Sturgis 75th - And So It Begins

Early projections said 500,000 were expected to attend this year's 75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Then it went to 750,000. Now some are predicting a million. I don't think that's going to happen. One million is the entire population of Montana, and nearly twice that of Wyoming. The media hype is getting a little carried away with the numbers, but it is going to be big. There is no doubt about that. I've been around here for a lot of years and this is the most activity I've ever seen this soon. Earlier this week I visited Sturgis to check out the situation. It's a sure bet that rally time is near when the old familiar haunts start opening back up. This one in particular -

It's a dive bar in every sense, but that's part of what gives it personality. And it has plenty of that.

I was a little surprised by all of the vendors that have set up shop already. 

Looks like there will be no shortage of t-shirts or caps again this year. I got mine already. Not just "as is" off the rack, though. It's customized.  Every year for the past few years I've been buying a plain Dickies shirt with no graphics or brand logos. Especially no Harley Davidson logos. Way too much of that stuff. (Disclosure: I ride, but not a Harley). I then pick out a patch with a Sturgis logo on it for the current year and have them iron it on. Over the years I've acquired quite a collection. The logo this year is pretty cool. I like it. Looks good on my shirt.

It should be fun this year. A couple of rides are already planned with some friends. Also, I've been in contact with an international company in regards to a photo project collaboration. Details still haven't been completely worked out, but I can say that no digital cameras will be involved. We're going old school on this project. I hope it works out. 

So for those of you who don't like this time of year because of all the motorcycle traffic, the noise, or all those other things that come with at least half a million bikers invading your back yard, you'd better start stocking up on groceries and get ready to hunker down for the next two to three weeks.  And for those of you who love this time of year...Let's Ride!

Roger O'Dea      7/22/2015