Thank you for your positive report about our Rally. I've lived in the Black Hills for nearly forty years. The shooting at Legion Lake near Custer is the first serious violent event that I can remember in all those years of Rally watching. I think we do a rather remarkable job accomodating over half a million bikers for the week/10 days. Years ago, it was smaller and seemed to have a wilder crowd. In recent years, it has turned into a more "family friendly" event. Now the Rally covers the whole Black Hills, not just Sturgis. Each small town in the Hills tries to have events to draw the bikers (and their dollars). We own a sizable amount of forested acres in the Hills and each year our group of biker friends and family grows. Some of them don't even ride.....they just enjoy the reunion. They all bring their tents and just camp out on our property. I offer a buffet breakfast each morning and clean bathrooms. We have never had a problem and, in fact, look forward to it each year.
We are all upset over the incident last week and hate to see that one tragedy with some really bad dudes, ruin a great event.
My biggest complaint is what I consider price gouging by the gas stations and motels. I guess that is just capitalism at work, but I don't like it.
"Thank you for your positive report about our Rally. I've lived in the Black Hills for nearly forty years."
The breakfast buffet sounds great. I stopped attending the Sturgis Rally after 2002 for a lot of reasons, mostly because I had been there so many times that there was nothing new to see and I live 2100 miles away.
I suggest to everyone, bikers and otherwise, that they check out that region of the country. It is unlike any place I have ever been.
Living in New Hampshire, I am sick to death of trees, hills and rocks (and rude New York tourists). In western South Dakota, I can go from landscapes reminiscent of the grand canyon to the rockies to the desert in 90 minutes.
My favorite ride is Iron Mountain Road and the Custer Park. Having to stop to let bighorn sheep and buffalo cross the road is something you simply cannot experience in the northeast.
I recommend a trip to the Black Hills a few weeks before or after Sturgis bike week.
On the other hand, if you are a hard core biker with any brand of bike, (including the silliest of scooters) you should experience Sturgis bike week at least once. Anybody who tells you about violence or lack of civility is full of crap.
The breakfast buffet at the VFW is always fun and beers at Buck n' Gator is worth the trip.