Sturgis is Sturgis

The next day (Tuesday, August 7^th) we headed to Rapid City Harley-Davidson and then cruised into Sturgis.  Sturgis is Sturgis.

If you ride Harley, it’s a must do. If you only know of it because it is the biggest motorcycle event in the world, then you know it is big. And if you have ever been fortunate to attend the event, you know it is an experience. Downtown Main Street in Sturgis is about 6 blocks long and during the Rally, it is 6 blocks of shops selling t-shirts, spare parts, jewelry, memorabilia, beer mugs and just about anything that has to do with motorcycle souvenirs. It also includes Tattoo Parlors, bars and restaurants.

One block away parallel to Main Street is hundreds of dealers selling full-up custom Harley’s, spare parts, leathers, and anything you could possible need for your bike. But, the most impressive part of Sturgis is the people. Thousands of people (500K est.) converge on that little piece of real estate to see and be seen. Doctors, Lawyers, Carpenters, Geeks and Plumbers who just bought their bikes and this is their first big ride away from ”burbs” can be seen standing next to the hard core guys who has flame tat’s on both arms and ride their bikes to work every day.  Guys in full leather and guys in shorts and tank tops. Woman who would scare you in a dark alley and woman who could have won beauty contests.  All the cross sections of America are represented and the one common thread that weaves through this crowd of people is the love of Harley’s. We even ran into some friends from Portland (Erica and Dennis)  

Many of the riders park their bikes along Main Street and in the first few hours of the day, the street becomes clogged with bikes and the street is loud with motorcycles riding up and down the street looking for a place to park, or maybe just looking to be seen.
The sidewalks are crowded with people walking along, checking out the bikes, the people, the shops, and anything that might be interesting.   And it was HOT!  In the high 90’s so, lots of people looking for a cool spot for a refreshments.  I bought some t-shirts, and walked the streets for awhile. We all met back at the bikes after a long rest at One Eyed Jacks and left downtown Sturgis for the evening.