As much as the Harley crowd takes flak for being "posers", once you get waaaaaay out on the open highway, the vast majority of the machines you see are indeed Harley-Davidsons; apparently there's a fair number of "real riders" among the Harley fraternity. (After twenty years in the business, I can tell you that Harley riders don't have a monopoly on that reputation.)
Once you get within 200 miles of Sturgis, the whole "rider wave" thing goes out the window. It's not that folks don't want to throw a welcome wave to their fellow riders; it's just that there are too damn many and your hand would never be on the bar.
A good number of folks that attend the Rally are new-minted (low mileage) riders...keep your head on a swivel – cars aren't your only concern.
If you look like a Hollywood stylist put together your "biker duds", you'll probably never be mistaken for the real deal.
Chaps: If the mercury is over, say, 65…leave them in the saddlebags.
It's super-cool that many of the local hotels/motels provide towels to wipe down bikes...it’s not cool that some are poly blends – that’s very bad for the finish. Use 100% cotton, like the commercials say.
There's still no better way to remove bugs from chrome and steel than a (cotton!) wash cloth soaked in hot water...that's it – no fancy potions or chemicals, works every time and won't hurt the finish.
Score a shirt from Pee Wee's...trust me, it’s way better than the tons of "official" souvenir crap you'll find on Main Street.
Bike Week is in Daytona, Sturgis is a Rally...there is no “Sturgis Bike Week". You’d better toss that T-shirt!
I'll just never get that whole "Boss Hoss" thing. It’s a V-8…okay…and?
Hands down, the best breakfast of the trip was had at The Cowpoke Cafe in Lovelock, Nevada. If you're going through town, stop in and say “hi” to Rosa.
If you have any interest in American Firearms, the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming is a must...and give yourself some time.
The Full Throttle Bar has some of the best bartenders in town. Forget the fact that they're all incredibly hot (if you can) – they're friendly, too!
Few experiences in life can rival a 12-day road trip with close friends. Life is short…round up your buds and get out and ride. I'm glad I did, and I want to say “Thanks” to the guys...especially Vince, who made it happen.
Nicely put together online shop - had a great deal on the item I purchased. Most of their prices on other items seemed fairly competitive with other sites I had browsed.
