You're welcome, Harvey. Although this was an unusual year, we have gone to Sturgis during the Rally many times over the last 40 years. The virus aside, it is an "event"... much like Mardi Gras. If you enjoy motorcycles and people watching, it has plenty of both. We used to have a business on Main Street in Sturgis, and never had an issue. Some people seem to think it is a giant drunken brawl, but most people are there to ride and enjoy themselves. Since the 50th Anniversary when it became huge, vendors have flocked to the Rally... I consider it the world's largest motorcycle flea market, as well. :wink:
When we were at a Goldwing Rally in the early 90s, some folks heard we were from the Black Hills and asked, "Have you ever ridden your Goldwing to Sturgis? I heard they beat you up if you aren't riding a Harley."
I said, "That is true - there are two lines when you enter town: the beating and non-beating lines." And then waited for the horrified looks to turn to laughter. You can ride anything you want. Harleys are by far the majority of bikes, but there are all kinds. I have ridden my Vespa to Sturgis the last three years... a few smirks, but never an unpleasant situation. Of course, people being people, there are opportunities to find trouble if you go looking for it; easy solution: don't go looking for it.
Lodging can get very expensive during the Rally (supply & demand), but there are many temporary campgrounds that are open at that time. Don't expect much in the way of quiet.
This year is the first time I have gone to Sturgis during the Rally and not parked the bike and walked around town... hardly a mask in sight, and certainly no social distancing. Just a ride-through to shoot some video with my new 360 camera. Kept my face shield down.
When we get through this pandemic, I will certainly go back to Sturgis during the Rally if we are anywhere in the Black Hills.
According to official reports, there were about 460,000 people who were there this year.
When we were at a Goldwing Rally in the early 90s, some folks heard we were from the Black Hills and asked, "Have you ever ridden your Goldwing to Sturgis? I heard they beat you up if you aren't riding a Harley."
I said, "That is true - there are two lines when you enter town: the beating and non-beating lines." And then waited for the horrified looks to turn to laughter. You can ride anything you want. Harleys are by far the majority of bikes, but there are all kinds. I have ridden my Vespa to Sturgis the last three years... a few smirks, but never an unpleasant situation. Of course, people being people, there are opportunities to find trouble if you go looking for it; easy solution: don't go looking for it.
Lodging can get very expensive during the Rally (supply & demand), but there are many temporary campgrounds that are open at that time. Don't expect much in the way of quiet.
This year is the first time I have gone to Sturgis during the Rally and not parked the bike and walked around town... hardly a mask in sight, and certainly no social distancing. Just a ride-through to shoot some video with my new 360 camera. Kept my face shield down.
When we get through this pandemic, I will certainly go back to Sturgis during the Rally if we are anywhere in the Black Hills.
According to official reports, there were about 460,000 people who were there this year.
