Sturgis Aug. 8 – 14th

[xcel]

Largest motorcycle gathering in the world is now occurring.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Aug. 12, 2011

A typical Sturgis scene during “Bike Week”.

Just a quick news item about the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota since it is currently hosting the world's largest gathering of motorcycles this week — the 71st Sturgis Rally. Normally home to about 6,600, the town sees its population swell to some 350,000 during the rally. The idea began with just 19 riders taking part in racing and stunt events held on August 14, 1938. The first event was called the "Black Hills Classic" and consisted of a single race with nine participants and a small audience. The founder is generally considered to be Clarence "Pappy" Hoel. He purchased an Indian Motorcycle franchise in Sturgis in 1936 and formed the "Jackpine Gypsies" that same year.

Today, attendees are seeing races, trade shows, and thousands of bikes on display. Mostly, they will share their love of the sense of freedom their motorcycles give them, and take in the scenery of the Black Hills. There are 7.7 million motorcycles registered in the U.S., with California home to about every 10th bike in the country.

The Sturgis Rally has been held every year, with exceptions during World War II.

While not a Harley fan myself, if there was ever a celebration honoring the all-American made bike, Sturgis and the Harley-Davidson is the one to watch and attend.

[FSUspectra]

Talk about a swell of business too! I'd love a real motorcycle, but it's not in the cards for now. My wife agrees (on both counts)

[Earthling]

I'm sure attending Sturgis on a Harley would be more fun than on another brand, same as attending a big BMW motorcycle rally is more enjoyable on a BMW bike.

Sturgis is about lifestyle and partying. If you are willing to put up with the noise and gridlock to participate in the partying, then go for it.

Personally, if I were fortunate to find myself on my bike in that area, I'd probably avoid the Sturgis rally in favor of getting in more riding and scenery.

To each his own.

For me, Laconia is a smaller version of Sturgis and it's closer.

Harry

[FSUspectra]

Originally Posted by Earthling

Sturgis is about lifestyle and partying. If you are willing to put up with the noise and gridlock to participate in the partying, then go for it.

Personally, if I were fortunate to find myself on my bike in that area, I'd probably avoid the Sturgis rally in favor of getting in more riding and scenery.

Agreed... you wouldn't find me at Sturgis, either!

[msirach]

I have a co-worker that rode solo to Sturgis. He left 2 weeks ago and went south through Texas and other southern states. He arrived in Sturgis yesterday and is using it as mission field.

[rfruth]

I was there during bike week a few years ago, on a bicycle (road bicycle, part of a small group I was) Sturgis was our layover day (week long trip in the black hills ((went to Mount Rushmore also)) anyway it worked out fine, the bikers (Motorcyclists) don't cruse up & down revving their engines, they park, visit with friends, walk up and down the street etc. yea lots of people and bikes but it was nice !

[2RR2NV]

well, i was stationed near there for 18 years. it is utter chaos. I started riding in 2000 on 92 Honda CB750. i stayed from Sturgis for the first 2 years because of all the nutiness of the Rally. when i moved up to my 02 VFR800, then i checked it out on bike. folks were generally pretty cool, but the riding..... not the greatest. too much dang traffic. the last year i went there on a bike, they had over 650k people show up. we went on the last day of the rally and actually enjoyed it (since everyone was leaving - ). People are more liberal with bike brands, so anyone can show up and have a good time. Personally, i owuld bring a bike with some cornering ability and ride the Hills. They abso-F'in-lutely rock!! that's one of the main reasons we are goin back to Rapid City to retire. we both love riding and i've never gotten bored with those roads. i'll normally leave the bike at home during the heaviest time of the Rally cause too many people don't know how to ride and/or should have gotten more experience before showing up to such a conjested traffic zone.

if a person is into riding a lot, it would be something to see at least once. once you ride in the Hills with all that traffic, come back AFTER the Rally and ride em again. MUCH more enjoyable.