Sturgis 2009, are you planning to attend?

2008 brought a considerable drop in attendance at most bike rallies. Higher gas prices and the slow economy are the main cause but also the bike builders, Orange County Choppers, West Coast Choppers and the bike build off  craze has dropped. The “Big 4” bike rallies, Sturgis, Daytona Beach, Myrtle Beach Bike Week and Laconia have all reported a significant decrease in attendance. With Laconia Motorcycle Week going on now and Sturgis coming up in August, hopes are high for the promoters.
The Sturgis Bike Rally started in 1938 as a weekend event featuring a motorcycle race, stunt competitions and hill climb. Nine riders signed up for the event!

Who could have imagined that 71 years later it would still be going on and continues to grow every year? The event was canceled for 2 years during the war. After the war it continued growing and in 1990 it was estimated that 400,000 bikers had attended. 600,000 in 2000! There were also 197 marriage licenses issued that year, it seems getting married at the rally is turning into an event in itself.

Well the 69th annual Sturgis Bike Rally starts August 3rd and runs through the 9th. Of course if you’ve been before you know it actually starts in July with the Riders Rally and Bike Build Off. If you plan to attend and you haven’t made hotel reservations, good luck! But give it a shot, Sturgis Reservations.
 

If you’re planning to camp out there’s several campgrounds you can get in contact with.
The Buffalo Chip being the most famous along with The Broken Spoke.
They’ve both got plenty of entertainment, featuring live music, food and beverages and contests also the most expensive in the camping venue. Some would say well worth it.

Another spot to check into, although a bit off the beaten path and low keyed is
Bobby’s Black Hills Motorcycle Campground 
Low key is great if you want to get away from the constant roar and get some sleep at night. Unlike The Buffalo Chip and Broken Spoke which has something going on all night every night. Bobby’s is located in Belle Fourche, just 35 minutes from Sturgis. They are a private campground with full RV hookups and room for 125 tents or pop-up campers, as well as eight sleeping huts and 35 campers for rent.

Also check with Judy at the Shade Valley Campground located east of Sturgis on hwy 34. Offering the ultimate location, just 12 minutes from the Sturgis Main Street, 10 minutes from the infamous Full Throttle Saloon, 10 minutes to the new concert venue at Glencoe and six minutes from the Buffalo Chip.