On Day 4 of our RV trip to Des Moines, Iowa, Tom and I couldn't resist the opportunity to visit the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. It wasn't part of our original plan for this trip. In fact, we didn't even know the dates of the rally until we were already in the Rapid City area. We saw many motorcycles, specifically Harleys, while exploring the Black Hills and memorials. When we learned the 83rd annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was starting on day 4 of our trip and only 30 miles from our campground, we headed to Sturgis for the afternoon. That evening we continued our journey east towards Des Moines. We spent that night at a rest area in Wasta, South Dakota.
I have to admit motorcycles scare me. I'm far from a motorcycle enthusiast but Sturgis has been on my bucket list for quite a while... just like the Oktoberfest in Munich, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming and other best-in-class celebrations.
Sights along the way
As we made our way west on Highway 90 from Rapid City to Sturgis, all signs pointed to the largest motorcycle rally in the world. We passed huge campgrounds full of RVs towing motorcycle trailers, Harley Davidson stores with parking lots full of bikes and tents, and lines of bikers.
Experiencing Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Tom and I entered the town of Sturgis, South Dakota early in the afternoon on Friday, the first day of the rally. We circled a few blocks before we found a place to park and ended up several blocks from the section of Main Street that was blocked to all vehicles except motorcycles. We were pleased to be able to park so close on the public streets without even having to pay for parking. Soon after we reached the rally grounds, the clouds opened up and poured rain. Aside from hundreds of parked motorcycles, the streets were relatively empty. Most people, ourselves included, sought shelter in the many bars, restaurants and shops.
Tom and I found a table at the Iron Horse Saloon and Restaurant where we ate and watched bikers as the came in to try off. Eventually we made our way down the soggy streets, running from one tent or building to the next. I loved looking at all the fun and crazy biker clothes. I could have spent a fortune... I would have if we stayed another day!
As we made our way down Main Street, we could hear music coming from nearly every bar. One Eyed Jacks Saloon caught our attention so we stopped in to listen to music and have a drink. While sitting at the bar we watched an artist paint a woman's naked chest.
The rain finally stopped and the streets quickly came to life. Engines roared, patriotic flags waved, and we ran into several more beautifully painted chests.... not the furniture kind. As the creativity and craziness emerged from the rain, we began to regret that we were leaving Sturgis that evening.
If we ever have the opportunity to visit the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally again, we would love to camp at one of the many campgrounds near Sturgis, such as Buffalo Chip which hosted many great bands this year. We'd also plan on watching the parade and some of the other crazy activities.
Slideshow - Day 4
Here are some photos from our afternoon at the 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and some of our sights along the way.
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