The 2025 Calendar Voting is now live! Click here to vote!

Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Public Ride & Trip report sub-forum.

Ride reports (RR) posted here are view-able to non-member readers, no log in will be required to visit this sub-forum - use this sub-forum if you want friends, family, co-workers who are not members of the site to be able to read and follow along.
User avatar
bigjohnsd
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6043
Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 4:28 pm
FJRModel: 2021 BMW R1250GSA "Gray Ghost II"
Location: Black Hills, SD I-90 Exit 14
x 10185
x 9558

Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by bigjohnsd »







Last edited by bigjohnsd on Tue Aug 08, 2023 5:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
D-Eagle and wheatonFJR loved this
"The only Dumb Question is the unasked Question " - Anonymous
Eat every Sandwich like it is your last!
User avatar
raYzerman
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 9680
Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:49 am
FJRModel: 2010 Honda CBF1000FA
Location: Millgrove, Ontario, CA
x 3133
x 11597

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by raYzerman »

I'm sure it's wonderful for some.... but last place I want to be.
fontanaman, bigjohnsd, Auburn and 5 others loved this
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
User avatar
Pterodactyl
Veteran
Posts: 2460
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2015 2:16 pm
FJRModel: R1250GSA w/ Sidecar
Location: Big Sky Country
x 665
x 6634

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by Pterodactyl »

John, I suggest you start a YouTube channel on which you post videos of the rally. You can ride around the various venues, roads, bars, etc with cameras mounted on your bike and helmet. It would be very popular and with your added narrative provide an insiders look at the rally. Just think of the fun you’ll have riding with all the pros that attend the rally.
Kevin
The Outpost
Silver City, MT

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.
M. Tyson
User avatar
FJRoss
Veteran
Posts: 2682
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2018 7:41 pm
FJRModel: 2011 FJR 1300
2017 BMW F700GS
Location: Fredericton NB (Canada)
x 816
x 2407

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by FJRoss »

Pterodactyl wrote: Thu Aug 03, 2023 8:39 am John, I suggest you start a YouTube channel on which you post videos of the rally. You can ride around the various venues, roads, bars, etc with cameras mounted on your bike and helmet. It would be very popular and with your added narrative provide an insiders look at the rally. Just think of the fun you’ll have riding with all the pros that attend the rally.
He would be especially popular on the BMW.
BkerChuck
Veteran
Posts: 1800
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2016 7:02 am
FJRModel: 2014 FJR1300A
x 2719
x 3057

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by BkerChuck »

I went once, more than 20 years ago. That was enough. Love the area though and will go back someday just not for pirate week.
FJRPittsburgh loved this
ImageImageImage

IBA #50866
User avatar
raYzerman
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 9680
Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:49 am
FJRModel: 2010 Honda CBF1000FA
Location: Millgrove, Ontario, CA
x 3133
x 11597

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by raYzerman »

We have a tradition here where bikers gather in Port Dover every Friday the 13th..... I think the biggest record crowd was 140,000 and I happened to be there that day, don't ask me why....... so now I tell everyone the best day to go there on that weekend is the 12th, and even then......
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
User avatar
bungie4
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6984
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 7:43 pm
FJRModel: 2013 FJR 1300
x 3768
x 6392

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by bungie4 »

raYzerman wrote: Thu Aug 03, 2023 1:58 pm We have a tradition here where bikers gather in Port Dover every Friday the 13th..... I think the biggest record crowd was 140,000 and I happened to be there that day, don't ask me why....... so now I tell everyone the best day to go there on that weekend is the 12th, and even then......
I was there that day when Guinness Book of Records was counting. The largest single day motorcycle event ever recorded.

I'd go back in a heartbeat. My dad lived in Port Dover, and that Friday was the last time i ever saw him.
WWPD.
#SnowMexican
Choo choo mf'r.
D.F.I.U.N.
User avatar
bigjohnsd
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6043
Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 4:28 pm
FJRModel: 2021 BMW R1250GSA "Gray Ghost II"
Location: Black Hills, SD I-90 Exit 14
x 10185
x 9558

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by bigjohnsd »

I rode over this morning to see my old friends at Memphis Shades before the rain started this afternoon.

It becomes more of a Geezerfest every year.

Saw a bunch of Hell's Angels, haven't been many for a few years, I think their national run is going on, they are camping in Spearfish I hear.

Supposed to be cool and wet through Saturday night, I can't imagine how much fun it is to camp in the mud at the Buffalo Chip and listen to all the short dicks revving their straight-piped engines and playing their too-loud stereos.

Coming home on I-90 I damn near got run off the road while overtaking an old pickup, I was just behind his door when he came into the left lane, and I managed to move onto the left shoulder and slow so as to not be hit. I told him he was number #1 as I passed him later.
wheatonFJR, Hppants, El Toro Joe and 1 others loved this
"The only Dumb Question is the unasked Question " - Anonymous
Eat every Sandwich like it is your last!
D-Eagle
Veteran
Posts: 1406
Joined: Mon Jun 23, 2014 1:16 pm
FJRModel: 2014 FJR
2003 Honda VTX1800
2023 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
Location: Clarkston MI
x 2570
x 2707

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by D-Eagle »

raYzerman wrote: Thu Aug 03, 2023 1:58 pm We have a tradition here where bikers gather in Port Dover every Friday the 13th..... I think the biggest record crowd was 140,000 and I happened to be there that day, don't ask me why....... so now I tell everyone the best day to go there on that weekend is the 12th, and even then......
Been there many times for that. Good people watching for sure. Best thing I've seen was a bunch of women dressed up as super heroes (wonder woman, supergirl, etc) running with blade runner type shoes. Cool and WTF at the same time.
SE Ohio: Never trust a hill.
User avatar
bigjohnsd
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6043
Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 4:28 pm
FJRModel: 2021 BMW R1250GSA "Gray Ghost II"
Location: Black Hills, SD I-90 Exit 14
x 10185
x 9558

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by bigjohnsd »

It is a cool (mid-60s) wet day here and will remain wet through Saturday.
I watch the arriving bikes head east on I-90 from my living room and wonder just how much fun they will have arriving wet at a muddy campground and setting up camp in the rain.

Rooms are generally booked, no dry options remain. Ol' Jack Daniels kills all pain! I guess
"The only Dumb Question is the unasked Question " - Anonymous
Eat every Sandwich like it is your last!
User avatar
0face
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 3786
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 4:30 pm
FJRModel: 2008
Location: Chandler, AZ
x 3362
x 5552

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by 0face »

@bigjohnsd when can we expect you to make an appearance on camera?
wheatonFJR loved this
User avatar
gixxerjasen
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6024
Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:50 pm
FJRModel: 2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE
Location: DFW
x 5598
x 9262

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by gixxerjasen »

bigjohnsd wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 6:08 pm It is a cool (mid-60s) wet day here and will remain wet through Saturday.
I watch the arriving bikes head east on I-90 from my living room and wonder just how much fun they will have arriving wet at a muddy campground and setting up camp in the rain.

Rooms are generally booked, no dry options remain. Ol' Jack Daniels kills all pain! I guess
Aren't they all in toy haulers?
Festus and wheatonFJR loved this
YouTube Channel | My Blog
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L

I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
User avatar
Bounce
Veteran
Posts: 3954
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 10:19 am
FJRModel: 2003
x 7355
x 3491

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by Bounce »

I love the Sturgis area but not what it turns into for 2-4 weeks every summer. Love to ride all over the place but not at -10.
User avatar
bigjohnsd
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6043
Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 4:28 pm
FJRModel: 2021 BMW R1250GSA "Gray Ghost II"
Location: Black Hills, SD I-90 Exit 14
x 10185
x 9558

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by bigjohnsd »

0face wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 7:56 pm @bigjohnsd when can we expect you to make an appearance on camera?
NOT!
"The only Dumb Question is the unasked Question " - Anonymous
Eat every Sandwich like it is your last!
User avatar
bigjohnsd
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6043
Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 4:28 pm
FJRModel: 2021 BMW R1250GSA "Gray Ghost II"
Location: Black Hills, SD I-90 Exit 14
x 10185
x 9558

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by bigjohnsd »

Showers, isolated thunderstorms, fog, and low clouds will all be common today with highs only in the upper 50s to upper 60s. Conditions over the southern and central hills and foothills will begin to see improving weather conditions around noon today, but the northern hills and foothills, especially from Sturgis to Spearfish and the Lead/Deadwood areas, won’t begin to see much improvement until early this evening. Rainfall amounts will continue to be spotty, with a quick 1/2” to inch possible. Gusty northwest winds will increase from Rapid City to the Badlands, with wind speeds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts of 35 to 40 mph this afternoon. Winds will begin to subside around sunset and lows tonight will range from the mid 40s to mid 50s.
Image
"The only Dumb Question is the unasked Question " - Anonymous
Eat every Sandwich like it is your last!
User avatar
Cav47
Veteran
Posts: 4091
Joined: Sun Feb 16, 2014 7:42 pm
FJRModel: 2015 ES well appointed FJR
2012 KLX 250S
2022 Honda CRF450RL
Location: Central Illinois.
x 11435
x 8227

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by Cav47 »

^^^^^ just think, The wind is blowing faster than your ride your bike. Leaves and dust pass you up in your 2x2 pirate parade. What a waste of great roads, scenery, and technology.
Bounce and wheatonFJR loved this
I often have found myself when I was not looking, nor did that discovery take place where I thought it would!

Image
User avatar
bigjohnsd
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6043
Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 4:28 pm
FJRModel: 2021 BMW R1250GSA "Gray Ghost II"
Location: Black Hills, SD I-90 Exit 14
x 10185
x 9558

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by bigjohnsd »

It is Sunday, the sun is finally out, I left home at 0800 and headed to our little BMW group "Rally Avoidance Coffee" on a ranch SE of Rapid City. I took I-90 down but road up through the Black Hills with thousands of my friends on my way home.

Image

We had a pretty good turnout for this group, at one point I counted eleven folks sitting on the porch. Not all made my photos.

Image

Image

Image I don't know why but I cant make the video of the group show a preview, click on it if you are interested.

On my way home the traffic was heavy and slow on US 385 from Hill City to SD 44, speeds averaged 40-45 mph, once North of SD 44 speeds were 40-55 with lots of Southbound traffic but not much headed North.
Bounce, Cav47, wheatonFJR and 1 others loved this
"The only Dumb Question is the unasked Question " - Anonymous
Eat every Sandwich like it is your last!
User avatar
Pterodactyl
Veteran
Posts: 2460
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2015 2:16 pm
FJRModel: R1250GSA w/ Sidecar
Location: Big Sky Country
x 665
x 6634

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by Pterodactyl »

I see the judge made it.
bigjohnsd loved this
Kevin
The Outpost
Silver City, MT

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.
M. Tyson
User avatar
bigjohnsd
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6043
Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 4:28 pm
FJRModel: 2021 BMW R1250GSA "Gray Ghost II"
Location: Black Hills, SD I-90 Exit 14
x 10185
x 9558

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by bigjohnsd »

Pterodactyl wrote: Sun Aug 06, 2023 5:42 pm I see the judge made it.
Came by truck :(
"The only Dumb Question is the unasked Question " - Anonymous
Eat every Sandwich like it is your last!
User avatar
Abercrombie FJR
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1061
Joined: Sat May 04, 2013 3:57 pm
FJRModel: 2014 ES
Location: North Dakota
x 494
x 1780

Re: Sturgis - 2023 - Live

Post by Abercrombie FJR »

Pterodactyl wrote: Sun Aug 06, 2023 5:42 pm I see the judge made it.
And my Dual sport buddy LonsomeDave who introduced me to dual sporting the Black Hills made it.
bigjohnsd loved this
Have you done anything to improve your rider skills or knowledge lately?

2014 FJR, 2013 Super Tenere, 2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950SP, 2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S, 2006 Ducati 999, 2018 Beta 500 RR-S, 2016 Scorpa 300, 2020 Yamaha WR250R.
Post Reply