Sturgis bike week

[s.ga.rider]

For anyone thats been in the area, how bad is the traffic? Seems my trip I planned for glacier in august takes me right by sturgis. I had planned on stopping just to say ive been but I just found out I will be going through during bike week. I have no desire to go during that time but didnt know if I need to reroute my plans and avoid the area all together. Vacation time is locked in so I cant change the dates. The original route was taking 90 through s dakota and into montana. My first scenic stop was going to be the badlands and will will be arriving the weekend of the rally.

 

[BkerChuck]

I was there once in 2001. Traffic in outlying areas was tolerable depending on time of day. Getting through the town of Sturgis itself is like riding in a parade. I'm sure others with more recent visits will chime in later.

 

[Pterodactyl]

I think you'll be okay passing through the area on I-90. I also think it won't be too bad taking the HWY 212 shortcut from Belle Fourche through Lame Deer to Crow Agency. You can even take a side trip to Devil's Tower as you pass through Alzada. Places like Yellowstone can fill-up with the cruiser crowd and you may encounter some maddening HD convoys, but if you stay out of the immediate Sturgis area, then you may survive.

 

[redzgrider]

When the Sturgis Harley-fest gets too busy and crowded, bear in mind the absolutely awesome sites in the area that aren't Sturgis. Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Custer (the Chief Motel is perfect motorcyclist lodging), Crazy Horse memorial (interesting for it's beginnings, even though I think it's become a rip-off now), and roads that just don't end.

 

[fjrchooser]

Finding last minute motel rooms within a hundred mile radius of Sturgis at that time can be dicey what with all the people coming and going.

 

[bigjohnsd]

I think you'll be okay passing through the area on I-90. I also think it won't be too bad taking the HWY 212 shortcut from Belle Fourche through Lame Deer to Crow Agency. You can even take a side trip to Devil's Tower as you pass through Alzada. Places like Yellowstone can fill-up with the cruiser crowd and you may encounter some maddening HD convoys, but if you stay out of the immediate Sturgis area, then you may survive.

Devils Tower will be jammed Aug 7th through 13th.

The density of traffic in the Black Hills will be the Worst on Wed August 10th.

I-90 will be passable all of the days especially mid-day, stay in the left lane.

Don't plan on a motel room within 250 miles of Sturgis without spending big $$

PM me for more specific info, I've lived here for 22 years.

John

 

[s.ga.rider]

I may stay with the original plan then. I was hoping to camp somewhere in the badlands then make my way to glacier.

Pm sent Bigjohn