Any bets? More or Less People This Year. : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

keener · 07-22-2009, 11:44 PM

Last year was my first "Sturgis". Everyone said $4 gas kept everyone home.

Any bets on if the numbers will return, or be down this year.

The 10 day forcast looks great:

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenda...nav_undeclared

Antonio Pendejo · 07-23-2009, 01:08 AM

They always forecast great weather for the rally. It's a scam.
You know darn well the weather can turn to crap in the blink of an eye during the rally.
AP

djmiller · 07-23-2009, 08:21 AM

With cheaper gas I think the numbers will slightly increase. Don't expect perfect weather everyday. What you can count on is great rides rain or shine!

tomv · 07-23-2009, 09:29 AM

with 10% of the country out of work and record home foreclosures i'm betting on lower numbers...but who knows?...maybe everyone will just say phuckit and ride....

jaystone · 07-23-2009, 10:26 AM

We are staying at a hotel in the Sturgis area and there are still rooms available. They said it is definately slower this year.

Mtclassic · 07-23-2009, 06:08 PM

what about that friggun storm that blew in last year on either sunday or monday. Huge hail and winds. It was nice the rest of the week tho. I am sure the vendors are going to be down as some vendors have already gone out of business.

nvsteve · 07-23-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mtclassic

what about that friggun storm that blew in last year on either sunday or monday. Huge hail and winds. It was nice the rest of the week tho. I am sure the vendors are going to be down as some vendors have already gone out of business.

I think it was Tues. We barely got back to the hotel in time.
I'd say it will be way down. Last year was about 400K down from a high of around 600K.

berserker · 07-24-2009, 10:39 AM

I laugh when people say gas prices keep them from going some place, they need to do the math. On a bike doing 3k miles, at 40mpg, and two dollar increase in gas, means $150 increase. Though maybe it will keep the guys pulling trailers away. Ha.

ike1518 · 07-24-2009, 05:22 PM

I'd bet there are more this year than last, but unless the economy really goes into the crapper I'd say next year will be a banner year. I only say that because next year will be the 70th rally and even numbers like that are always good for extra events and such. Just my 2 cents worth.

berserker · 07-24-2009, 05:33 PM

The # makes a differance? I don't know if I had any more fun on the 65th then 64th.

Mtclassic · 07-24-2009, 05:43 PM

geez I would think 69 would be the biggest year if you are going based on numbers. I would say most favor the number 69 LOL.

berserker · 07-24-2009, 05:49 PM

With the economy, and job market, I am doubting it will be a record year.

huckinfog · 07-24-2009, 06:09 PM

overall numbers will be down. Still, a lot of friggin bikes. I always speculate on the body count, like dui's over the cliff on the iron mountain road or the needles highway. If you include the gun fights, and all related rally activities:

Rally Related Deaths: (SD)
1990 (50th) - 11
2000 (60th) - 10
2001 (61st) - 6
2002 (62nd) - 8
2003 (63rd) - 6
2004 (64th) - 4
2005 (65th) - 6
2006 (66th) - 5
2007 (67th) - 5
2008 (68th) - 3

use your head for something besides a hat rack, and be careful.

harleyag70 · 07-24-2009, 07:50 PM

Last year's numbers are deceptive. Although the count was over 400 k, people that went did not stay as long as previous participants. I think that will be the case again this year. The best way for a comparison of year to year would be to figure the count times average days attending.
Last year we got in a day earlier than expected and didn't have any problem getting a room. Even saw "vacancy" signs mid-week at in town Motels.

Mtclassic · 07-24-2009, 08:13 PM

The Legends Top 50 has pulled the plug this year.