Gearing Up For Sturgis

July 20 2010 by Jason Fogelson

iStock_000000787311XSmall.jpgThe biggest party of the year for bikers is the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the rally that everyone knows as "Sturgis." I wrote some tips for riders headed to the rally last year on this blog, and most, if not all, still apply. In rereading last year's tips, the only thing I might change is more of an emphasis on safety. The atmosphere at the Sturgis rally can be very seductive. You'll see many riders who feel that a tank top, shorts and flip-flops represent proper riding gear. You'll see novelty helmets that wouldn't protect you in a chair tip-over, let alone a highway speed get-off. You'll see outrageous burnouts and impaired riding. I hope you'll maintain the safe gear and riding habits that you practice at home, and not be swayed by the crowd. Some behavior makes a better spectator sport than a participant's event. 'Nuff said.

This year, I want to highlight some cool things you can do on the way to or from Sturgis, so that the ride isn't just about getting to the rally and then turning around and riding back home.

If you're riding out from the east, consider stopping in Anamosa, Iowa. Why Anamosa? Two reasons: First, the National Motorcycle Museum recently opened its new facility there, and it houses over 250 great motorcycles and historic exhibits. Second, Anamosa is the headquarters for J&P Cycles, the world's largest aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories dealer. Always a welcoming location, J&P has a big open house (read: sale) before, during and after Sturgis, and your bike could ride home with some new baubles. Nearby Cedar Rapids has two Best Western Hotel locations: Best Western Longbranch Hotel & Convention Center, and Best Western Cooper's Mill Hotel. Don't forget to use your Ride Rewards Program.

If you're riding our from the west, you could follow the crowd to Yellowstone -- or, you could dip down south a little, toward the Colorado border, and scoot through Cheyenne. Cheyenne is the largest city in Wyoming, with some 50,000 inhabitants. That makes it the second smallest largest city in its state (does that make sense?) after Burlington, Vermont. The reason you should add it to your itinerary is that Cheyenne is full of history, beautiful buildings, and Old West charm. If you can swing it, Cheyenne Frontier Days, an annual party celebrating its 113th anniversary this year, takes place in the last week of July (ending 9 days before Sturgis begins), and includes a rodeo, headlining musical acts and great food. There's even a flyover by the USAF Thunderbirds. The Best Western Laramie Inn & Suites is a great place to stay nearby.

I'm probably not going to make it out to Sturgis for the rally this year. I hope that you'll have a good enough time for both of us, and that you'll share your road tales with all of us here.

Ride safe, and have a great time!

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