starting to plan my sturgis trip....

[mattfidaho]

well its only 600 miles for me... I think we will wander the back roads there...
maybe leave Idaho on the morning of the 7th.

I have never been to the rally and not sure what to expect...
we are planning on tent camping for most of the trip.
if any one had must see things from idaho to SD that would be great!
Rushmore is about the only thing on the must list so far. we might right through Yellowstone on the way, but it is close to home so it isnt on my must see list.
we are thinking finding hotsprings along the way would be fun...

if any one else is headed that way it might be fun to meet up along the way also.

[fudgie]

Kit and I will be there. In all honesty, its not like the tv and movies make it out to be. While it is a big party, you have to know where to go to see the nudity. It is getting tamer every year with the new laws. Starting to get way to many strollers on Main St.  Their are big campgrounds that give you the 'expieriance'. Buffalo chip & Glencoe is the place to be if its your 1st time and into that stuff. Been to the Chip 3 times and love the party atmosphere. Now we find a quiet camp ground and party in town or by ourselves with other campers. I have seen enought t!ts to last me a lifetime. 
Call and get your camp resv now. As time goes on. most increase their price. If you drink, see if your camp ground is offered Da Bus. Pay for a bus ride to town and they take you back to camp. Better then a DUI. Kit and I have been sh!tfaced a few times and was lucky enough to make it back without getting caught.  Last year we did Da Bus and was great. You can drink on it and they sell beer also. Learn the Stugis laws and your 4th Amendment rights!

As far as rides, you want see it all. This will be my 6th year and still have not seen it all. The best riding in the world with good roads is in the Hills. Needles Highway, Custer loop, Vanocker Canyon, Iron Mntn Rd, Crazyhorse, Rushmore, Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, Devils Tower, Aladdin WY, Etc. So much more.

[MNBill]

Sheridan Lake Road between 385 and Truck 16,,, cool, twisty, quiet with a small rest area park by a creek. I always use it to get from our campground (Happy Holidays) to 385. We go out the week before the rally to avoid the traffic.

[mattfidaho]

thanks for the info!
is there any big theft problem? like leaving your tent pitched and heading to town? or at the chip and walking the venues?

any major issues with things taken off bikes? if I break down camp even with the lacking bags and trunk on the IS I know I will have some stuff strapped to the rails... I am just not sure how paranoid I want to get.

[fudgie]

No theft i am aware of. I'm sure there is tho. We leave our stuff at camp and never had a problem. We even leave stuff on the picnic table without any problems like booze, radio, and some clothes. You watch your neighbors stuff and they will watch yours. My bags are never locked and I leave the key in it. (fob) Never had any problems with the gangs either and there are alot of them visable. I have been leary of going into Gunners Lounge tho. 
You being from the West i'm sure your aware of the rapid weather change. When you put your tent up face the door to the east or south. Your interior will stay dry! Use good stakes or your tent will be lost. I've seen people loose tents and all their stuff from it blowing away never to be found.  I wouldn't pull up camp every day to ride. You'll loose your spot esp if its in the shade.
Get up early to ride. Hills are packed by noon. Ride all day party all night. Do your laundry/shower around 3p, it will be less busy and you'll have hot water.
Get ahold of me out there. 260 358 7028 Alot of valks out there and we usually hang with Valkhound (Dana) at One eyed Jacks. You have to keep a eye on that guy.  If not you'll find Kit & I at the Dungeon, esp if Dawn is working. Shes the best. Has our drinks on the bar by the time we hit the bottom step!  Plus I'm getting married out there on the 9th if interested. Look for my Wedding post.
Dont become paranoid. We are all out there for the same reasons. If you worry, you wont enjoy it. Just watch for the cops and follow laws to the 'T'.
Where are you staying? We are at Rush-no-more. Exit 37ish right off of 90. We are arriving the 4th and leaving for MT on the 11th.
If I can be of any help let me know. PM or email, heck even call me.

[fudgie]

Oh, check out

www.sturgis.com      for more info. Lot of good info and good people there.