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Sturgis

Local Colorado Business Owner Inducted into the 2020 Sturgis Hall of Fame

September 8, 2020 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to attend the 2020 Sturgis Hall of Fame breakfast to watch my dear friend and mentor Vicki San Felipo, founder of Road Guardians be inducted in the Sturgis Hall of Fame.  It is quite an honor for a woman rider to be recognized by your peers for such a prestigious award in this industry.  You quickly realize upon arrival that you are witnessing a part of motorcycle history and that there are so many riders/business owners that have given their lives to the sport of motorcycle riding and fight every day to make the industry better.

Midway thru the breakfast a familiar name was announced.  Arlin Fatland owner of 2 Wheelers motorcycle shop, Denver Colorado.  I quickly rushed up there to be front and center to see one of our own Colorado business owners be inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame.  Here is a little background about Arlin.

He owns and operate one of the few original, independent motorcycle shops that have held firm to their traditions over the decade with 50 years in the same location.  Innovative from the start, 2 Wheelers became known for carrying the newest components, manufacturing their own after-market parts, and their catalog since the 1970’s.

Arlin also build custom choppers and his bikes are regularly featured in magazines.  He has been attending Daytona and Sturgis every year since the 1970’s too and has opened stores in both locations to fulfill the needs of riders.

Arlin has also worked with the Hamsters for over 40 years in various charity efforts industry wide.  The story of 2 Wheelers and Arlin is one of steady, consistent, and humble industry engagement fueled by an unabashed love of motorcycle and riders.

He was incredibly humbled by the roar of the crowd as he walked up to speak, and after he thanked the Hall of Fame and others that had helped him get there, he turned to his 30 year life-long partner, the back bone of the business and the back bone of ME, and in front of everyone asked Donna Malfin to marry him.  Our congratulations to Arlin, Donna and look forward to another 50 years of 2 Wheelers being a staple in the Denver motorcycle riding community.

Filed Under: Awards, Magazine Tagged With: Hall of Fame, Sturgis

What does Summer Riding Look Like in 2020?

June 5, 2020 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

As we enter June and begin to see restrictions lifted and our local biker bars open, the reality of COVID is still with our riding community, biker owned businesses, dealerships, and charities. The summer (June thru August) it would normally be difficult to find a weekend that there wasn’t a charitable ride or rally that a rider could head to on the weekend.

The shut down in April and May saw events canceled or rescheduled to another date in the fall. High profile rides/rally’s such as Arizona Bike Week (rescheduled to October), Red River bike rally (canceled), The Chicano Pride Ride, Realities Ride for Kids reluctantly canceled for this year and BikerDown’s Look Twice Ride was rescheduled to September 5th. All 3 of these charities use the funds raised at their annual rides to help the community and will find themselves struggling to maintain the services people are a custom to receiving.

June events such as the Freedom Fest, Rocky Mountain HOG, Tejon Street fest and MDA Ride for life have all been canceled for 2020 and July events – Greeley Stampede and Cheyenne Frontier Days are looking to 2021.

“At  the moment, The 28th annual salute American veterans rally in Cripple Creek is a GO! We are making all plans and preparations and are hopeful that the event is going to happen.  Having said that, the first hurdle is to get Cripple Creek open. The governor has not yet allowed the casinos to open up and without the casinos and supporting hotels, restaurants etc., it makes no sense to expect that we could pull the rally off.”

— Jim Wear, American Veterans Rally

80th Sturgis Rally 

The Sturgis Rally is months away and experts predict the coronavirus will have peaked and continue to be in decline before the end of summer save and except for a spike now that restrictions nationwide have been lifted. The concern for the City of Sturgis isn’t the COVID numbers in South Dakota, but the fact that hundreds of thousands of riders will come from all over the country. The City of Sturgis has yet to make the final determination on whether the 80th rally will go on as scheduled. They are set to decide no later than June 15th . 

The City of Sturgis only controls what happens in Sturgis city limits and the vast majority of Rally activities (including riding, camping and events) happen at venues and campgrounds outside of the city limits it would take more than the city banning people from town to shut down the Sturgis Rally

Here is an updated list of all the Sturgis Rally venues that have stated their position regarding the coronavirus below:

Sturgis Buffalo Chip – Moving forward as planned. They have had one band cancelation but say they are looking for replacements for any bands that cancel.

  • Glencoe Camp Resort – Moving forward as planned.
  • Pappy Hoel Campground – Moving forward as planned.
  • City of Deadwood – moving forward as planned.
  • City of Rapid City – 100% planning on rally

Colorado Rider News will continue to keep readers updated on any decisions that are made.

BEST RIDES IN COLORADO

Instead of stressing over events outside of Colorado, here is a list of the top 10 Colorado Destinations to ride locally

1. MOUNT EVANS SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

As the highest paved road in North America, the Mount Evans Road rises to a height of 14,130 feet above sea level. Begin your trip in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs. From town, travel south on Highway 103 to the junction of Highway 5, the entrance to Mount Evans Road. Groves of pine trees first greet you on this section, but gradually give way once the timberline is breeched. Riding along the exposed mountainside, you’ll get a magnificent view of glacier-cut valleys and a seemingly endless horizon of sharp rocky peaks. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are often seen grazing roadside. Be aware: The guardrails disappear up here, so caution is advised as you traverse the switchbacks to the top. (Read about other famous Colorado peaks).

  • Distance: 28 miles (one way)
  • Route: Idaho Springs to Mount Evans
  • Travel time: 1 hour

2. TRAIL RIDGE ROAD SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

One of the best ways to see Rocky Mountain National Park is on a motorcycle. Mount Evans Road may be the highest paved road, but Trail Ride Road Scenic and Historical Byway is the highest paved road in the United States that doesn’t dead-end. The grandeur of rocky peaks and lush blankets of pine trees accompany you through this route. Keep your eyes open for grazing elk, bighorn sheep and other animals — they’re common visitors to the roadside and surrounding cliffs. The ride combines straightaways with twists in the road that showcase all aspects of the park’s beauty. Tundra with brush no higher than a few feet is a contrast to the granite peaks of the Rockies that loom like immovable giants.

  • Distance: 48 miles (one way)
  • Route: Estes Park to Grand Lake 
  • Travel time: 2–3 hours

3. SANTA FE TRAIL SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

The original Santa Fe Trail carried pioneers and traders hundreds of miles over the prairie to points west during the 1800s. The trail is still in use today, but as the Sante Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway, taking travelers through a history-laden slice of Colorado. At certain points, you can even see the wagon ruts of original pioneers winding their way through the prairie grasses. This route is almost completely straight and is a relatively easy, though longer, drive. Midway on the trip sits one of Colorado’s most significant and historic treasures, Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site. Originally built in 1833 as a trading post along the Santa Fe Trail, it became a cultural meeting place. This route also takes you through the Comanche National Grassland, where the land still grows the original prairie that the pioneers saw when forging through the plains.

  • Distance: 184 miles (one way)
  • Route: Trinidad to Lamar
  • Travel time: 4 hours

4. SAN JUAN SKYWAY SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

Mountains here look as if they were painted. Crimsons bleed into purples and grays with vibrancy nearly unmatched by other peaks. The San Juan Skyway traverses multiple mountain passes that each rise more than 11,000 feet above sea level. The towns that you’ll pass through on this route are renowned for their history and beauty. Both Telluride and Silverton are rich in mining lore, and Cortez and Mancos stand at the entrance to perhaps the best Ancestral Puebloan site in the nation, Mesa Verde National Park. On the San Juan Skyway you can ride on what’s known in Colorado as the “Million Dollar Highway.” This specific stretch runs from Ouray to Silverton. Sights of Mount Wilson, Mount Eolus and Mount Sneffels — some of the highest mountains in the United States — also showcase their grandeur from roadside vistas.

  • Distance: 236 miles (loop)
  • Route: Cortez, Telluride, Placerville, Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton and Durango
  • Travel time: 6 hours

5. UNAWEEP/TABEGUACHE SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

This section of highway played an integral role in World War II: The uranium used in the country’s first atomic bombs was mined near Uravan, the midway point of the Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway. There’s more history here than just the A-bomb. Precambrian dinosaur and amphibian fossils have been found within the striated red sandstone canyon walls that surround the road. The byway cuts through a canyon for most of the way and follows the Dolores and San Miguel rivers. Through the years, these rivers slowly ate away at the soft sandstone creating the flattop canyon through which you’ll ride. 

  • Distance: 133 miles (one way)
  • Route: Whitewater to Placerville
  • Travel time: 3 hours

6. FRONTIER PATHWAYS SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

The Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway charts a course through an area that was once a true cultural crossroads. These foothills to the Rockies were used by Ute Indians, Spanish and American explorers, fur trappers, ranchers, prospectors and now by visitors seeking stunning mountain views and prairie buttes. The journey takes you from the town of Pueblo and twice through the San Isabel National Forest. As you enter the San Isabel National Forest the first time, the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains make their presence known through astonishing vistas showcasing their high pinnacles and craggy outcroppings. The ride then takes you to the town of Westcliffe at the base of this range, then doubles back to the southern passage through the forest and ends in Colorado City, where flat-topped prairie buttes jut out from the prairie.

  • Distance: 103 miles (one way)
  • Route: Pueblo to Westcliffe to Colorado City 
  • Travel time: 3.5 hours

7. PAWNEE PIONEER TRAILS SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY 

Two of the most well-known buttes in Colorado’s prairie stand stark against the flat surroundings, the Pawnee Buttes. Their white and gray striations show the passage of time through geology and give you a view into the height of the original landscape. The ride here is flat and open, and travels through pristine and protected prairie. The Pawnee National Grassland dominates much to the landscape and provides you with a look into exactly the same terrain pioneers encountered in the 1800s. Pronghorn antelope — the fastest land mammal in North America — can often be seen, as can coyotes, prairie dogs and hundreds of bird species.

  • Distance: 128 miles (one way)
  • Route: Sterling to Fort Morgan to Ault
  • Travel time: 3 hours

8. TOP OF THE ROCKIES SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the United States, is found along the Top of the Rockies Byway at an elevation of 10,200 feet. As high as this town is, it’s dwarfed by the two tallest peaks in Colorado, Mount Massive (14,421 feet) and Mount Elbert (14,440 feet). This route also crosses the Continental Divide twice and follows the Arkansas River nearly to its headwaters. Mining history is tucked into the scenery along this byway. Millions of dollars worth of precious metal was extracted from the mountains in the area in the 1800s, and Leadville proved to be the silver queen of the Rockies, providing one of the richest silver veins in the state.

  • Distance: 75 miles (one way)
  • Route: Twin Lakes to Minturn and the junction of Hwy. 70 and Hwy. 91
  • Travel time: 2 hours

9. INDEPENDENCE PASS

Due to the high altitude and winter road conditions, this route is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The road rises to its peak at 12,095 feet on Independence Pass. Aspens and evergreens dissolve into each other as a lush valley meanders below, and the surrounding mountains provide jagged lines against the sharp blue sky. The ski towns of Aspen and Snowmass are also found along this stretch of highway. Glenwood Springs is found on the northern entrance to this route and is world-famous for its claim to the largest improved hot springs in the world. Between Glenwood Springs and the tiny town of Basalt, look to the south for a view of the scene-stealing grandeur of Mount Sopris. 

  • Distance: 80 miles (one way)
  • Route: Highway 82 southeast from Glenwood Springs to Twin Lakes 
  • Travel time: 2 hours

10. LOS CAMINOS ANTIGUOS SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

From the oldest towns to the highest sand dunes, Los Caminos Antiguos incorporates many of Colorado’s most intriguing sites. One of the first towns you’ll venture through is Conejos. Here, Colorado’s oldest Catholic parish still stands — Our Lady of Guadalupe, built in 1858. Continuing along the byway brings you to the town of San Luis, Colorado’s oldest surviving community, dating back to 1851. On the mesa adjacent to town is the spiritually inspiring Stations of the Cross, a string of bronze statues, each representing a moment during Christ’s crucifixion. Nearly 15 miles from San Luis is the town of Fort Garland, home to Colorado’s oldest military post, constructed in 1858 and once commanded by the legendary Civil War hero Kit Carson. North of Fort Garland are North America’s highest sand dunes — Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. 

  • Distance: 129 miles (one way)
  • Route: New Mexico border to Alamosa
  • Travel time: 3 hours

Filed Under: Community, Events, Magazine, Ride Tagged With: 06/20, COVID, Sturgis, Summer Ride

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse: Open & Ready for Business in Sturgis

July 29, 2019 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

Here in Denver as we drive on I-25 you can hear the roll of riders heading up to Sturgis for the 79th Rally and I for one am getting excited for Rally. Mark and Cari drove up a week ago to get everything ready. Dirty Dogs Sturgis will be OPEN and ready to welcome Colorado riders to their own LOCAL bar. A place where you recognize most of the faces there and are greeted by STAFF from HOME!

People don’t go to Sturgis for the food and I worry sometimes when I go to some of the food vendors cooking outside under those tents, but the food at Dirty Dogs is served hot/fresh and made to order and the menu has many of the traditional items that we all have grown to love.  

Need service done to your bike? Sturgis Cycle will be open and are conveniently located right next door, so if you need service or your bike breaks down, send it to a shop that has been there for 14 years and worked on by someone you know. Sturgis Cycle is an authorized dealer for Amsoil and can do most bike repairs, tire changes and oil changes

We have confirmed Bag Lady Sue will be on the Rider Justice stage in Sturgis on August 5th & 6th and Bags will be sure to not disappoint. 

The new bar/restaurant is located at 1025 Junction Avenue and is right across from the Sturgis Harley Davidson store.

Filed Under: Business, Magazine Tagged With: 08/19, Dirty Dogs Roadhouse, Sturgis

Sturgis Cycle for Sturgis Repairs & Maintenance

July 29, 2019 By Colorado Rider News Leave a Comment

Sturgis Cycle is connected to Dirty Dogs Roadhouse and is your ONE-STOP-SHOP for any repairs or maintenance you need done on your bike while in Sturgis.

Come to drop off your bike and then enjoy some Colorado hospitality while your bike is being worked on.

  • Bike Repairs
  • Tire Changes
  • Oil changes

Connected to your favorite Sturgis Bar: Dirty Dogs Roadhouse!

Located at Junction & Main – Directly across from Sturgis Harley-Davidson

Filed Under: Business, Magazine, Ride Tagged With: 08/19, Amsoil, bike repair, Dirty Dogs Roadhouse, Sturgis

Getting Ready for Sturgis

July 2, 2019 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

Laurie Montoya, Publisher

I am not sure if summer has really come yet, last week there was 2 feet of snow in the mountains, and it appeared that our April showers were just hitting us in June.  This has been a crazy spring and filled with its share of weather interruptions.

As many of us begin to plan our road trips and vacations, it hit me that Sturgis was just around the corner.  It will be the 79th Sturgis Rally and many Colorado riders will go this year, just to stay away from the organized chaos that is Rally on an anniversary year.  According to the data I found, on the 75th Rally, there was over 750,000 riders that rode into Sturgis, and with that kind of crowd, comes many more opportunities for things to go wrong.

Most Colorado HD riders have done Sturgis and know what to expect, but the diversity that is now Sturgis every year brings more and more different manufacturers and a new diverse crowd of riders to our once predominately Harley based event.  Women riders are growing in record numbers and venturing out on road trips on their own and Sturgis is always on their bucket list.  Colorado riders that may have never been to South Dakota will want to check out our Pre-Sturgis checklist and hopefully will be prepared and ready for a great week of Rally.

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse – Sturgis South Dakota

Colorado riders who head out to Sturgis are one of the lucky ones to have their own biker bar in downtown Sturgis.  Mark and Rob from Dirty Dogs Roadhouse are ready for their 2nd year at Rally.  What I love about having our own biker bar up there, is seeing all my Colorado friends in one spot.  Dirty Dogs is home to many of us here in Denver, and if you need to meet up with anyone, Dirty Dogs in Sturgis is where to go.  It is centrally located but a block away from most of the traffic of main street and what does that mean for you?  It is easier to get in/out of town and parking is more accessible to meet friends for a day of riding.  Plus, who doesn’t want to walk into a Sturgis bar and have the owners greet you and say how happy they are to see you.

BikerDown as always will be there to help any of our Colorado riders, and I ask everyone headed up this year, to consider joining our BikerDown Roadside $35.00 per year membership with motorcycle towing.  If you need a tow, make sure that a motorcycle towing company comes to pick up your baby.  Most riders will be shocked with what your regular insurance company considers roadside towing.  BikerDown has partnered with MTS and all riders with our membership will have NATIONWIDE towing and up to 2 motorcycle tows up to $150.00 each.  In the event of a breakdown that 35. per year can really be worth the investment and is an extra piece of mind to have when you are far away from home.

What does it mean to be a part of American Legion?

Last month I devoted a good portion of the magazine to military groups and clubs to honor them for their service to our country and community.  I ran out of space for this American Legion feature, so I hope you will take a moment to read about the progressive growth and direction American Legion and the American Legion Riders are taking.  They do a tremendous amount of charity work for our veterans and community and I wanted to honor them for the sacrifice and humanitarian efforts for our veterans.

Please ride safe out there!

Filed Under: From the Publisher, Magazine Tagged With: 07/19, Dirty Dogs Roadhouse, Sturgis

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse is getting ready for 79th Sturgis Rally

July 2, 2019 By Colorado Rider News Leave a Comment

Mark and Rob are gearing up for the 79th Sturgis Rally and will sure to not disappoint. If you are a Colorado rider, make sure you stop by Dirty Dogs Roadhouse every day for their great morning breakfast buffet, great food specials and ice-cold beverages. Rider Justice will also be giving away great prizes every day that will make your Sturgis Rally more fun.

Rob & Mark

Comfort & Entertainment

Sturgis will be overwhelmed with riders for the 79th Rally and Dirty Dogs has a 7,000 sq. foot restaurant and bar and the Rider Justice tent will be up to keep you cool in the hot weather or dry in the Sturgis rain. Mark and Rob will have great local entertainment that is also heading up to entertain our Colorado riders. There is word that Bag Lady Sue will be entertaining and what a better way to end the day, than listening to what Bags has to say.

Convenience

The new bar/restaurant is located at 1025 Junction Avenue and is right across from the Sturgis Harley Davidson store. The décor will have the same Dirty Dogs Roadhouse flare and as one owner said, we want to combine the concept of where the old Broken Spoke meets One Eyed Jacks! As we all have witnessed here in Colorado, when the owners put their mind to improving a biker bar, they pull out all the stops, with authentic vintage bikes, memorabilia that reflects a true biker bar.

Bike Service?

Need service done to your bike? Mad Dog Custom Cycle is a staple in Sturgis but is Colorado based. They are located right next door, so if you need service or your bike breaks down, send it to a shop that has been there for 14 years and worked on by someone you know.

What’s New

Colorado Rider News sat down with owners last month and here is the recap of the new improvements to the Sturgis location.

  • 7,000 sq. feet bar/restaurant with indoor and outdoor bars. They will have a massive outside tent to host all their regulars
  • DD will be bringing a limited menu of your Colorado favorites such as Cheesesteaks, and their infamous wings along with 5-6 items from their current Golden menu;
  • Breakfast Bar from 6-ish every day and a great meeting place to meet up with other riders!
  • Entertainment nightly with some of your Colorado favorites such as Dave Frisk and Tony Roserio playing during the day. Mark has some great additions in store as well.

Filed Under: Business, Magazine Tagged With: 07/19, Dirty Dogs Roadhouse, Sturgis

Getting Ready for Sturgis

July 2, 2019 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

Photo: Rex_Wholster / iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Every year many of us begin the preparation to heading to Sturgis and quickly learn that Sturgis is more than a ride it is an adventure and one that requires preparation and planning. Sturgis Rally is more than just getting on your bike and riding. If you are a new rider or this is your first year going to Sturgis, we have compiled a few tips to get your ready for a great Rally.

Filled with every type of bike imagined, giant parties and too many live concerts to count, it’s quite the experience. Also, it’s one of the few times you’ll see an entire town overrun with motorcycles. Like, the whole dang town. Unreal. When I first attended Sturgis in 2009 it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to experience it, and nothing like I expected.

In 2015, a record 739,000 motorcycles rumbled in from across the nation to attend the 75th-annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. Many riders will attend this 79th annual this year and stay away from next year’s 80th, so 2019 will be a monster of an event.

Reserve Your Accommodations Early

Considering that hundreds of thousands of bikes descend upon the Sturgis area each August, it’s not surprising that the most popular accommodations book up quickly. So, it’s important to book your lodging of choice early to guarantee that you’ll have a place to stay in or near Sturgis.

Hotels: They book up fast and are expensive. Need help finding a room? The Sturgis motorcycle rally’s website is one of the best resources for finding campgrounds, hotels and other accommodations in the Sturgis area.

Camp: Don’t Stay in a Hotel

Grabbing a night in a run-of-the-mill hotel, like a Best Western or Holiday Inn could cost you more than your motorcycle is worth. The week can range around in excess of $3,000 depending on the location. It’s not worth it. Places like the Buffalo Chip, Glencoe campground and many others have great campsites and limited cabins. A lot of the real riders don’t stay in the town of Sturgis but surrounding towns like Rapid City or Deadwood, but even then, the rates are normally considerably marked up for Rally.

Do the Maintenance on your Bike

When you prepare your motorcycle, keep in mind the number of miles you will be accumulating on your trip. If you have been putting off getting your maintenance done, make your appointment NOW, as your local dealerships and other shops begin to book up in July and if you need a lot of work done, they might not be able to fit you in. Remember, you may be adding thousands of miles to these fluids in the course of a week. The same applies to your tires, cables, spark plugs, air filter, etc.

The popular, highly accepted standard for motorcycle pre-trip inspection; is the T-CLOCS check list.

Tires and Wheels: Check your tires for tread wear, it is recommended that the tire has at least 50% of its tread. Check for any deep cuts or embedded objects such as stones, etc. In addition, the rear tire will get a flat spot and the front tire will get cupped eventually, this affects the handling ability of your motorcycle. While traveling long distances you may encounter conditions that can become harsh and climates that perhaps you’re not typically exposed to. Heavy rain is highly likely at some point during your trip, it is important that you have good tread for traction in rain conditions.

Check your rims for any dents or cracks. If you have spoke wheels, make sure they are tight and straight. A loose spoke can cause a slight wobble in your wheel and/or damage to spoke, rim and hub.

Cables and Controls: Check your brake, clutch, throttle, and shifter. Your clutch should operate smoothly. Your brakes should be firm and hold the bike from movement. Visually check all cables for any wear or frays, if you detect any problems they should be replaced. Check your brake pads for enough pad thickness, use a flashlight if necessary, to see without removing calipers.

Lights: Check your headlight, tail light, brake light, and turn signals every time you ride. If you have an additional load from camping gear, clothing, etc. . . and/or are traveling with a passenger, check the clearance under the rear fender. It is possible that the wiring can rub the tire; this will cause a break in the wire.

Oils and Fluids: Change your fluids according to your maintenance schedule. Check the levels of your fluids prior to your road trip. Consult your owner’s manual for proper levels.

Check your battery: If you have a battery that uses water, check the water levels. If you have a HD battery it is sealed and there is not any maintenance to be performed, other than ensuring the terminals are clean. Unless you have a REALLY old HD battery. In that case, you might want to replace your battery anyway.

Chassis: Inspect the chassis for cracks at gussets and accessory mounts. Check the steering for smoothness by turning the handlebars through the full operating range. Test the suspension for smooth, damped movement, and be sure to adjust it according to the load you’re carrying and your riding style, consult your owner’s manual. Harley-Davidson recommends for high-mileage bikes, that you inspect the drive belt and sprockets. Check all the fasteners for tightness. DO NOT tighten above manufacturer recommend torque ratings. Be sure you consult your owner’s manual for correct torques.

Sidestand (Kickstand): Check your kickstand for tension to be sure it remains in the up position when not in use. It is useful to bring a metal plate or piece of wood for the kickstand to rest on; you may encounter mud or extremely hot asphalt which will allow your kickstand to sink.

Photo: jmoor17 / iStock Unreleased/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Give Your Bike a Pre-trip ride

If you do decide to take or ride your own bike to Sturgis, make sure to conduct the pre-ride checkup and you should also consider taking your iron horse out for a day ride to make sure that everything is running smoothly. I just had a rider who spent $1,500.00 to have a dealership get their bike tuned up, and 100 miles into another state the bike broke down. The costs he incurred including towing, hotel and the stress of trying to find another dealership to fix the repairs he had made cost him an additional couple thousand dollars.

Ride or Trailer?

The weather in the South Dakota area can be very fickle in August and, depending on where you live, it could be a very long ride to Sturgis. If you have never made that long of a ride, you might want to considering hauling or trailering it yourself.

While many will tell you, you didn’t do Sturgis if you didn’t ride there, when camping and wanting any level of comfort while camping, trailering allows you to pack with all the essentials that you will need. Forgetting things and buying them there, can really be costly, so if cost is an issue… make sure you bring it with you

Gas Stations and other services can be few and far between on the roads in and leading up to South Dakota. So, it’s important not to play chicken with your gas tank. To be safe, top off your gas tank whenever it gets to be about half empty.

Follow the Rules of the Road

The police force in town seem to make their bonuses during this week – often camped between the bars on the outskirts of town, like Full Throttle and Buffalo Chip, where it’s a 35-mph speed limit. They’re in heavy force looking for drunk riders and speeders.

Don’t even roll through a stop sign or run 5 mph over the speed limit unless you want to take home a souvenir from the cops.  Make sure that you don’t ROLL thru stop signs and NOT put both feet down before going thru. Also, it is important to know that if you receive a ticket or fine during Sturgis, Law Enforcement will require you to pay the ticket/fine right there on the spot.

Last and most important, don’t drink and drive! Enjoy your ride and then pop a cold one when you get back to camp or your hotel. If you do have drinks while you are riding, call a cab, use the bus transportation, but please don’t try to ride your bike back to camp. Many of the biker bars in Sturgis understand wanting to have fun and will help you get home safe and sound. Also remember that the Sturgis police department will tow your bike on main street if it is left past 3am, but you will want to look for the signs to be sure.

Watch Your Money

Everything in Sturgis costs money. Everything. If you want to explore any of the numerous state and national parks you can expect to pay admission (these parks offer great scenery, so you may want to consider getting an annual pass – especially in the case of national parks). The Crazy Horse Memorial, which has grown in popularity over the years, also charges admission but is worth the admission and the Crazy Horse center provides a lot of information and an opportunity to cool off on a hot day.

Not a Harley-Davidson Only Event Anymore

Sturgis once had a reputation for being a Hogs-only event. And while most of the motorcycles at this rally are still Harleys, bikes from other manufacturers are showing up in larger numbers than before. If you own an Indian or a Kawasaki, you don’t have to leave your bike at home in order to enjoy the festivities

Side Trips

The roads leading up to Sturgis go past and through some of the West’s most iconic and beautiful sites. So, if you can, make sure to leave time for side trips to:

  • The Black Hills and The Badlands
  • Mount Rushmore
  • Yellowstone

Better Safe than Sorry

If you are planning on riding to Sturgis, you should:

  • Make sure to keep loved ones up to date on your planned itinerary and check in with them daily.
  • Consider getting trip insurance to cover you in case your vacation to Sturgis has to be interrupted or canceled.
  • Invest in motorcycle roadside assistance coverage. BikerDown has a 35.00 per year membership that includes motorcycle roadside from a motorcycle towing company.
  • Call your motorcycle insurance company and make sure you understand the coverages that you have and decide if you need to up your policy to include un-insured motorist and under-insured motorist. Accidents happen and you will be riding next to or around thousands of riders who aren’t local, and you will need to make sure that in the event of an accident that YOU have the coverages to keep you safe in the event of an accident

Be Road Wary

Certain roads around the Sturgis Rally have earned deadly reputations, including:

  • Highway 14A, between Sturgis and Deadwood.
  • Nemo Road, between Sturgis and Rapid City
  • Highway 85, between Spearfish and Deadwood

Be especially wary if you are planning on traveling through or near any national parks, such as Custer State Park or Yellowstone, as you could encounter many large animals, including bison and elk, on the roads.

Lastly, and most importantly, HAVE FUN and enjoy the Ride!

Filed Under: Events, Magazine Tagged With: 07/19, Ride Prep, Sturgis

Make Roadside Membership Part of Your Sturgis Planning

July 2, 2019 By Colorado Rider News Leave a Comment

Heading to Sturgis or on a road trip?  Make BikerDown’s Roadside Membership part of your checklist for $35.00 per year!

As riders begin to get ready for their summer road trips or that annual trip to Sturgis.  Please take a moment to think about do you have the right coverages on your bike in the event of a breakdown or accident?

There is nothing more frustrating than the anticipation of the ride of a lifetime, only to have that trip shattered with un-expected expenses such as an expensive motorcycle tow. 

How many of you have had to have your bike towed and cringed when your insurances’ roadside assistance brought the wrong type of tow truck.  Being out-of-state, riders deserve to know that when they need a tow, the right type of tow truck will come out and pick them up.

BikerDown’s roadside membership for $35.00 per year includes motorcycle towing in our membership that is now NATIONWIDE.  BikerDown has contracted with MTS, LLC to provide its BikerDown members a true Motorcycle Towing service. 

We ask all riders to sign-up today before you head out on your next trip join BikerDown for $35.00 per year.  This membership level will ensure that if you need towing, you are covered.

Please go to http://bikerdown.org/join-us/

Filed Under: Non-Profit, Safety Tagged With: 07/19, membership, Sturgis, towing

It’s Sturgis Time!

August 3, 2018 By Colorado Rider News Leave a Comment

August is here and it’s Sturgis time! Many of us are going on our last motorcycle vacations of the season, and we are taking those vacations with our families. After enduring the hottest riding season that I can remember, it is good to know that fall is just around the corner and cooler temperatures are coming.

Speaking of Sturgis, I never know what is happening on any given day until it is too late, so Colorado Rider News has included a calendar of entertainment, activities and bike contests. Don’t forget Dirty Dogs Roadhouse has their bar open for business, so make sure you stop in and check it out! Let’s show them our Colorado support.

Every month we try to mix it up and try new things. This month we have some amazing veteran events coming up after Sturgis with The Salute to American Veterans in Cripple Creek, CO, and the Combat Vets upcoming event for American Military Families.

After running this publication for 7 months, the giving nature of this motorcycle community for charities and families in need never ceases to amaze me. Colorado Rider News will try every month to help these charities get their message out.

Rider Justice – Our community is getting ready for an amazing new organization here in Colorado. Rider Justice is going to make a difference in this riding community

On a final note, BikerDown and Randy’s Run for Fallen Bikers have partnered to help bikers better. Both organizations feel that this will enable us to offer more effective services for the betterment of the injured rider community.

As always, please let us know what’s on your mind. Whatever you ride, Colorado Rider News wants to talk about what’s important to you. Send me an email with your suggestions: info@ ColoradoRiderNews.com or feel free to make comments on our website!

No matter what, RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

Filed Under: From the Publisher, Magazine Tagged With: 08/18, Laurie Montoya, Publisher, Sturgis

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse is open in Sturgis

August 3, 2018 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse is open in Sturgis, and they are ready for Colorado riders to stop by and see the new bar. The new bar/restaurant is located at 1025 Junction Avenue, right across from the Sturgis Harley Davidson store.

The décor will have the same Dirty Dogs Roadhouse flare, and as one owner said, “We want to combine the concept of where the old Broken Spoke meets One Eyed Jacks!” As we all have witnessed here in Colorado, when the owners put their minds to improving a biker bar, they pull out all the stops, using authentic vintage bikes and memorabilia that reflect a true biker bar.

Colorado Rider News sat down with owners last month, and here is the recap of the new improvements to the Sturgis location:

7,000 sq. foot bar/restaurant with indoor and outdoor bars. They will have a massive outside tent to host all their regulars.

DD will be bringing a limited menu of your Colorado favorites such as Cheesesteaks, their infamous wings, as well as 5-6 items from their current Golden menu.

Breakfast Bar from 6-ish every day, and a great meeting place to meet up with other riders!

Entertainment nightly with some of your Colorado favorites such as Dave Frisk and Tony Roserio. Be sure to stop by to hear Tallan Noble Latz, who was on America’s Got Talent.

Filed Under: Business, Magazine Tagged With: 08/18, Dirty Dogs Roadhouse, Sturgis

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