 Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 77
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 77 |
I'm seriously considering a trip to Sturgis this year. Some riding friends at work have gone the past 3 years and they have an extra spot (in the trailer there and back and a Hotel for 4 nights) and have invited me along. They say there are all types of bikes up there, and it's more the notion of "it's not what you ride, it's THAT you ride" which seems to be the accepted mentality of those in attendance. I'm a little skeptical however, and was wondering if anyone here has been up there during the Ralley. I'm not interested in being the sacrficial lamb at the bonfire....  
'02 TBA,904,Scepter,K&N,and a little bling too!
|
|
|
 Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
I have several friends that w.h.o.r.e. (We Haul Our Rides Everywhere) themselves there every year. No problem with other brands, these guys ride Yammers and HDs and a Golwing tossed in for good measure. They have never had any problems at ll. Most of the attendees are lawyers, doctors, movie stars and a small amount of riff raff. Way more RUBs then anything else. The old school/hardcore HD riders don't even like to go anymore because of all the RUBs.
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297 |
Do a search on last year. There were a few guys who went out last year. Like any rally of this nature, Harleys will be dominant. Just find some twisties and leave them behind!
Ride Safe.
Ryan
In Between the Dark and the Light..
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
You will find the atmosphere to be fun and the weather is normally very good. Like they said you will see lots of plain old ordinary Harley riders (RUBS or otherwise) a smattering representation of OMG outfits like the HA, Outlaws and others. last year there was some trouble between the HA and the Outlaws in Custer State Park.
(A shooting between the two gangs.)
fortunately those idjits represent only themselves and as long as you stay away from them you will be fine. They all have a misguided idea of their own owed RESPECT and they take that misguided idea very seriously.
The views in the Black Hills are great. Lots of nice two lane roads.
Check out the Stone House Saloon in beautiful downtown Belle Fourche just up the road aways from Sturgis.
I may make it myself this year as I dont have to worry about lodging. I have a brother in Piedmont and a sister in Rapid City.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 999
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 999 |
the wierdest thing i read about sturgis are the single rider fatal accidents. i remember reading way too many stories last year about solo riders fatally running off seemingly safe (some dead straight) roads. alcohol? fatigue? who knows, but it sure struck my as being odd.
"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." - Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
I do think ya need to have an elevated sense of your own safety when riding at these larger rallies. Daytona bike week also has a high increase in MC fatalities. Just an awful lot of bikes (more targets for the cagers) and yes certainly and increase in partying and potential for bravado on two wheels that leads to disaster for some.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540 |
Not to mention a lot of people with out much riding experience.
We have a very large rally here that normally gets a few fatalities. Most of which are new riders, or people who trailer to the rally and over estimate their abilities. That and just plain drunk people.
Last year I noticed (cause I was riding more) how lousy many of the out of towners were riding.
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 105
removed
|
|
removed
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 105 |
I was working in Sioux Falls last year and rode my friends 02 speedie (why I bought my BA) to the rally. I hated the huge crowds couldn't even ride through town with the traffic the out of town rides were better, but still the traffic. We had no issues with the HD guys at all!! Sturgis is a thing everyone should see once. If I was to go again do it the last couple days then ride. 
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1 |
I rode up a couple of years back & wasn't that impressed. The ride to Sturgis, KY wasn't too bad.
we should do this every weekend!
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
Sturgis Is like Woodstock....everybody has been there.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Dang I missed out on both!  
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 81
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 81 |
Was there for a week last year, lots of attention to our bikes, all of it good ! Was only in town two days, spent most time riding in the Black Hills. I saw about 15 Triumphs, met one man that had shipped his over from Great Britain. IMHO Sturgis is like anywhere else a persons mouth will get them more grief than what they are riding. This was not my first trip to Sturgis I've only missed 2 years since 1987 have been on Hondas,Kaws,HD,& Triumph. The only problems I have had were self inflicted (instant a..hole just add alcohol )If you have a chance to go and you have'nt been there go cause youre not getting any younger. Ya might even get to see me get chased by another Buffalo, they are really moody ya know, fast too, for short distances. I'd say go have fun make some memories.
JOE
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I went in 2002. Mostly my bike was ignored. One guy was impressed. But I saw Beemers, wingers and rice rockets all over. I think these days the only people you'll catch anything from are the posers on Harleys (no, not all Harley riders are posers). Real bikers like Triumphs. They checkbook bikers will scoff. Ignore them.
I had a lot of fun. Saw some good concerts. The black hills are beautiful for riding. I was lucky to have friends in Rapid City to stay with. It was my first year with a bike and I was fortunate to go with people with experience at Sturgis. But if you don't have access to those, you should be okay anyway.
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 381
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 381 |
Been several times. Rode from La each time and took different routes just to see something new. Don't know what my route this year will be but there will be one. Already have the time off work. We go to town maybe once or twice and the rest of the time is out on the back country roads. Even found one good dirt road as a short cut to Hill City. The best steak all around in the state (price, quality and atmosphere). Don't miss out on it if yall go.
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
You might want to consider going a week or two ahead of the crowds and main event. It's as much fun with half the crowd issues.
We had a good chuckle a few years ago - a co-worker came in Friday afternoon and said: "I want to be off Monday, as I'm going to ride my Harley to Sturgis & back." Guess he didn't know it's 1800 miles one way from here.
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
You might want to consider going a week or two ahead of the crowds and main event. It's as much fun with half the crowd issues.
We had a good chuckle a few years ago - a co-worker came in Friday afternoon and said: "I want to be off Monday, as I'm going to ride my Harley to Sturgis & back." Guess he didn't know it's 1800 miles one way from here.
One of my co-works said the same thing. He rode a Bad Boy out last year, said it was the best event he ever attended. A couple of other friends said they'd love to go out and just ride on any week other than bike week. The Bad Boy guy said they had to wait once for close to an hour to fill up their gas tanks. Sounds like too many folks to me. His pictures were incredible.
Al
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
You might want to consider going a week or two ahead of the crowds and main event. It's as much fun with half the crowd issues.
We had a good chuckle a few years ago - a co-worker came in Friday afternoon and said: "I want to be off Monday, as I'm going to ride my Harley to Sturgis & back." Guess he didn't know it's 1800 miles one way from here.
One of my co-works said the same thing. He rode a Bad Boy out last year, said it was the best event he ever attended. A couple of other friends said they'd love to go out and just ride on any week other than bike week. The Bad Boy guy said they had to wait once for close to an hour to fill up their gas tanks. Sounds like too many folks to me. His pictures were incredible.
Al
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
You might want to consider going a week or two ahead of the crowds and main event. It's as much fun with half the crowd issues.
We had a good chuckle a few years ago - a co-worker came in Friday afternoon and said: "I want to be off Monday, as I'm going to ride my Harley to Sturgis & back." Guess he didn't know it's 1800 miles one way from here.
One of my co-works said the same thing. He rode a Bad Boy out last year, said it was the best event he ever attended. A couple of other friends said they'd love to go out and just ride on any week other than bike week. The Bad Boy guy said they had to wait once for close to an hour to fill up their gas tanks. Sounds like too many folks to me. His pictures were incredible.
Al
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
I would sorta have to agree. You can go up early or go after the event and have your own rally ...still find lots of T-shirts and paraphernalia and cheaper too weeks after the event.
You can still get a "I Rode Mine" patch and put up with lots less crowds.
but then again they do have some decent concerts ....and just hangin out people watching can be fun.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 478
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 478 |
Went in 2005 toward the end. Seems most accidents occur at the beginning and the end of the "show," most likely because of increased traffic. Only spent one afternoon in town, which was worth it, spent the rest of the time riding in the Black Hills, and spending time with friends who live in the area.
If you're not a party animal, riding in the AM is best.
By the way, pack for extreme heat, extreme cold.
Also, take time to ride off the beaten path to and from Sturgis. Lots of "Blue Highways" to get you there. Lastly, lots of day trips to be had (Devil's Tower, Hulett "Ham 'n Jam," additional venues in Rapid).
Go with no expectations, and let the experience be what you make it.
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 77
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 77 |
Thanks to everyone who responded!! Some very good info there! I may put a post up when it gets a little closer and maybe see if there is any interest in the "triumph" people here that are going to Sturgis this year would want to pick a time / place to meet and go for a little ride!!! The Hotel we are staying at is in New Castle WY, which from what I'm told, is a "comfortable" distance from all the 'hoopla'. Maybe us Trumpet riders could organize a ride to Deils tower or something???!!!! We'll see...
'02 TBA,904,Scepter,K&N,and a little bling too!
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Wow, a commute over 60 miles. I thought staying in Rapid was a PITA. Should be a nicer ride, though. Rapid to Sturgis was just superslab, with a sh!tload of bikes on it.
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 77
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 77 |
yeah, it's a little far from "sturgis" but, I'm planning on riding ALOT out west and other places. I'm looking at the route to Buffalo, then possibly up in the mountians towards Big-Horn ski area and over towards Boulder Park as a day all in itself. I'm a little worried about the jetting on the bike though, cause on the map it's posted at 9,000 feet at the highest point across hwy 16 there. Anyway, Sturgis might be a one day event for me, with the rest of the time (5 days total), spent exploring the rest of the state...I havn't even ruled out the possibility of riding over to Yellowstone either!!!  
'02 TBA,904,Scepter,K&N,and a little bling too!
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Well, let us know if you're going to be anywhere in the neighborhood and we'll roll out the big Montana welcome mat.
|
|
|
Re: Anyone been to Sturgis on their Triumph?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,664
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,664 |
Yes, but not during trailer week.
Ride Safe,
Dennis
Triumph, it's how I live and what I ride.
|
|
|
|
|
