Overview anyone?

[fledarmus]

Howdy ya'll, pull up a blade of grass and sit - beer's in the cooler.

My wife and I are planning to head to Sturgis this year, and I'm having a heck of a time just figuring out where the heck "Sturgis" actually is - the party and events, not the town, found that on the map.

So I'd be mighty grateful if one, two, or a whole slew of ya'll would be willing to just sort of talk about the layout of the place - where are the big vendor sites, where are things happening, how do you get from one place to another, what roads do you want to avoid while you're out there, and heck, anything else a newbie might need to know. And while you're at it, if one of you could recommend a good hotel, that'd help. We want to be close to the action, but my wife doesn't think she can handle a week without a bathtub, and a swimming pool would be a real plus. Trailer parking is also essential - we've found out we can take about 8 hours in the saddle, but taking turns driving we can handle about 36 hours straight in a car, and we don't want to miss any of our vacation/Black Hills scenery riding flat freeways for three days from Connecticut.

[davidtn]

Check this book out that you can download and print out yourself:

http://www.sturgisrallysite.com/

[deb93fxlr]

The bigs vendors will be on main street in Sturgis. There will also be vendors in all the other towns in the Black Hills including Rapid City.

I always direct people to this website: http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/go.asp?ID=205 This is the map that you will be using while out there. Besides the rally events, everyone will be doing all the other stuff that the Black Hills have to offer like Custer State Park and Mt. Rushmore. So many cool roads to ride as well! Just look on the map and you'll find lots of cool roads even some with bridges and tunnels.

[fledarmus]

Thanks to both of you - both excellent sites! I'm finally starting to make sense of the place!

[ginger]

once you get here, your wondering where sturgis actually "is" will be in the past. you will have a blast

[rcsdrob]

Originally Posted by fledarmus

where are the big vendor sites

Junction Ave coming into Sturgis has vendors right off I-90. Main Street Sturgis has a lot of T-shirt, trinkets, food, collectibles, etc. vendors. Lazelle will have more parts, bike builders, and bigger item vendors, along with more T-shirts. Thunder Road east of town, Top 50 Rally Park on I-90 before Piedmont, the Civic Center in Rapid City, Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City and Custer will all have their fair share of vendors, along with other towns throughout the Black Hills.

Originally Posted by fledarmus

where are things happening

Where AREN'T things happening? The rally has grown beyond the city of Sturgis and that's why some people think the rally numbers are down. The fact is, there are things going on all over the Black Hills. Keep an eye on the schedule here http://www.sturgis.com/calendar/scheduletest.php and here for information http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/

Here's a look at last year's schedule just to give you an idea of what's going on where. http://www.rallyinfo.com/2007_sturgi...y_schedule.htm This should be updated as the time draws nearer.

Originally Posted by fledarmus

how do you get from one place to another

Slowly and cautiously.

Originally Posted by fledarmus

what roads do you want to avoid while you're out there

It doesn't matter, they're all crowded and busy around town and in the hills. I prefer to take Ballpark Rd. if I'm trying to get to Main Street from I-90. Some people take the Lazelle St. exit. It's crowded. It's busy. Just enjoy it.

Originally Posted by fledarmus

and heck, anything else a newbie might need to know.

Prioritize the things you absolutely must see. Chances are pretty good you'll see a quarter of the things you want to see. I've lived here most of my life and I have yet to see everything the rally brings. I take the whole week off every year and I don't get to everything. One of these years....

[berserker]

You'll be able to buy tshirts and shot glasses a hundred miles out.

[route66paul]

Bring lots o'cash and a couple of empty charge cards, you will need them. Good luck on a room, you might get one for 2011 if you call now. There are showers to rent at the campgrounds.

[rcsdrob]

I heard reports on the news last year that there were hotel rooms available during the rally without reservations. It sure wouldn't hurt to reserve early, but I think you'll be alright for this year yet. I wouldn't push my luck too much, though.

[wildside41]

Alot of fun but everyone is out for your buck. Pulled into Days End campground and told the attendent Just the two of us and a pup tent. He said that will be 40 bucks a night. I thought 40 bucks was a bit much but after all it is Sturgis bike week. He said no thats 40 bucks each! Wow 80 clams to sleep in the dirt! Guess what? Yea I paid it.

[berserker]

Originally Posted by wildside41

Alot of fun but everyone is out for your buck. Pulled into Days End campground and told the attendent Just the two of us and a pup tent. He said that will be 40 bucks a night. I thought 40 bucks was a bit much but after all it is Sturgis bike week. He said no thats 40 bucks each! Wow 80 clams to sleep in the dirt! Guess what? Yea I paid it.

You got screwed. I stayed at Elkhead, $11 a night. Lamphen was $15, with a 2-3 night minimum. If all you want is a place to sleep and shower, thats it.

[Hoop]

Motel rooms are available right up to and during the Rally. But you'll likely get 2 days at motel x, 1 day at motel y, 3 days at motel z. And you'll pay dearly. Motel 6 like accomodations will run upwards of $300/night, depending on location.
Most, if not all of the desirable motel locations (Sturgis/Deadwood) rarely become available.

There are probably 10 full time campgrounds in the area. They will have permanent facilities, a swimming pool/whirlpool/etc. You won't be roughing it. These usually go for $150/week per person and up.
There are over 50 temporary campgrounds in the area. None of these will have a swimming pool and facilities range from crude (outhouses) on up to usable. Smart people realize that campgrounds engaged in commerce for only 1 - 2 weeks out of the year aren't going to invest heavily in creature comforts.
Keep in mind that there are many many campgrounds that are very crude, very noisy, very hilly, and without shade. Choose carefully.

Given your lengthy distance to Sturgis, trailering may work out best for you. People generally have only so much time away from work and wish to use it to the fullest. Less time on the road = more time in the Black Hills/Sturgis.

The Rally itself covers lots of real estate. It will stretch throughout the Black Hills, Rapid City, Custer, and into Wyoming. There will be far too much to see/do in only a week.