‘On the road again’ is playing in my head right now… but not as much as ‘this land is your land.’ But Dad and I went on another road trip which was somewhat last-minute. Going to Sturgis for the Road Rally was on his bucket list and I could hardly say no to that! Especially since I only had to reschedule 1 thing to clear my schedule to go. If you have never been… even if you don’t like motorcycles…you should go at least once. Although I think you’d have 100% more fun if you did ride a motorcycle while you’re there.
But I know what you’re thinking…. which is what I totally assumed was true: long lines for beer, stinky bathrooms, bar fights, getting hit on by big biker dudes, but maybe getting to see Mike and Frank from American Pickers would be a highlight.
Au contraire!
EVERYONE is friendly (even the roughest looking riders), there are NO lines because there are bars every time you turn around, and the bathrooms are tidy and there are even attendants for the porta-pots. The waitresses are kind and you meet people from all over the midwest who share at least a small common thread of liking motorcycles. I had the feeling that we were surrounded by a lot of doctors and lawyers with alter-egos who only get to ‘let loose’ in Sturgis. But also a lot of mechanics and guys that work for the railroad. Middle-aged guys with bandanas were the majority of the population, with middle-aged women with bandanas were a close second. I saw about 5 dogs and 3 kids under the age of 10. And only got carded 1 time when we were taste testing moonshine, but otherwise upon entry to any saloons, they only ask if you have any guns or knives. ; )
It’s so strange…. like cars don’t exist there. Thousands and thousands of motorcycles line the streets…. and in all the countryside around this town of 6,000. We camped in a family-owned campground called Ride N’ Rest about 3 miles from town—it was very very clean and served breakfast and supper and had a bar. We became close with several travelers and have exchanged email addresses and vow to meet at Sturgis again next year.
Maybe one of these times with my own bike. ; )
it’s now on my bucket list.
So enjoy these pics!
I can’t believe it’s been so long since I actually posted my client work!
Personal note: post less personal stuff.
the dogs wanted to go too while we were loading up…
our campground was $77 with water + electricity
you could expect to pay thousands to stay at one of the party saloons.
Crazy Horse… I have so much more respect for this monster after seeing the tourism film at the museum.
and we got to see a blast the day we were there! see the smoke at the base?
Mt. Rushmore… can you see it in both these pics? I guess the whole Mt. Rushmore could fit in just the head of Crazy Horse.
that’s no joke.
fun tunnels from the back of the motorbike.
just missed a huge storm… which we were thankful. hail + motorcycle + bare arms = no fun.
doggie pull behind.
friends we met… Bret + Roxanne + Kevin
some pretty ladies…
pretty ladies are actually everywhere promoting various things that bikers like.
This one personally applied stick-on JD tattoos wherever we wanted.
Full Throttle is THE place to be. and Buffalo Chip (which is $$).
Gretchen Wilson was a free concert, as were the bike demos, KY wrestling, shot girls giving lap dances, mechanical bull, zipline and strippers on stage.
now for the ones I took with my “big” camera…..
Lazelle is the main street… takes approximately 1 hour to drive a mile….IF there are no traffic jams.
overall an awesome experience. Cant wait to go back.
