Sturgis '05
In August 2005 we put together a ten (10) day Custom Tour to Sturgis, South Dakota for the 65th Annual "Sturgis" Motorcycle Rally. A group consisting of twelve (12) individuals riding on eight (8) Harleys® participated in the ride.
Our route to Sturgis was Boise, Salmon, Butte, Yellowstone National Park, Cody, Worland, Buffalo, Gillette and Sturgis. The return route was Sturgis, Sheridan, Cody, Yellowstone National Park, Teton National Park, Jackson, Idaho Falls, Challis, Stanley and Boise.
The ride covered 2400 miles / 3862 kilometers during an eight day period. The group spent four days seeing the sights in and around Sturgis before returning to Boise.
Few places on earth offer the scenery and attractions that are available in the ancient Black Hills of South Dakota; no smog, incredible views, great roads, great curves, wide open spaces and friendly people everywhere! The "Rally Wildlife" and concert venues were incredible too! The Sturgis Rally comes together every August to make this one of the Greatest Motorcycle Rallies in the world.
Riding through Spearfish Canyon was one of the highlights of the trip. The canyon was formed 30 to 60 million years ago. Originally, a great sea covered this area. When the waters started to subside, the canyon was carved out by water eroding away the softer rock. The land was also pushed up from underneath by volcanic action. After many years, the water carved out the channel that is today called "Spearfish Canyon" and is one of the oldest land formations in the U.S.
The "Badlands" ride is one of the great little secret rides of the region. In the past, not many folks knew about the quick jaunt over to the Badlands National Park. The scenery is incredible to say the least! Moon-scapes that do feel "out of this world"... some of the coolest views can be seen if you have the chance to be there at sunrise or sunset.
Sturgis is most famous for being the home to one of the worlds largest motorcycle rallies, held annually, on the first full week of August. Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world flock to this usually sleepy town during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. As motorcycles arrive by the tens of thousands, Sturgis comes alive with more than a million people. We were there to enjoy the sights, sounds and atmosphere of this special event.
Sturgis is located just minutes from some of the most spectacular sights in the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Forest, Jewel Cave National Monument, Bear Butte State Park, Black Hills National Forest, Devils Tower National Monument and the Centennial Trail, to name a few.
Enthusiasts are drawn to the unique combination of scenic riding, entertainment, camaraderie with fellow bikers and a Main Street atmosphere like no other.
This Custom Tour was a pleasure to design and we enjoyed having the opportunity to "make it happen". The group had a great experience; one that will long be remembered.