Sturgis News/Photos 3

Photos
Good  Morning all,

My  first day at Sturgis was exciting and exhausting.  I don't think anything, photos included can prepare you for the large scale of this event.  We arrived  downtown at 7AM and parked on the main street directly in front of the Rally Headquarters, and in front of a Harley Davidson Photo shoot.  You will see the models in one of the photos.  Marv took us to a saloon that served breakfast, and after a hearty meal we were off and walking and walking and walking.  The displays, vendors etc. go on forever.  Fortunately my boots are very light and comfortable.  If it has anything to do with motorcycles it is here.  Even on the billboards along interstate 90 there are ads for motorcycle equipment that you wouldn't see anywhere else.  The heat was present as was the constant sound of thunder.  Not the storm type but the roar of motorcycles. 

We must have seen millions of T Shirts and of course we all had to try to make sure they were purchased so none were left over for next year.  By noon we were ready to sit down and get something to eat.  We walked into the Jack Daniels bar and turned right around due to the sheer numbers of people in the building.  Speaking of buildings, every store in this town that was once some sort of everyday business has been turned over ( I am sure for a hefty price) to a motorcycle vendor of some sort or another.  The J&P Cycles store was a used car dealership and now it is completely stocked with m/c parts, just like it had been that all along.  The large vendor companies must spend a fortune transporting, stocking and staffing these enterprises.  But the sheer number of customers makes it worthwhile.  I watched as people spent money hand over fist for everything from luggage, seat cushions to whatever you can imagine.  There are also enterprising young women will will pose for photos with you for a fee.  Of course they are not wearing much  but a skimpy bikini.  I am able to honestly report none of the Sturgis 4 got their photos taken.

Around 2pm we decided to leave town and head back to Rapid City to the Harley Dealer.  You would think that with the number of motorcycles in the downtown Sturgis area there wouldn't be many left to see.  How wrong you would be.  All along the city streets out of town there were lines of bikes waiting to get downtown.  Along this route are residences that rent out there yards to tenters.  The lawns covered with canvas and nylon.  Many had lawn chairs with residents lined up watching the greatest show on earth.  Once we hit the freeway it was more motorycles.  Wherever you go you can't escape them.  When we got to the Harley Dealer we found thousands more motorcycles parked and their owners looking for something they could most likely do without.  The staff alone numbered in the hundreds.  By the end of the day we were ready for a shower and a cocktail.  Tomorrow it is off to the Civic Center and Deadwood.  I will keep you posted. 

Mike