Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2009, is OVER!

The 69th annual Motorcycle Rally held in Sturgis, SD ends today. Yesterday was the last full day so Pat and I decided to give it a look. Since we both highly believe in riding with the protection of "Leathers" and had gotten rid of our old set, we hoped we could find some good prices. Besides, although we have been in the area for the last 15 summers, 1995 was the last time we actually went to the Rally in the town of Sturgis. That was the first year we came out here from our home in Tallahassee, FL. and we brought our Harley "Hugger" with us. We rode that Harley up and down the streets of Sturgis. I said NEVER again would I do that... I experienced it once and THAT was enough for me. It's just too crowded.
(click on all pictures to enlarge)

Here is Pat standing in front of a Video Screen at State Farm's Booth with Main Street Sturgis showing in the background. That's the 'easy" way to see it.

Here is the REAL picture. Enlarge this picture and see how heavy the traffic is. This was taken about 1:30 pm yesterday. There are 4-5 solid blocks just like this. The sidewalks were packed with people and it got thicker and thicker. Soon you could hardly walk. 2 blocks of it and we both decided that was enough. I told Pat "lets get outta here" and she replied "good idea"! Neither of us do crowds very well.

Pat is standing on the sidewalk in front of the Hot Leather Shop that we found to have the best quality and priced "leathers" around. They actually have 4 big shops like this in Sturgis, one of them stays there year around and is open 7 days a week. Lots of neat stuff! Pat found herself a nice new outfit and I got some great chaps.

Now to pay the "ouch" bill......she even paid for mine!!! As I mentioned, after we walked and elbowed our way down the streets for a couple blocks, we hi-tailed it to our ride. Oh, we didn't ride the Softail. We brought the Honda...the 4 wheel one...the CRV. I know, I know, we're chicken! What do they say, 'a little older, a little wiser"... ya that's it!! Plus, "been there, done that"!
As we were headed out of town, Pat spotted this "Stretch" Limo. I had to get a picture. It said "Sturgis Rally Scenic Tours". It's a JEEP, first jeep limo I've seen!
There was a full lot of TRIKES and a large Semi truck and trailer selling and servicing nothing but Trikes. Here is a sharp one! The amount of Trikes we saw this year in the Hills is simply amazing. They are sure becoming popular. Pat would like to have one. However, we just don't have room to haul it. I do admit, they would be somewhat safer. Anyway, I LOVE my Softail Classic. We loaded it on the Volvo the other day and found it fits JUST FINE!!! I was worried it wouldn't, because it's quite a bit wider than the Marauder was.

Lots of other things happened this week and we had some wonderful surprise guests, but I'll have to wait until next time. These Blogs have a tendency to get too long.

Thanks for stopping by. See ya Wednesday. Hope you all are having a wonderful summer!!

It was a GREAT WEEK!!!

Mike



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