Past Events

The last time we traveled to Sturgis, S. Dakota was in 2004, and we've always wanted to go back. So the 70th Anniversary Rally this year seemed like a perfect time. Closing the store for 2 weeks was a big decision, and we're sure more than a few customers were not happy with us! But the trip was well worth it. We pulled a 'Toy Hauler' camper with our bike in the back and camped out at a couple stops on the way out and back. For Sturgis week we stayed at KOA campground in Spearfish - just north of Deadwood. IT made for a long ride to some points - like Custer National Park at the south end of the Black Hills. But the weather was great the whole week - hot temps, sunny skies, and only an occasional shower to dodge. The huge amount of bikers on the roads, or at any one location was amazing. Before we left the estimated number of week-long attendance was aroun 700,000! That may be a rally record... We took our 2009 Harley Tri-Glide this year, and it was a big difference from two wheels. Bear had his work cut out for him in the sweeping curves and hairpin turns - especially in Spearfish Canyon and the Needles highway. The breathtaking scenery had us pulling over for pictures along with groups of other riders. Once big advantage to the trike was the large storage capascity. We packed rainsuits, sweatshirts, leaters, rally info, lots of T-shirts for the crew back home, and even my souvenier rock from Crazy Horse Monument! No matter what I bought there was always room to stuff it in the bike. The riding and the beautiful views were great but the big draw to Sturgis is the PARTY! The concerts (3 or 4 every night), the bars, the casinos, the row after row of motocycle-related vendors, and the cool bikes!! It was fun to just cruise the main streets and be part of the comraderie of hundreds of thousands of riders in one area. We noticed a big number of "Baggers" this year, but still saw plenty of original customs and tricked-out choppers. The Police seemed to be trageting 'ape-hanger' handlebar height, and we saw alot of pull-overs for this. I think our favorite spot was the town of Deadwood. A quaint, historic main street - with casinos!! Gambling, shopping at all the gift spots, great restaurants, "Bikini" bike washes (Bear really enjoyed that) and a scenic ride coming and going were a few reasons we loved it. We also toured actor Kevin Coctner's "Tatanka", a memorial to the bison and native amderican culture - just outside of Deadwood. And another great ride was north to Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming. What an awesome landmark to see in person! And the gift shop there flies the largest Harley Davidson flag to honor all the riders during the rally. As always, Black HIlls H-D in Rapid City was host to thousands of bbikers everyday. You could tour the dealership or storoll through the large assortment of vendors set-up on the property. And everywehre you saw banners, signs, or bill boards saying "Welcome Bikers", which made you fell jus that "WELCOME". IF you decide to go to the rally next year, make your reservations early. We called in January and just go the last KOA campsite available. All in all, our trip to Sturgis and the Black Hills was AWESOME - now will our customers let us close the store to go again? We'll see... Ride Safe & Be Happy!!
Bear & Sharon

Good friend "uncle" Dennis kicks over his knucklehead which was the oldest bike to ride in.