Right there with you brother. I can’t stand huge crowds, fighting people everywhere, riders of questionable experience, and foolery. Not my jam. Like you, I prefer to ride alone. I took my father-in-law, and elderly Vietnam Veteran, to Rolling Thunder in Washington DC one year (he rode on the back of my Ultra Limited Electra Glide) and it was total hell. Never again! But glad I got to go with my Father-In-Law. I appreciate the video and agree with all of your points!
I went 2 weeks after the rally one year. Great area to ride around the bars were huge and I was the only one in it having a beer. I agree with you I would never go to the rally for the reasons you stated. Funny thing riding back home I stopped at the little roadside store and the old guy goes "Did you enjoy the rally?" I said "That was 2 weeks ago" He said "I know now I see the people release from jail now."
I am shocked by the number of people that agree with your opinion - because I thought I was alone. Totally agree man - it's a lot of people playing dress-up, posturing, and playing 'big bad biker' for the weekend. Can't get food, can't get a beer, and I already own enough black T-shirts.
Come down in June and give me a shout. Bunkhouse is open and we are next to Custer State Park. If you don't mind riding with an Old Guy on a Honda VTX I'll show you around.
I go to Sturgis every other year. I go by myself. I stay in Rapid City and it costs me about $200 a night in a very comfortable hotel. Yes that price is inflated for the rally. The rally is by no means as rowdy as it used to be. Yes there is a very large police presence that may have contributed to that. I will say most of the police are very very “understanding” of most situations. They don’t typically mess with anyone, and often give people a third chance before the bracelets come out. Being in Rapid City you can eat and drink for normal prices. Downtown Sturgis does inflate the costs. A beer which is usually $3-$4 is now $5-$7. (Yes, I’ve been out there other than rally time). I go to meet people. I have never had a bad experience with anyone out there. I even bought a round for a small group of guys in the dominant 1% club there cuz we had great conversations. They were very respectful and cool, and I’m a cop. (now retired) You see people from all over the world there, see bikes customized in every fashion, and everyone typically just wants to get along. I can understand your reasons for not wanting to go. I would at least encourage you to go there in off rally times and ride those roads. Spearfish Canyon, Needles Hwy, Iron Mountain Road, and the Badlands Park are a motorcyclist’s dream! You can get lost in the zen of the ride, or take your time and see things that you’ve never seen. Sturgis truly is Mecca for a motorcycle rider in the USA. (I have yet to ride outside the USA) There is something sacred about that area. Ride your ride and keep the rubber on the road.
I ride solo, and generally don't care for people and crowds and despise the big cities. However, I have been to Sturgis nearly every year since 1989 (the 49th). I think you are missing out and missing the point. I went when I was broke and slept in the back of a truck in a hotel parking lot and ate peanut butter sandwiches I brought. I have camped and stayed in hotels and had steaks at the Gem when I was better off. I have been hailed on, rained on, had heat stroke and froze. I have seen wrecks and death, weddings and friends reunions. One thing I have not done was regretted going, even once. The Americana and comradery of fellow riders is maybe what you don't get. Sad that you will miss something you might like. Riding the Hills, smelling the pine, and pride that you were tough enough to step out of your comfort box of excuses (ie. it costs too much.) and live a little.
And stuff does get quite expensive during the rally. Along with what you mention, for many of those establishments that two weeks is where they make their cash to get through the rest of the year. Defiantly go down there for the roads even if not for the rally itself! I had a blast.
Used to ride in a riding club back in my twentys, but sold my bike and did the job/house/kids thing for twenty five years. Now I've got a couple bikes, and don't have any inclination to ride with anybody anymore. My greatest joy comes from riding a great road, at my own pace, and being able to just be in the moment with only the wind and motor talking to me. Did Laconia, and Port Dover, lots of toy and charity runs back in the day, and don't miss them at all.
I have been to Sturgis once I enjoyed. But what I really like was riding through Spear Fish Canyon, riding around that area is great. I ride mostly alone or in small groups. It is packed at the rally and honestly there gets to be to many people. Second week seems to be less crowded than the first week. Renting a house with some friends is the way to go but it can be expensive.
I went once in 2016 with some friends. We were all kinda old and did not party or ride crazy. The worst was the campground as people were crazy from sundown until sun up. Don't anticipate going again. But I did it once and that was good enough for me.
I went to the area right after the rally in August to ride the roads out there. Got a pic with the Sturgis sign, went to full throttle, all of that. Deadwood, about 20 miles from Sturgis, was a zoo but I stayed a few miles away in Lead which wasn’t bad at all. Amazing roads out there and if that’s your main objective for hitting that area up, go a bit before or after the rally, will still be stuff happening but not near the crowds and traffic on those roads. If you are just going to party and pick up the rally scene just find somewhere like buffalo chip and park the bike, as you say it won’t be worth dealing with the traffic. Not sure if that’s for me either, and as you say not knowing the experience level of the other riders and what they might be under the influence of. If you’re just going to party and enjoy the rally scene, just taking that strategy can make it more fun, if your objective is to ride the roads, need a different strategy.
You checked all my boxes! I stayed a week in Lead, a tiny place near Sturgis a few weeks after the rally. I talked to a local about that. He said he will drive down the main drag once and he's done. Sturgis is a nice little place. I visited the Indian Dealership top look around and drove around the town. (This is in a car with my wife). As another commenter mentioned, there are other places more interesting. I liked Deadwood.
And there’s me - over here in the UK - thinking I was alone, but thinking exactly like you. I do go to events, motorcycle shows etc, but don’t like the crowds so I like to see what I want, then get away…riding solo, enjoying my machine, perhaps with my wife on the back at times, taking in the peace, getting me some therapy and chillin’ 😊
ONE HUNDRED PERCENT EXACTLY HOW I FEEL! Even a baseball game that I went to was borderline for me. I do however like going out with my brother and his crew of about 7-9 riders .
There are certain things that one should do at a young age Strugis is one of those things you do as a up and coming new rider. Then you grow up and realize it's the adventure in going to a destination and the people you meet that are like minded a long the route that make the riding experience great 👍✌️ride on still going at 67 😎
I have been riding since I was 14 and am now 69, and I have had all the same issues you do. I ride solo and get the willies when I ride with even small groups that I know. Cant stand camping and crowd with nasty bathrooms and surrounded by smelly people with beer breath. You are right!
I’m not one for crowds either and usual ride alone but was in Sturgis in 2019 and this year and rode down with my cousin and his wife. It is something to experience but it is pretty crazy the amount of people and traffic. I actually would prefer to go before or after the rally to do the epic rides when it’s not so crowded and extreme amount of other riders that seem to be in such a big hurry to get thru some of them scenic rides.
You got a lot of opinions for someone who has never been. I spend one day at Sturgis the rest of the time I’m riding the beautiful country on roads that are smooth as glass and as far as expenses book a year in advance it really isn’t rocket science.
I went once, they'll never see me again, at least not during the rally. I would go in May or September when it's not so crowded and you could enjoy the roads and sites without the mob. Also it was blistering hot the year I was there.
It's not for everyone, but its not as expensive or as crowded as minnesota's biggest get together - the minnesota state fair. if the rally to you is only the downtown scenes then you dont know "the rally" . if you dont get to the races, the riding routes within 50 miles and the concerts and test rides then you arent getting the whole picture. your rational for not going to the rally is going to keep you from going to all kinds of festivals. how can you comment on the rally when you havent been there? I can go to sturgis, motorcycle camp, do to events for the price of taking my family to a minnesota wild hockey game. 5 days vs 3 hours - I'll take the rally, thanks.
I understand the logic of the fact I haven’t been there, so how can I criticize. Knowing myself, and how being around crowds affects me, I think I have a decent gauge of how I’ll feel. And yes, you are correct, it will keep me from attending other events. At this stage though, I’m fine with that.
Spot on commitary except for taxes. Taxes aren't intentionally adjusted upward just for the rally. Taxes are freaking high all damn year long. The carnies and foreigners that come in masses to sell shitty souvenirs absoulty suck. I highly suggest avoiding this place during the rally.
Cannot think of an event that appeals to me less. Just a nightmare. Exactly the sort of gathering that brings out the worst in many otherwise responsible people. I’m not much for people either. Rather ride alone.
I had to laugh when I started the video I was thinking I have no interest cause I can’t stand crowds of people standing around in the way of where I’m trying to go plus waiting lineups to eat, drink, piss. And what do ya know first thing you say haha. I’m surprised you didn’t mention the horrific exchange rate when talking about the cost. I’m also not a fan of paying way jacked up prices for everything. I’d rather go in the off season have the costs way lower and enjoy the riding without all the morons that can’t keep in their lane or are drunk or stupid.
ya. When I was younger I made it to Sturgis a couple times. Just to tick it off my bucket list. 1st time there I thought that it was mainly posturing idiots who had little-man syndrome. 2nd time I was there I thought that it was full of inexperienced riders and drunks. Narrowly avoided a couple of stabbings (back in the 90's) and brawls. I mean it was a lot like Daytona Bike week, just more organized?? 3rd time I was there was absolutely terrible and I was with a larger group of friends and riders. We had fun in our little get-togethers away from the actual Sturgis meat-grinder, but it was a fairly big turn off. Never been back. Been over 24 years now. Don't think I'd try again judging from what I see and hear on videos. I do have PTSD now, and didn't have that back in the day so 1000% just would find it too much of a stressful of an environment in general
Right there with you brother. I can’t stand huge crowds, fighting people everywhere, riders of questionable experience, and foolery. Not my jam. Like you, I prefer to ride alone. I took my father-in-law, and elderly Vietnam Veteran, to Rolling Thunder in Washington DC one year (he rode on the back of my Ultra Limited Electra Glide) and it was total hell. Never again! But glad I got to go with my Father-In-Law. I appreciate the video and agree with all of your points!
It’s just too much for me to be around.
I went 2 weeks after the rally one year. Great area to ride around the bars were huge and I was the only one in it having a beer. I agree with you I would never go to the rally for the reasons you stated. Funny thing riding back home I stopped at the little roadside store and the old guy goes "Did you enjoy the rally?" I said "That was 2 weeks ago" He said "I know now I see the people release from jail now."
That makes sense, haha!
I am shocked by the number of people that agree with your opinion - because I thought I was alone. Totally agree man - it's a lot of people playing dress-up, posturing, and playing 'big bad biker' for the weekend. Can't get food, can't get a beer, and I already own enough black T-shirts.
Yeah, it seems there’s a lot of like minded people who don’t want to deal with the expense and crowds. 👍
Come down in June and give me a shout. Bunkhouse is open and we are next to Custer State Park. If you don't mind riding with an Old Guy on a Honda VTX I'll show you around.
Doesn’t sound too bad.
I go to Sturgis every other year. I go by myself. I stay in Rapid City and it costs me about $200 a night in a very comfortable hotel. Yes that price is inflated for the rally. The rally is by no means as rowdy as it used to be. Yes there is a very large police presence that may have contributed to that. I will say most of the police are very very “understanding” of most situations. They don’t typically mess with anyone, and often give people a third chance before the bracelets come out. Being in Rapid City you can eat and drink for normal prices. Downtown Sturgis does inflate the costs. A beer which is usually $3-$4 is now $5-$7. (Yes, I’ve been out there other than rally time).
I go to meet people. I have never had a bad experience with anyone out there. I even bought a round for a small group of guys in the dominant 1% club there cuz we had great conversations. They were very respectful and cool, and I’m a cop. (now retired) You see people from all over the world there, see bikes customized in every fashion, and everyone typically just wants to get along.
I can understand your reasons for not wanting to go. I would at least encourage you to go there in off rally times and ride those roads. Spearfish Canyon, Needles Hwy, Iron Mountain Road, and the Badlands Park are a motorcyclist’s dream! You can get lost in the zen of the ride, or take your time and see things that you’ve never seen.
Sturgis truly is Mecca for a motorcycle rider in the USA. (I have yet to ride outside the USA) There is something sacred about that area.
Ride your ride and keep the rubber on the road.
Thanks for the comment. It’s good to hear from someone who has been out there.
@@canadiansa1nt309i couldnt agree more.
I ride solo, and generally don't care for people and crowds and despise the big cities. However, I have been to Sturgis nearly every year since 1989 (the 49th). I think you are missing out and missing the point. I went when I was broke and slept in the back of a truck in a hotel parking lot and ate peanut butter sandwiches I brought. I have camped and stayed in hotels and had steaks at the Gem when I was better off. I have been hailed on, rained on, had heat stroke and froze. I have seen wrecks and death, weddings and friends reunions. One thing I have not done was regretted going, even once. The Americana and comradery of fellow riders is maybe what you don't get. Sad that you will miss something you might like. Riding the Hills, smelling the pine, and pride that you were tough enough to step out of your comfort box of excuses (ie. it costs too much.) and live a little.
Good to hear from those who have been. I guess it’s something to think about. Thanks for giving your view.
And stuff does get quite expensive during the rally. Along with what you mention, for many of those establishments that two weeks is where they make their cash to get through the rest of the year. Defiantly go down there for the roads even if not for the rally itself! I had a blast.
Maybe some day
Used to ride in a riding club back in my twentys, but sold my bike and did the job/house/kids thing for twenty five years. Now I've got a couple bikes, and don't have any inclination to ride with anybody anymore. My greatest joy comes from riding a great road, at my own pace, and being able to just be in the moment with only the wind and motor talking to me. Did Laconia, and Port Dover, lots of toy and charity runs back in the day, and don't miss them at all.
It’s very relaxing to just be able to go at your own pace and stop and go as you please.
Rallys and relaxing don't seem to gel. Passing other groups feels disrespectful but its about the road, sometimes. The coming curves made me do it.
Well said, I couldn’t agree with you more.
Thanks boss 👍
I have been to Sturgis once I enjoyed. But what I really like was riding through Spear Fish Canyon, riding around that area is great. I ride mostly alone or in small groups. It is packed at the rally and honestly there gets to be to many people. Second week seems to be less crowded than the first week. Renting a house with some friends is the way to go but it can be expensive.
I’ve heard it can be a pretty nice ride around there when the crowds are gone.
We did a trip to Spearfish in June. No crowds,no traffic and no problems. Lodging at fair prices. Great day rides to some awesome places!😊
Sounds nice
I did it in 1991...once was enough for me...I did it for the cross country ride...it seemed like a good destination...from Niagara Ontario and back.
That’s a pretty healthy ride. A lot further than I would have to go.
Couldn’t agree more. I’m exactly the same.
👍
I went once in 2016 with some friends. We were all kinda old and did not party or ride crazy. The worst was the campground as people were crazy from sundown until sun up. Don't anticipate going again. But I did it once and that was good enough for me.
I’ve had experiences like that at festivals around here. That’s one reason I doubt I would like it there.
I went to the area right after the rally in August to ride the roads out there. Got a pic with the Sturgis sign, went to full throttle, all of that. Deadwood, about 20 miles from Sturgis, was a zoo but I stayed a few miles away in Lead which wasn’t bad at all. Amazing roads out there and if that’s your main objective for hitting that area up, go a bit before or after the rally, will still be stuff happening but not near the crowds and traffic on those roads. If you are just going to party and pick up the rally scene just find somewhere like buffalo chip and park the bike, as you say it won’t be worth dealing with the traffic. Not sure if that’s for me either, and as you say not knowing the experience level of the other riders and what they might be under the influence of. If you’re just going to party and enjoy the rally scene, just taking that strategy can make it more fun, if your objective is to ride the roads, need a different strategy.
I’ve heard from a few people it’s a lot better just before or after the rally
You checked all my boxes! I stayed a week in Lead, a tiny place near Sturgis a few weeks after the rally. I talked to a local about that. He said he will drive down the main drag once and he's done. Sturgis is a nice little place. I visited the Indian Dealership top look around and drove around the town. (This is in a car with my wife). As another commenter mentioned, there are other places more interesting. I liked Deadwood.
Sounds like it’s nice a little while after the rally.
I am thankful that I did Sturgis in 1991. One year after the ooh-so-shiny 50th, so pretty mellow. Not jonesing to ever go back.
👍
And there’s me - over here in the UK - thinking I was alone, but thinking exactly like you. I do go to events, motorcycle shows etc, but don’t like the crowds so I like to see what I want, then get away…riding solo, enjoying my machine, perhaps with my wife on the back at times, taking in the peace, getting me some therapy and chillin’ 😊
good morning brother i hear you brother i live a hour away from laconia i never go to bike week never been
That’s pretty close to never go once.
ONE HUNDRED PERCENT EXACTLY HOW I FEEL! Even a baseball game that I went to was borderline for me. I do however like going out with my brother and his crew of about 7-9 riders .
Yeah, it’s a little much for me.
There are certain things that one should do at a young age Strugis is one of those things you do as a up and coming new rider. Then you grow up and realize it's the adventure in going to a destination and the people you meet that are like minded a long the route that make the riding experience great 👍✌️ride on still going at 67 😎
2:43
You sound EXACTLY like me!
Hate crowds
Don't like people
Ride alone
Used to have riding buddies but they all got rid of their bikes
etc.
Sounds good 👍
I have been riding since I was 14 and am now 69, and I have had all the same issues you do. I ride solo and get the willies when I ride with even small groups that I know. Cant stand camping and crowd with nasty bathrooms and surrounded by smelly people with beer breath. You are right!
Agreed 👍
I don't think you'll be missed.
I’m not one for crowds either and usual ride alone but was in Sturgis in 2019 and this year and rode down with my cousin and his wife. It is something to experience but it is pretty crazy the amount of people and traffic. I actually would prefer to go before or after the rally to do the epic rides when it’s not so crowded and extreme amount of other riders that seem to be in such a big hurry to get thru some of them scenic rides.
👍
You got a lot of opinions for someone who has never been. I spend one day at Sturgis the rest of the time I’m riding the beautiful country on roads that are smooth as glass and as far as expenses book a year in advance it really isn’t rocket science.
I went once, they'll never see me again, at least not during the rally. I would go in May or September when it's not so crowded and you could enjoy the roads and sites without the mob. Also it was blistering hot the year I was there.
Sounds like a lot of people go once the rally is over.
It's not for everyone. I went in 2016 to cross it off the 'ol bucket list. If you don't like crowds or bleeding money, don't go. To each their own.
I’ll take that advice 👍
Sturgis? Oh hell NO! Ain't happenin' for all the reasons you mentioned. I'm gonna keep my happy ass parked right here.
Sounds pretty sensible
It's not for everyone, but its not as expensive or as crowded as minnesota's biggest get together - the minnesota state fair. if the rally to you is only the downtown scenes then you dont know "the rally" . if you dont get to the races, the riding routes within 50 miles and the concerts and test rides then you arent getting the whole picture. your rational for not going to the rally is going to keep you from going to all kinds of festivals. how can you comment on the rally when you havent been there? I can go to sturgis, motorcycle camp, do to events for the price of taking my family to a minnesota wild hockey game. 5 days vs 3 hours - I'll take the rally, thanks.
I understand the logic of the fact I haven’t been there, so how can I criticize. Knowing myself, and how being around crowds affects me, I think I have a decent gauge of how I’ll feel. And yes, you are correct, it will keep me from attending other events. At this stage though, I’m fine with that.
Spot on commitary except for taxes. Taxes aren't intentionally adjusted upward just for the rally. Taxes are freaking high all damn year long. The carnies and foreigners that come in masses to sell shitty souvenirs absoulty suck. I highly suggest avoiding this place during the rally.
Good to know 👍
You have no idea! The rally is stretched out over hundreds of miles. We rented a house out of deadwood. I hate crowds and will 100% go back.
I don't like crowds so it's a no go for me.
Agreed 👍
My sentiments, too. I cannot hack low-skill riders,, much less impaired ones.
👍
Cannot think of an event that appeals to me less. Just a nightmare. Exactly the sort of gathering that brings out the worst in many otherwise responsible people. I’m not much for people either. Rather ride alone.
Agreed 👍
I dont understand how all those Harleys sit in thst traffic. I know they are over heating.
I had to laugh when I started the video I was thinking I have no interest cause I can’t stand crowds of people standing around in the way of where I’m trying to go plus waiting lineups to eat, drink, piss. And what do ya know first thing you say haha. I’m surprised you didn’t mention the horrific exchange rate when talking about the cost. I’m also not a fan of paying way jacked up prices for everything. I’d rather go in the off season have the costs way lower and enjoy the riding without all the morons that can’t keep in their lane or are drunk or stupid.
I guess I did forget the exchange rate. And it sounds like most agree that going down there before or after the rally is the way to go.
Some people participate in life , some watch from the sidelines, just my 2 cents
ya. When I was younger I made it to Sturgis a couple times. Just to tick it off my bucket list. 1st time there I thought that it was mainly posturing idiots who had little-man syndrome. 2nd time I was there I thought that it was full of inexperienced riders and drunks. Narrowly avoided a couple of stabbings (back in the 90's) and brawls. I mean it was a lot like Daytona Bike week, just more organized?? 3rd time I was there was absolutely terrible and I was with a larger group of friends and riders. We had fun in our little get-togethers away from the actual Sturgis meat-grinder, but it was a fairly big turn off. Never been back. Been over 24 years now. Don't think I'd try again judging from what I see and hear on videos. I do have PTSD now, and didn't have that back in the day so 1000% just would find it too much of a stressful of an environment in general
Yeah, I’ve heard from some folks it could be a bad experience. Just too many weirdos for me.
I’m a solo rider too for the most part. I have no issue with that.
Sounds to me
Personally Daytona beach is supposed to be better. I'm not into crowds. I rather little get togethers here in alberta tbh
Daytona would be something to see.
Like you, big crowded places is not my thing. As far as groups go.........4 experienced rides at the max.
Sounds good 👍