Of course one of the things expected during a rally of any
sort is a large crowd, and that's not attractive to all riders.
Large crowds mean lots of noise and more people on the
roads. And that's not a good thing for some who want to enjoy the Black Hills a
little more peacefully.
"We come out here early just to get the hills to
ourselves," said "Red Man" of Chicago, IL.
And they're not alone, many out touring the week before had the same
reasons for coming early.
"Get in a little better rides, crowds not as big, but I
mean the crowd makes the rally," said Ken Morris of Savannah, GA.
"Its just better riding, not as many bikes on the road
and not as many vehicles, so this makes it more pleasant," said Curtis Worden of Northern Alabama.
Better rides like the scenic route through Spearfish Canyon, are part of what draws so many here for the rally.
"Our first day we went through the Badlands, the next
day we did Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. [Wednesday] we're going through Spearfish Canyon, it's been great ya its been awesome," said Worden.
"Black Hills has gotta be... Needles Highway which is
the most popular ride of all, everybody comes to do it," said Morris.
Though relatively uncrowded now, traffic will increase
during the start of rally. And some love it so much they drive across the
county to get here.
"Black Hills, gathering of good people and great
friends, why else is there not to come? I drive 2000 miles every year to do
it," said Morris smiling.
And even though they may disagree on timing, everybody
agrees they enjoy the rally and the Black Hills.
"They say its God's country and I kinda believe
it," said Worden.
"It's a comradery of people, I've made a lot of good
friends here," said Morris.
Early rally numbers so far are holding in par with last
years. But, with an increase in reservations, and more steady fuel
prices, a lot of people in Sturgis are still looking for a big rally this
year.
The official start to this year's Sturgis Rally is this Friday, August 3rd.
