Need Advice

[reg26]

I'm going to Sturgis for the first time next summer. I plan on arriving on the Wens before the rally and staying a couple days till Fri morning when we will be heading to points West. Am I better off staying in Rapid City or Spearfish as a base to tour the area before leaving?

[YankeeBob]

If you are heading west, then Spearfish. However, Rapid City may be less money and not that much further.

[Y2K]

I really doesn't matter much where you stay as it'll be a zoo pretty much over the entire area.
If you want to get some rest at night I'd suggest someplace well away from Sturgis and the freeway,maybe like Keystone up in the Black Hills or maybe out in Belle Fourche for a good back road escape North West .
If you don't mind the crowds and noise then anywhere close to I-90 will do for a quick escape for points West but of course Spearfish is West of Sturgis so that's a no brainer for the quickest escape.
If you are going South West maybe out in Custer would be better but it's a bit of a run to Sturgis if you plan on spending much time in the center of the main gig however it's a great starting point for a ride through the black hills.

[reg26]

Thanks...Think I'll make reservations at the BW in Spearfish, I plan of leaving the area for Cooke the Friday before the rally starts only because I here it gets stupid crowded but I'm sure there will be allot of bikes around anyway. I plan on spending a few days in Yellowstone and the Grand Teatons then on to Colorado. After Yellowstone do you think I will be ok not making hotel reservations and just finding one at the end of the day or should I plan more carefully?

[PR3VS56]

Originally Posted by reg26

After Yellowstone do you think I will be ok not making hotel reservations and just finding one at the end of the day or should I plan more carefully?

I've never made reservations. More fun that way, just go till you feel like stopping. Never had a problem finding rooms. Well, had to get on the cellphone a few times...

[Y2K]

Originally Posted by reg26

Thanks...Think I'll make reservations at the BW in Spearfish, I plan of leaving the area for Cooke the Friday before the rally starts only because I here it gets stupid crowded but I'm sure there will be allot of bikes around anyway. I plan on spending a few days in Yellowstone and the Grand Teatons then on to Colorado. After Yellowstone do you think I will be ok not making hotel reservations and just finding one at the end of the day or should I plan more carefully?

You should be fine finding rooms as long as you don't wait till past the witching hour if you know what I mean.
Rolling in late to a small town expecting to get a room can be a mistake, especially if it's a long haul to the next big town.

If you've never been to Yellowstone/Tetons Nat Parks take the time you have figured for traveling through and triple it.
Sounds like you plan on riding the Beartooth up to Cooke City? excellent ride but be sure and check on road construction before you go.
I've ridden through Yellowstone 4 times and there has always been road construction somewhere getting in or out of the park.
You are correct about the crowds in Sturgis getting stupid,we went last year on the Monday after the official event and had a great time.
Been there done that 5 times before,we wanted to experience the place without the hoards of people and it was a nice change.
Get yourself a National parks pass,about $50 and will save time and money if you hit enough parks,good for a year from date of purchase.
There are lots of parks out West so it's a good deal.
I recommend both Black Canyon and Rocky Mountain in Colorado.
Have you ridden any of these before? if not you are in for a real treat.
Just be prepared for the possibility of some rough weather in all the above mentioned places,I've been snowed on in Colorado in August and caught severe hail up at 10'000 ft on the Beartooth,the high country is always a crapshoot for weather but when the sun comes out it's downright surreal.


Black hills traffic jam.


Brrrrr.....rain


Nicer day up there next trip




















You're in for the trip of a lifetime.......enjoy!

[reg26]

Yes we do plan on Beartooth hwy to Yellowstone and entering the NE corner from Cooke. I've never been west of Tennessee before so my wife and I are real excited about the trip. We would like to spend at least three days in Colorado. I'm riding the bike to Sturgis from LI,NY and ending our trip in Colorado where I will have my bike shipped home by truck..I only can take two weeks and I want to get in as much riding out there as possible. The pictures of the countryside make me crazy...Just beautiful!! We were planning on Rocky Mountain Nat Park but I hadn't heard of Black Canyon, I'll have to check it out. I just hope we get some great weather. I was really concerned with reservations around Sturgis and Yellowstone, I think I'll take a chance and make em as we go in the other areas.
Thanks for the help guys....I'm sure I'll have lots more questions as it gets closer.

[Y2K]

There shouldn't be a problem getting a room up in Cooke City or down in West Yellowstone or Jackson or Cody but reservations can't hurt, if you want lodging inside the park you better have reservations.
The Black Canyon is just off hwy 50 West of the Rockies near Gunnison.
Do hope for good weather be be prepared for some adversity here and there.
I've ridden through Colorado 4 times and only made it through completely dry once.
Even if it doesn't rain,hail or snow on ya it can be chilly willy up at 12,000 ft elevation.
Whatever it does the views and sites are well worth it,bring a decent camera and a pair of field glasses if you got 'em.

Oh and make sure you stay on top of your gas,there's some long hauls between stations out here..
Trust me ,I've done a bit of running around out here and had a few close calls with gas.

[bullgo]

Nice pics!!! Thanks!!!

[deb93fxlr]

Some beautiful photos on this thread! Thanks for sharing, guys!

I second what someone else said. If you are wanting to stay inside Yellowstone, make reservations.

[reg26]

I figured I would at least make a reservation for my first night in Spearfish and alls I could get was the Wens and Thurs night before the Rally...BW said the Fri was booked so I checked about four other hotels online (without calling) and they all showed "not available"...Think it's to early or they are just waiting till everyone else calls and the rates go way up? The rate I got at the BW was $133 a night which isn't bad. I was planning on staying three nights before the rally starts and then getting outa there but looks like it might only be two.

[berserker]

want to downsize the pics? Sucks having to scroll righ to left to read.

I have been to Yellowstone twice, Grand tetons and Beartooth. All great. 1st time went through big horn mountains to Cody, something to think about.

I like to have a room, in that area. Though there are openings. Week before might not be so bad.

I have been to Rally 4 times, during the Rally. I don't think its that bad if your smart. Park on edge of Sturgis and walk in. Sturgis is really the only bad, bad crowded place.

Also think about getting a room in YS, they are reasonable. You lose an hour in and another driving out. I would plan 2-3 days there. There is an incredible amount of stuff to see.

Grand Tetons is mostly a hiking place. So if your jsut going to drive it, doesn't take long. Did one 4 mile hike. No water and bad boots, sucked.

Jackson Hole is stuffy tourist town, I am not interested in going again. Cooke City,ok. Some small local bars.

I have also stayed in Gardner, nice enough. Regular local type bars too.

Last year, left late going west, with a bad storm coming, we had to go over 100 miles to find a place. Was one of the scariest rides I have been on.

Looked at the radar when we got a room, we were in small pocket of clear weather. There was warnings about seeking shelter. I was getting ready to sleep in travelers info building.

They can get some wicked weather.

[David III]

Fantastic photos! Thanks for posting them. Sure makes me miss the mountains.

[Haunyawk]

Great photos!