in 2018 the first day of sturgis we rode over starting at 7AM and got into town a little after 12:30, by 4pm we had been downtown, and then headed to the Full Throttle for the Steel Panther concert. We were at the Full Throttle until a little past 1am, and then had to ride back to our hotel in Rapid. I had left my leather jacket back at the hotel so I had to ride the 35 miles back in 55 degree weather. We finally got back around 2:30 am, and had planned to go to the Chip the next day for the Kid Rock concert. After waking up after going for 2o hours neither of us had energy to go to another show that night. So we just took a ride and then came back to the hotel and chilled at the water park, which was so much better than having to just go go go. As far as bikers driving badly, sturgis is about as bad as i've seen bikers ride, there are so many that want to just speed and get down I90 as fast as they can that they will just blow by you in your lane. I've also seen way to many accidents from people leaving Sturgis to go home west along I-90 to always be on my guard.

[@darkhorse1989]

Glad u had a good time. We finally got 6 solid people for next year and it will be the first time. Not sure where to stay got to do some research and rewatch your videos from the past.

[@BigAlsautoupholstery]

Had a great time. Didn't see you but had fun. We had a few people do the same things to us on the 90. A couple of guys cut right between me and my son who is a new rider. Kinda pissed me off. But like you said you have to let it go sometimes.

[@jeffmassie4732]

Videos are great brother, Keep up the good vibes

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thank you! Will do!

[@hankhamern5456]

I agree with you totally man, I won't ever split lanes either too damm dangerous.

[@gunshipgray4295]

I saw you on the 11th at around 1030 and you were performing your garage yoga it was only 100 degrees F….there were so many people watching you perform I thought you’d win a trophy for performance art..

[@johnworthen4277]

Really enjoyed getting to meet u at rapid city hd. Your dad story's are the best. My favorite one was the pizza delivery one. We laughed about it all day. Thank u for taken the time to chat with us.

[@davidlema3612]

Thanks for sharing your time at the rally. We also were at Buffalo Chip South 40. Our first time at the rally. One bad experience was, while doing the Needles Hwy, some idiot decides to pass us on the right. WTF!! My girl was riding her FLH w/sidecar (she's a very experienced rider) and keeping up with everyone. Apparently, that wasn't good enough for this jerk. He then passed me. I don't understand what he was thinking, because there were dozens of bikes ahead of us. When we go to the end, we saw him and exchanged a few words. Even though we both loved Needles, that experience kind of put a damper on it. But, overall the rally was a great time and loved Buffalo Chip!! Keep the videos coming Professional Monkey!!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

The a-Hole factor is increasing for sure. I'm not sure what it is???

[@paulmartinez9833]

Three rules that you're getting old🤣 love the channel just teasing you a little bit

[@kevinoneill1534]

Absolutely live the "down time". Need to incorporate that in all our family vacations. Sometimes you get so caught up in the vacation, you forget to take time for yourself and enjoy it. Thanks for the reminder.

[@troymahler6320]

Thanks for your commentary on the lane splitting. Very helpful. Sturgis was a blast. Third time there. Did u make to the Rally at exit 55?

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Yep, we did a live bike build from there!

[@Hambone-]

Downtime… definitely a must. BTW I’m just as guilty on the over scheduling front in most areas of my life. Glad you had a great time.

[@faruser9506]

Well I got rid of my iron 883 today and got a 2022 low rider s. My ride to Harley was ok. My ride home from Harley my face hurts from smiling to damn much. What an upgrade that 117 is a monster

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Twice the motor! I like it!!!!

[@lilynorthover8378]

Hope you're going to customise the ba'jesus out of that thing 👍🏻

[@FFL-vg9ro]

Sorry you missed your down time. That’s usually the highlight of our days there. Ride all afternoon. Then grilling steaks, chicken, or burgers at the campsite, followed by local live music, cigars and beverages.

[@richardwesthafer3769]

Thank you for the videos of your experiences.I’ve never been to Sturgis but I’d like to go someday

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

You should!

[@abelombrana4225]

Absolutely right lol. I got burned out there too. I didn’t use my helmet for one ride from Lead to Deadwood and i was very uncomfortable. However, i did not pass anyone in their lane. That is a NO NO. We gave plenty of space between groups of other riders. Needles was awesome and Mt Rushmore was such a rush!!

[@brianb7960]

The neighbors missed you too 🤣. Love the content and glad you made it home safe and sound. Be safe

[@cembanditx1]

Quick kick solves that…but good on you for keeping calm…

[@DakotaJoe605]

I agree on all of your comments. The lane splitting and poor passing especially on 385 really was bad. Made you want to start carrying ball bearings! That’s extreme but you know what I mean! Glad you made it back ok. Wish I would have gotten to meet you out there. But maybe next year. Chip was a blast! Will be there in 2023!

[@Dirty_Side_Down]

That’s awesome that you do a critical review of your trip. In the Navy we call it a “Hot Wash”. What we did, where we failed or were unsatisfactory, what we could’ve done betters, and how we are going to be better next time. It’s all part of improvement. So much knowledge and wisdom in your channel. I enjoy every post.

[@newenglandbiker2220]

We all would like to think there is some form of connectivity between brother and sister bikers. Unfortunately there are some ass wipes out there. I would like to think they will learn sooner than later. Stoked that you and Mrs. Monkey are home safe and had a great time. Thanks for the great content in your videos!

[@jessel.8697]

The passing in the same lane is against protocol in Cali as well. You only pass another rider in the same lane that you do not know if that rider waves you by, lane splitting or not.

[@slyguyaction]

I hear ya on slowing down a little. First year that I brought the missus, we rode the 1,300 miles from So. Cal in 2.5 days. Left on a Wednesday and arrived Friday afternoon. Problem was, we left for home that following Sunday. Rush around to ride all the rides and show her all the sights (including Mt. Rushmore, Devil's Tower, etc). This year, we left on a Sunday for Sturgis and left again on a Sunday for home. Spent more time, didn't ride all over creation and had a better time. Much slower pace and enjoyed ourselves better. Glad you got home safe and looking forward to your rally videos. Thanks man...

[@CavemanDad72]

I had so many lane splitters do that to me I thought I was in the wrong!

[@garycarbino4945]

I am a biker and a truck drive and and constantly being cut off and controlung my anger is paramount for the sake of others.

[@leonsumrall524]

I'm heading to Sturgis next year. Riding out in my sporty with a seasoned Sturgis goer and his son which will also be his first time heading out. Still need a name for my bike

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Come to the livestream on Friday at 8 eastern and well name it!

[@leonsumrall524]

@@ProfessionalMonkey count me in!

[@PortaPooper]

Hey Monkey, appreciate your videos. I don't have a bike yet, but your videos have put a lot of acorns in my brain for the squirrel that runs the switchboard. There's a lot you have talked about that I would have never thought of for when I finally get out on the roads and I truly appreciate it. Stay safe, sir. Best wishes to you and your family.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Glad to hear it!

[@jgirtman012]

Learning to manage your blood pressure as you get older is key. Learning to relax and not stressing out can be easier said than done but we all get one chance at this life. Letting the little shit go will go along ways.

[@darrelllittle608]

Awesome recap, thanks brother!

[@loganmclaughlin9090]

I like the, don't sweat the silly stuff point. I try my best to live by that. My dad always told me, "Don't sweat the petty stuff, and don't pet the sweaty stuff" 😂

[@mldiode]

Self realization of controlling stress is the first step. It’s very tough to master in taking care of one’s health. Letting go of things beyond your control is part of it. My journey with this started after major heart surgery. The cardiologist sat me down and we talked about the importance of reducing stress. It is the silent killer. I don’t stress when I’m riding. I let things go. Nor do I surround myself with people who create stressful situations. I ride mellow. I ride to release stress. That’s why my bikes all have over 50,000 miles on them. I tell folks,”It’s cheaper than therapy”…;-)

[@TexRider]

downtime is important. I always plan my trip and then add a day for every week so I can just take it easy if I want or need to.

[@brentkeetch6312]

Another great video, please keep the Sturgis info coming. Lots of good info for the folks that tune in. Your videos are helping us plan our first trip to Sturgis next year from Ontario, Canada, making the full trip on the bikes.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thanks, will do!

[@guybrien4322]

G'day (to coin a phrase) .I would love to do Sturgis. Probably never get the chance as I'm in Australia, so I get to go there through your channel. Keep up the great work. Also love to see many girls enjoying the ride. I'm so proud of my wife riding her Sport Glide after she she has had years on Honda Super Sports but over there girls riding all sorts of bikes seems to be the norm. Cheers and g'day to Mrs Monkey as well.

[@lafayettewhite5786]

Thanks for the info, it helps a lot to know riding protocols. I appreciate this very much!!!

[@sporter71]

Well at least you got home in one piece. I managed to get from Sturgis to Cali in 66 hours, which is a new best for me. I'm sorry I did not get to meet you guys. I was also in the South 40 (on Fox street) and I did keep an eye out when I was at the campsite. Its funny because that thing you call "down time" is one of my absolute favorite parts of Sturgis and something I did quite a bit this year because I got there earlier than I normally do. Hanging out and just kicking back at the campsite is so relaxing. I found a cigar shop in Spearfish and loaded up on some good smokes for just that reason. I'm back only one day and already looking forward to next year. There is simply nothing like Sturgis.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

We were on Gar. Bummer we didn't meet!

[@fastlane1568]

Thank you for your content !

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

My pleasure!

[@lilynorthover8378]

You're not dead, you didn't get arrested, win win 😊

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Very true!

[@rickyhawkins7407]

Glad you had a good time. Your last issue was the most important. The wife and I stopped doing rally’s for a few years because it became more like work than fun. We now are back in the groove, might see you at Biketoberfest if you go, but we slow down and take some time just to chill with each other. Me, a cigar, and a bourbon, she and her coconut rum cocktail.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

That is definitely the secret for sure.

[@stevelittle1039]

I’ve been a subscriber for about six months now I do enjoy watching your videos and hearing about your stories

[@bignate18]

As a local I love your rules, and follow many of them myself. Also the comment on no rain... I really can't believe it didn't rain either. I been going for 18 years now and first one no rain I can remember.

[@percentage1]

I've Always admired your honesty and intelligence. This riding knowledge is critical for any level rider so on the anger towards idiots on two's is gauged based on how you learned right and wrong and is very justified . I'm the same way man.

[@debitrunk5614]

Hello Pro Monkeys enjoyed your videos from sturgis and from your home. Was wondering would you ever consider going to the Ocean City MD rally. We go every year and it’s a blast and the riding is great too. Okay keep those videos going and looking forward to meeting youall some day.

[@primal1977]

You showed considerable self control by not putting the screws to captain dumb*** you are back home safely and not in jail so that's a blessing, but another thing I can't find the video you did about the handlebar mounted helmet lock if you remember what brand it is and where to get it could you please let me know? Thanks

[@whocares0692]

Welcome home. So true about staying in you "lane / track" while on the bike. Some riders are just stuck on stupid, but Californian's are "special special" because they split traffic because of their traffic. Nothing else just too many people on the roadways. They think they're special and believe everyone ride like that

[@raymondwalls3154]

The passing thing happened to me recently with my wife on the back of the bike. It bothers her, but I just call them a moron and change the subject. I just keep my mirrors clean...

[@larrycase983]

Glad to see you both made it home safe and sound

[@davidsmart9140]

Thanks PM! Last year was supposed to be the first rally for me, but Uncle Sam had other plans. Made it this year and put together a to-do list based off of your videos and recommendations. Had a GREAT time and think we crammed about everything in. Can’t wait to go again.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

That is awesome!

[@johnyouells6843]

I believe I was sitting next to you in the cigar bar in Deadwood on a Thursday night chatting with friends from Scotland

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

I never made it to the Cigar Bar. Must have been another fart bald bearded guy, hA!!!

[@tat2ddrac]

My wife and I were on a run recently and we were located about middle of the pack. We were next to a brother of mine with other riders I know directly behind us. The guy in front of me was another story. This guy couldn't hold his track at all. He was trying to stay next to the guy in the other track and failing miserably almost swerving into him. Nor could he maintain speed, he was in and out of the throttle constantly. He was in the oncoming lane numerous times. At one point we took a left hand turn onto another road and this guy winds up cutting across the other track almost taking out the other rider and goes into the ditch somehow keeping the bike on two. There was a barbeque following the run but after the ditch incident my brothers and I left the pack and went back to my place. Going to the barbeque wouldn't have been a good idea at that point and as it was a charity ride for a disabled child we decided to opt out. Later I talked to the organizer of the ride and find out the guy dumped his bike pulling into the property where the after party was and that he hadn't been riding for more than a couple of months. I guess my point is if someone has little to know experience riding they should be at the back of the pack not in the middle of 200+ riders.

[@stevezahn8056]

So happy to hear you tell dumbasses not to pass in the same lane. In Kentucky that might get you shot. I’ve been riding 37 years and I’ve seen all that dumb shit over the years, and it pisses me off to. New riders should learn how to respect each other’s space. I also hate it when some guy parks his bike right next to me in a parking spot. Just cause we both got Harley’s doesn’t mean you can park on top of me when there’s hundreds of open spots

[@kellistevens6370]

I really enjoyed what time we got to spend together. I hope some day we can do it without all the commitments. Give my love to the family 🥰

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Absolutely!! Always great to see you , my friend. Next year we want to restructure things a bit so we can build in some dedicated time. Maybe dinner or something so it's not every day trying to find 5 minutes. It's become a job, grrr....

[@louisthompson732]

I enjoy all of your videos. You and the Monkey family are doing great, keep it up and thank you.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thank you!

[@moto45006ify]

I like how you said stop and smell the roses and just hear the rumble of bikes go by. Was rideing with my wife and was talking about being a kid and hearing bikes roll by anywhere I was at and how cool it was. Haven't been able to make it up to Sturgis but looking in the near future to do it. Also might make it to the smoke out considering its not far from us and love hearing the stories and the information on what to do at Sturgis. Yes the a**hole on the yellow bike was probably the "ride once a year" guy but we all know how to ride and you are right about him hurting somebody else. Keep a cool head and hope to meet you in passing some time.

[@meandean3754]

Welcome home Mr. Monk! One thing I learned many years ago, always plan down time into your vacations/trips, just a great opportunity to de-stress and relax.

[@stripes6532]

Appreciate everything that you do! Can’t want to go back to Sturgis!