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10 observations about the 68th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Maverick - Aug 8, 2008
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The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is an experience…and an education! Opportunities abound to learn all about motorcycles and motorcycling and have a wonderful time while doing it. Attending the rally is nonstop entertainment! Following are our top 10 observations about the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in its 68th year.
1. Media pre-rally predictions of reduced attendance – compared to previous years – were not evident on highways, regional cities and towns, and event venues. There were motorcycles everywhere. In Custer, Keystone, Spearfish, Hill City, Rapid City, Deadwood, Lead, and Sturgis and points in between, streets and highways were packed with motorcyclists with more coming into the region by the hour.
2. The area between Rapid City and Sturgis appears to be experiencing growth. Building projects and improvements to on/off ramps and areas along I-90 are evident.
3. If you go the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to enjoy the Black Hills, you will not be disappointed. The Black Hills Region has experienced sufficient rainfall in the months leading up to the rally, as evidenced by, lots of healthy vegetation. The result is that the Black Hills colors were brilliant. Shades of green combined with the red dirt and gray granite made for fresh air and awesome motorcycling and sightseeing. Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial continue to be awesome!
4. Business owners, citizens of the region, and vendors at the rally have made a huge effort to welcome motorcyclists. While motorcycle owners may be increasingly selective in their consumer choices, some vendors had all the business they could handle. Harley-Davidson/Buell, Indian Motorcycle, Pitbull Motorcycle Lifts, WheelDock, LLC. were just a few examples of vendors that found it easy to draw a crowd during daylight hours.
5. Trikes seem to have an increasing presence at the rally. With the addition of Harley-Davidson’s new Tri-Glide, trikes are becoming increasingly popular. As recent as seven years ago, Lehman Trikes enjoyed the dominate trike manufacturer presence at the rally. Now, in addition to Lehman Trikes, Boss Hoss Trikes, DFT Trikes, and other trike manufacturers and vendors, Harley-Davidson has begun marketing trikes for its aging loyalists.
6. There were lots of new riders. Temporary tags were everywhere and many motorcycle operators drove with increasing unpredictability as numbers of motorcycles increased. Examples: riding in the wrong lane, unsteady slow riding, passing others at the wrong time, and uncertainty when entering, locating parking, and exiting the packed streets of regional gathering points.
7. Metric operators have discovered the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally or former Harley-Davidson riders have discovered metrics. The notorious Harley-Davidson rumble, while not modified, was at times tempered by the softer sounds of metric motorcycles.
8. Harley-Davidson/Buell again put together an awesome display of new models, accessories, and gear at the Rapid City Convention Center. Product displays and educational presentations along with demonstration rides provided by the 200 plus Harley-Davidson/Buell employees is again remarkable.
9. The number of campers seemed to be greater than in previous years, perhaps a result of the slumping economy or hotels intent on making a killing during the rally. This year, many hotels still had rooms available during rally week. But campgrounds were reaching capacity.
Last but not least…
10. People watching is as popular as ever! Storefronts, sidewalks, and second story balconies were packed with people enjoying the parade of iron, outfits, expressions, and biker behavior.
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