Long Distance Biker
Long Distance Motorcycling Advice

Australian travelling to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?

Just working on the details of going to the Sturgis Rally this year and was after any advice such as best place to fly into, bike hire companies, which camping grounds are the best, etc. Anyone with any opinions or suggestions would be great to hear from. Have posted both in Motorcycle area and in travel so no need to tell me I'm in the wrong place.

Public Comments

1. If you are planning on flying to the US and renting a bike to ride to Sturgis, I would think that Denver would be your best bet. It's about a 400 mile ride from Denver to Rapid City South Dakota and you can ride along side the Rocky Mountains for a bit of it. The reason I say Denver is they have an international airport and several Harley dealerships from which you should be able to rent a bike. You can most likely find some place closer but you are most likely going to go though Denver or Chicago and Denver is much closer to Sturgis than Chicago.

In Sturgis you would probably want to camp at Bufflao Chips camp ground. They have different packages available so you should check their web site. They even have a package where they supply you with a tent and sleeping bag if you don't want to haul those around with you. Bring some warm clothes. Even though it is summer, It can get pretty cool at night.

The Black Hills region of South Dakota is a beautiful area. Major sights to see, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Devil's Tower in Wyoming and The Badlands.

2. Go to www.sturgis.com for info for around sturgis.
Go to www.hog.com to check on fly and drive programs.

3. There is a place that rents Harleys in Sturgis on Junction Ave. where the old A&W used to be. (I don't remember name) There are also several bike rentals in Rapid City (Sturgis does not have commercial airport), and some may even have airport pickup. I would try the Harley shop or Rice Honda (this is not a joke actual name) or even the Chamber. The problem with this is that you will need to make reservations as most rentals are taken during Rally, same with Motels and some campgrounds.

Camping ranges from being on USFS land with no amenities to campgrounds with everything including beer sales and all nite bands. Buffalo Chip is the best to party but you cannot get much sleep.

Also while here try to see:
Jackpine Gypsies will be in Veteran's Club on Main St. (get rally patches here)
The Motorcycle Museum at Junction and Main in Sturgis (fee charged)
Fort Meade Museum (5 miles from Sturgis and $4)
The Wall of Death (American Motor Drome)
Mt. Rushmore (charge for parking)
Iron Mtn Road (near MT Rushmore)
Spearfish Canyon
Custer State Park (ent. fee)
Needles Hwy (in Custer State Park)
Devil's Tower (US park pass req.)
Badlands (US park pass req.)
Deadwood (gambling Casinos)
Hill City (gun fights and 1880s train rides)

Also check out things to do in Rapid City (too many to list)

Oh yeah don't forget rain gear and cold weather gear if riding in the Hills