| Author | Message | ||
     Joypipe |
I've never ran up to Sturgis. I'm an 8 hr ride from the south in Colorado springs. I'm tempted to run up but don't have any accommodations planned or someone to ride up with. If someone would take me under their wing I'd really appreciate it. I'm USAF and will be moving to California soon and don't think I'll trek that far ever again, so this is my last chance to a Sturgis run. Thanks I'll send you my contact info if there are any takers. -Chris | ||
| Tootal |
I'll be in Colorado at that time but can give you some tips as I've been to Sturgis many times. Camping or Moteling? If you want to really know Sturgis then try camping at Glencoe. However, getting in and out of there during the evening is crowded and cop laden. I ride most of the day and get back before 6:00. I either eat before returning or eat at the campground. It can get hot there because you're on the backside of Sturgis and out of the Black HIlls but if you want a party... If you're not THAT into partying then I would suggest you camp in the Black Hills. Rushmore Shadow's is a good location and it's up high so the nights are cool. There are also many other campgrounds in the Black Hills. If you're Moteling then expect to pay out the wazoo! By this time most places are booked so don't ride there and expect to find a room, you must have reservations. Roads you must ride. In most restaurants and gas stations they will have free Black Hills maps. Get one. I recommend going to Rushmore and then get on 16A and ride up the pig tail bridges and beyond. When the road ends make a right and go get a park pass at the station, you'll see everybody lined up. Ride to Needles Highway and ride up to the eye of the needle. Park and do some minor rock climbing! Beautiful views from the top of a needle! If you get up to Lead on 385, turn left and go through Lead till you get on top of the mountain and make a left on 14/85 and go to Rochford Rd. (205) It's on the left. Ride down to Rochford and grab a cold beverage at the store,(there's only one) and find a spot to relax on the porch. Meet a lot of nice folks from all over there. From there you can go ride the gravel roads and there are some great gravel roads in the black hills. I've ridden them on a Geezer Glide so your Uly will be a no brainer! All the gravel roads are on that map to go explore, the Black Hills are sacred for a reason, go find out why!! Where do I find a good micro brewed beer? Rapid City at Firehouse Brewery. Nuff said. | ||
| Biffdotorg |
Rode Buells to Sturgis 3 times now. Last one was on my Uly. All of the above are great. Get the free map, or download a copy. There are tons of resources online. There are plenty of campgrounds in the hills with tenter spaces if that is the way you want to go. With all the DUI's being passed out, most that want to party will stay at the big monster camps, (Chip, Glencoe, Full Throttle) Those that want to ride will hit up the small camps away from town. Those that come to show off, will roll in a $500K motorhome with an enclosed trailer, drop the chrome couches and roll the last 10 miles to their hotel/casino. One thing you will notice, most HD riders will respect the Buells and show some signs of longing to ride it through the hills if only once. If you miss the actual rally for some reason, pre and post rally are still fun with many activities going on. The roads and wildlife will still be there! On that note, don't ride after dark if at all possible on anything 2-lane. The deer are horrible! Have fun! | ||
| Biffdotorg |
Needles Highway Iron Mountain Road (note that each of the tunnels carved in the rock were designed to give a short view of Mount Rushmore. It's a little known fact and cool surprise!   | ||
| Tootal |
Aha! Parked at the eye of the needle I see!! I thing I have a good view of that parking spot!! | ||
| Tootal |
 I just had to find it! | ||
| Tootal |
Here's a couple more to wet your appetite!    | ||
| Yo_barry |
I've been 5 or 6 times. Camping at Glencoe is best as you're close to most Sturgis things. I've always ridden my S3T, hoped to ride my Uly this year but a little "off" in April put a stop to that. Should have the Uly back together in a few weeks. Hope I'm ready to ride by then. btw, I'm in the San Francisco Bay area. The three day ride to Sturgis and three or four day ride home are the highlights of the trip for me! |
