The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, didn’t become legendary because of its bike events — although those are, of course, incredible — but rather because of the delightfully weird community that defines it. Rural American archetypes wander the streets in leather and tattoos while tight-jeaned travelers from places as far as Argentina and Russia watch from behind their outdoor pints. A shared love of motorcycles brings 500,000 of these characters to Sturgis every August. And if you’re going to be one of them this year, you’re in for a wild ride.
As you prepare for your trip, don’t plan to stay in a hotel. Places like Best Western might be the best option for 51 weeks of the year, but during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, rates can triple or quadruple. For that kind of money, you can rent a cabin in the nearby Black Hills and have a structure all your own. Most cabins can only be rented by the week, though, so be prepared to stay for the whole rally.
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- https://www.flickr.com/photos/bk1bennett/
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- https://www.flickr.com/photos/krautstyle/
If you can’t commit to a whole week of chrome and exhaust, or if you just want to save some cash, bring a tent and camp. This is the most popular option, and for good reason — you can get a nice spot with water, electric and sewer at Big Pine Campground for under $50 per night. You’re going to the rally for the community, and camping puts you right there among them. (You’re also going for the motorcycles, though, so bring a good pair of earplugs, too.)
As for motorcycles, a good rule of thumb is: bring one. Getting around Sturgis in a car proves tricky, because enthusiastic rallygoers park everywhere, often only leaving enough room for other motorcycles to squeeze by. And so long as you’re riding, join one of the massive communal rides through the Black Hills or Spearfish Canyon. The Legends Ride on Monday, August 4, begins at 3 p.m. in Deadwood City, passes over Elk Creek twice, through beautiful Vanocker Canyon and Sturgis itself, finally arriving at Buffalo Chip Campground in time for the Zac Brown Band concert and a very energetic party. Tickets to the Legends Ride cost $150, but include VIP parking and food and beer at the preconcert party after the ride, and all proceeds go to charity.
Riding over 43.3 miles of moderately intense (but gorgeous!) terrain might not interest everybody, but you can still enjoy the week’s wealth of motorcycles without signing up for such a physical experience. The weekend features a number of bike displays and auctions, like the Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show. This expo consistently presents the most provocative, unusual bikes to ogle, and gathers award prizes in 18 classes. You definitely don’t want to miss this year’s show, so put August 7 into your plans!
When you want to unwind from all of those monoshocks and variable transmissions, but you’re not ready to get back to your tent or cabin, head over to Buffalo Chip for something like the “Beer and Burps” contest or “Midget Bowling.” You’ve come to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for the unorthodox community, and it doesn’t get much more unorthodox than this! Whether or not you convince yourself to get on stage yourself for the Air Guitar Contest, the other folks who do will not let you down. Nowhere else in the world will you find so many unreservedly hilarious, irreverent and pleasant people all in one place.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally transforms a tiny town in South Dakota into the 34th largest city in the United States, but for just one week. Join Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mötley Crüe and hundreds of thousands of tattooed, weathered, leathered, bikini-clad and bandana-wearing bikers for the country’s most wonderfully eclectic event.
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