It’s Not Too Early To Start Planning for Sturgis Aug 4th – 10th 2014
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has no competitors as the largest and most kick-ass motorcycle rally in the world. If you’ve gone in the past, you know how much fun it is, and if you haven’t gone yet, this could be your year. It is certainly something every rider should experience at some point in their life, and the event has no limits in terms of things to do and see while you are attending.
1800 miles from Philadelphia, Sturgis, SD is a 28.5 hour ride across the beautiful heartland of this country. If you’re not up for riding your bike the whole way, it’s easy to fly or drive a car and have your bike shipped. Either way, you’ll end up in South Dakota with your bike and ready to have a good time.
A Little Sturgis Motorcycle Rally History
The first rally was organized by the Jackpine Gypsies motorcycle club and consisted of a single race with nine participants and no spectators on August 4th, 1938. It has been held every year since with the exception of during World War II because of gas rationing. Racing and stunts were the main events in the early years, and hill climb and motocross were added in 1961.
The Big Event
Now Sturgis regularly hosts a half-million attendees for the annual summer event in the otherwise sleepy town of 6,627 people. You’ll find a lighted short track, a motocross track, a field meeting area, a hill climb area, and a clubhouse where you can relax ,enjoy food and beverages, and socialize.
Main Street Sturgis
The historic main street of Sturgis comes alive during the festival as the shops and street buzz with activity. All kinds of parties big and small rage all week as everybody seeks out live music, fun and friends. Quite a few people even schedule their weddings to coincide with the festival to add to the good time.
Where to Stay
The possibilities are bountiful as housing rentals, campgrounds, RV parks, cabins, hotels and motels are available. Large campgrounds like the Buffalo Chip offer a world of their own with things like live music, zip lines, and swimming beaches. Don’t wait to make your reservation, however, as spots fill up quickly, and you want to be where you are most comfortable, whether in the middle of the action or relaxing on the outskirts of town.
Sights and Entertainment
Plenty of options for merriment are right in the vicinity, for both late night partiers and families. The town of Sturgis lights up for the week with many choices for bars and restaurants. You can visit the Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. The historic towns of Deadwood and Spearfish are nearby for sightseeing. The Black Hills offer waterfalls, trout fishing, and recreational trails. Six national parks, the Badlands, Devil’s Tower National Monument, and the spectacular Mount Rushmore are within easy riding distance.
I would be remiss, as a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer, if I didn’t I remind you to check up on your insurance before your trip, especially if you plan to tow your bike, because I see problems with uninsured or underinsured riders all the time in my practice. I don’t want that to be your situation.
If you or someone you love is injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to call leading motorcycle accident attorney Lee D. Gaber, Esquire at 1-888-292-5352 (1-888-CYCLE-LAW) for a free consultation.
