"The Harley Rodeo" in Red Lodge the Weekend of the MOA National

[Mike M]

I planned to ride from the National up the Chief Joseph Hwy and Beartooth into Red Lodge but I found out that the Harley Rodeo is planned that weekend. I don't have any problem with H-D's, I just don't want the big congestion that usually is associated with HD Rallies. I can't think of anything less exciting than riding those classic roads for the first time behind long lines of Milwaukee's finest.:banghead

Anyone familiar with the Harley Rodeo in Red Lodge? Does it attract alot of riders?

[plastx]

[Q ...I can't think of anything less exciting than riding those classic roads for the first time behind long lines of Milwaukee's finest.:banghead

Anyone familiar with the Harley Rodeo in Red Lodge? Does it attract alot of riders?[/QUOTE]

I'm afraid I can't be of much assistance in this matter. My experience with HD riders is generally limited to watching them disappear in my rear view mirror....:wave :wave :wave :nyah :nyah

[r11rs94]

[Q ...I can't think of anything less exciting than riding those classic roads for the first time behind long lines of Milwaukee's finest.:banghead

Anyone familiar with the Harley Rodeo in Red Lodge? Does it attract alot of riders?

I'm afraid I can't be of much assistance in this matter. My experience with HD riders is generally limited to watching them disappear in my rear view mirror....:wave :wave :wave :nyah :nyah[/QUOTE]

And lets not forget all of the trailors required to get all of those bikes there so they can ride. :stick

[R100R Rider]

Check out this site.

http://www.redlodge.com/2_calendar.asp?category=Calendar&catID=CALEN&sortID=CALEN

:nono :nono

[zarinelli]

Yeah, a couple of 'em maybe; not so easy when you have to get around 30 or 40 of them - and they are not cooperating...

[QUOTE=plastx;282788 ... My experience with HD riders is generally limited to watching them disappear in my rear view mirror....:wave :wave :wave :nyah :nyah[/QUOTE]

[rik]

Gee, I wonder what our twowheeled bretheren think about sharing the road with a bunch of Beemers.

[Polarbear]

Beartooth is a JAW Dropper kind of road and if you are riding it the first time, you'll be just like all those HD riders, going slower to look see at all the vista's. Next time, you'll be equally impressed and maybe a little quicker and spirited in your ride around the excellent twisties the pass provides. I have ridden it several times and find it so extreme and the sights so great, its hard to not stop along the waysides way UP THERE on top of the world:). If you ride this fast, which is fine indeed, you will need to go back and enjoy it like an HD rider, to take in the massive appeal of this pass,imo....Randy13233

[rlswim]

Anyone familiar with the Harley Rodeo in Red Lodge? Does it attract alot of riders?

At least we should not be able to hear them from the MOA camp. It's a couple of hundred miles away.

http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=Red+Lodge,+MT&geocode=&dirflg=&saddr=Gillette,+WY&f=d&sll=45.18642,-109.24699&sspn=0.091829,0.22934&ie=UTF8&t=p&z=8&om=0

[Mike M]

Gee, I wonder what our twowheeled bretheren think about sharing the road with a bunch of Beemers.

We may share two wheels but I'm not sure whether they are "brethren" :lol ...


From the Beartooth Rally website:
http://BlackGS12.smugmug.com/photos/244978519-M.jpg http://BlackGS12.smugmug.com/photos/244978524-M.jpg

[PGlaves]

Riding Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills can be about as good as motorcycling gets. And, riding Spearfish Canyon during the week of the Black Hills Motor Classic in Sturgis (Bike Week) amidst a group of some very poor riders can be almost as unfun as it gets. I did both last year.

One need only look at the accident statistics around/during the several great American wobblefests to know that there are better places to be on a motorcycle than right there right then.

[rik]

:lol Those pics of me and the boys were supposed accompany an article in Flea and Tick Quarterly. I even trimmed my underarms. :lol

Going down the Road of Life we're all "bretheren". Share the road.

[rik]

Riding Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills can be about as good as motorcycling gets. And, riding Spearfish Canyon during the week of the Black Hills Motor Classic in Sturgis (Bike Week) amidst a group of some very poor riders can be almost as unfun as it gets. I did both last year.

One need only look at the accident statistics around/during the several great American wobblefests to know that there are better places to be on a motorcycle than right there right then.

You're right. And it is unfortunate that the few make it dangerous for so many. I'm not saying that it would not be nice to have an open road with unscarred vistas to enjoy. Nothing to clutter the mind except the moment. What I'm saying is, it ain't gonna happen. If it's not the wobbler, it's the five RV's strung out in front of us. We're all out there, trying to enjoy the time we have away from whatever we left behind. The best we can do is be mindful and enjoy the ride.

[PGlaves]

You're right. And it is unfortunate that the few make it dangerous for so many. I'm not saying that it would not be nice to have an open road with unscarred vistas to enjoy. Nothing to clutter the mind except the moment. What I'm saying is, it ain't gonna happen. If it's not the wobbler, it's the five RV's strung out in front of us. We're all out there, trying to enjoy the time we have away from whatever we left behind. The best we can do is be mindful and enjoy the ride.

Which is why, now that we are retired, we live where we do: 53 twisty miles to town where on a busy day we might pass one or two cars and meet 3 or four.

[dhollis]

I'm hoping more folks out there agree with Rik's remarks than disagree...
Calling your fellow rider your brother doesn't necessarily mean you want to be just like him, and maybe that sentiment is mutual, which might be one more thing you have in common.

The only time I've had someone call a bike of mine a tractor was when I rode my old K bike to an October 'moa meeting a couple of years ago :scratch

[PGlaves]

I'm hoping more folks out there agree with Rik's remarks than disagree...
Calling your fellow rider your brother doesn't necessarily mean you want to be just like him, and maybe that sentiment is mutual, which might be one more thing you have in common.

The only time I've had someone call a bike of mine a tractor was when I rode my old K bike to an October 'moa meeting a couple of years ago :scratch

I know what that's like. I had my first K75 for almost 19 years and 370,000 miles. It morphed into a bike with an 8.5 gallon gas tank, solo seat, and big FLH trunk. I proudly labeled the rear of the trunk with little letters - K75FT. "Farm Truck", of course.

[Becky973]

The year the MOA rally was in VT we went to Nova Scotia. The weekend we were there about 8,000 HD riders were also there. Getting behind a group of them is not now I wanted to ride on those great roads. They did not like being passed or breaking up their riding order. You could see all the brake lights come on every time they came to a curve. Plus the loud noise from their bikes. I do not like to ride like that.

Becky

[Polarbear]

I hope to never see the HD mark go away, even never owning one myself and riding Beemers for 35 years. We just need to open a HDBMW riding school and give them some help:). Noise? Now this is another issue:(. You know the stock HD's are rather quiet! The owners simply do not leave them this way:(. An American Heritage in our only American M/C. I think its a cool bike. Leave 'em be and pass them as needed. I have found, however some HD riders of great ability and passing them would be a great challenge. Not many though. We all have our riders and then, RIDERS.....You know if ever caught behind a really large group and you cannot get around without some disgrace, know when to take a "break" and let them go. Never be in such a hurry, "you" are the problem:). Randy13233:usa :scratch

[Voni]

Wise words, Polarbear!

Voni
sMiling

[rik]

I hope to never see the HD mark go away, even never owning one myself and riding Beemers for 35 years. We just need to open a HDBMW riding school and give them some help:). Noise? Now this is another issue:(. You know the stock HD's are rather quiet! The owners simply do not leave them this way:(. An American Heritage in our only American M/C. I think its a cool bike. Leave 'em be and pass them as needed. I have found, however some HD riders of great ability and passing them would be a great challenge. Not many though. We all have our riders and then, RIDERS.....You know if ever caught behind a really large group and you cannot get around without some disgrace, know when to take a "break" and let them go. Never be in such a hurry, "you" are the problem:). Randy13233:usa :scratch

:thumb

[Mike M]

The year the MOA rally was in VT we went to Nova Scotia. The weekend we were there about 8,000 HD riders were also there. Getting behind a group of them is not now I wanted to ride on those great roads. They did not like being passed or breaking up their riding order. You could see all the brake lights come on every time they came to a curve. Plus the loud noise from their bikes. I do not like to ride like that.

Becky

I too would like to be "wise", but wisdom says I must admit to the truth.

Becky's statement does not express she was in a hurry. She just stated "I do not like to ride like that".

Nor do I...

[afhrnfa1]

Let me just say that I rode BMW's before I rode Harleys and now I own one of each.

BMW riders whine so much more that Harley riders. Get over your bad self and enjoy the ride and be happy that there are other people riding and promoting the sport before we all loose the right to ride.
In my circle we support each other no matter what we ride.
Stitch 1%er

[Becky973]

Right now I have more Honda in my garage than BMW so I do like other types of bike. I'm even looking for a Thruxton to ride. It is not what you ride it is how you ride and when you ride!

Beck

[rik]

Let me just say that I rode BMW's before I rode Harleys and now I own one of each.

I have never felt more out of place than now. Have always owned bikes that were not what the group was riding. There are five of us, as a group we are comfortable riding together, we pretty much know what the others gonna do. Four have always ridden HD in one form or other, all now Ultras, and here I am on my k12s. Do they care? No. Do I care? Yes. Only because they've always refered to my beauties as "that thing Ricky rides":D Now, do I like riding with large groups or riding behind large groups of riders I'm not a part of ? Not really. But that has not put a damper on a ride nor has it prompted me to think that a trip to a new place might be marred because a large organization might be on the road I'd like to ride. Some of the best times I've had were traveling alone and then noticing that somehow I'd fallen in behind another traveler, and later finding a few more are tagging along. Commaraderie, that's what it's all about. I hope this made sense.

[Mike M]

I have never felt more out of place than now. Have always owned bikes that were not what the group was riding. There are five of us, as a group we are comfortable riding together, we pretty much know what the others gonna do. Four have always ridden HD in one form or other, all now Ultras, and here I am on my k12s. Do they care? No. Do I care? Yes. Only because they've always refered to my beauties as "that thing Ricky rides":D Now, do I like riding with large groups or riding behind large groups of riders I'm not a part of ? Not really. But that has not put a damper on a ride nor has it prompted me to think that a trip to a new place might be marred because a large organization might be on the road I'd like to ride. Some of the best times I've had were traveling alone and then noticing that somehow I'd fallen in behind another traveler, and later finding a few more are tagging along. Commaraderie, that's what it's all about. I hope this made sense.

Rik, what you write makes alot of sense.

However, I only have time for a couple of m/c trips each year. This year, I am tacking on a couple of extra days to visit some spots I've wanted to go for a long time (Tetons, Yellowstone, Beartooth, Cody) and to visit my first MOA National. I agree that commaraderie is very important but my primary purpose to go is the riding.

I'm still gonna take my ride from Yellowstone up to Red Lodge via the Beartooth Hwy and back down it the Chief Joseph Hwy and head into Cody.

Let's just hope its not the longest leg of my trip! ;)

[rik]

Mike,

I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you there, maybe we can go for a ride.

Rick

[wanderer]

I'm not certain if this thread is primarily a; my bike brand vs. your bike brand thread or a; roads near the National site thread. Sooooooo, let me throw in my 2 cents worth.

As a semi-local, don't miss riding Beartooth if you are coming from afar. It is truely a wonderful piece of road and would be worth your time to put into your agenda if possible. The veiw from the top is world class by any travelers description. I wouldn't miss Yellowstone because it is crowded, nor Yosemite. For a rider, I put Beartooth in that classification. Anytime Beartooth is open there will be traffic of some sort that is slower than a Beemer rider.

In case you are wondering, no I don't go near Sturgis during the rally, I go any other time of year. :bikes

[PGlaves]

The next-to-the last time I was at the top of Beartooth Pass it was 11:00 p.m. and snowing. The big fluffy white flakes, about the size of nickles, were blowing approximately horizontal, and I pretty much decided I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

So the following summer I just had to go back on a windless, cloudless, day to see what I had missed.

[BeemerMike]

The next-to-the last time I was at the top of Beartooth Pass it was 11:00 p.m. and snowing. The big fluffy white flakes, about the size of nickles, were blowing approximately horizontal, and I pretty much decided I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

So the following summer I just had to go back on a windless, cloudless, day to see what I had missed.

How did you manage to find a windless day at the top of the Beartooth Pass?! ;)

[k75karol]

The next-to-the last time I was at the top of Beartooth Pass it was 11:00 p.m. and snowing. The big fluffy white flakes, about the size of nickles, were blowing approximately horizontal, and I pretty much decided I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

So the following summer I just had to go back on a windless, cloudless, day to see what I had missed.

Sounds like me and my attempt to visit Snowy Range. For years it was a Quest!! I saw a picture of the range on a calendar, and we headed there on our summer vacation. (late June) Jumped off I-80 at Laramie after riding along spectacular views of Vedauwoo ("earthbound spirits") only to be met with signs reported "Road closed 30 miles ahead) Drat! Right at the Snowy Range Pass.

The next year traveling with a friend, we tried again. The Pass was open, but it was windy, rain mixed with snow, and a pretty nasty ride. The 3rd attempt to visit my "quest" was after the '95 IBR. We were heading home after I'd finished the 11 day event (in SLC) and I told Jerry I wanted to "zip" over to Snowy Range. He's pretty patient with my "whims" and off we went. (after all it was definitely on the way). No luck...incredible wind, rain and frozen rain, and we were outta there.
Finally in 2001 I was "in the neighborhood" again on the way to CA. My perserverance was rewarded with sunshine...Finally!!! Had dinner in Centennial, and got to camp at one of the campgrounds before heading to the pass (good thing because the other CG were still snowed in). Thought I was going to be carried away by the mosquitoes. Put my helmet on, and walked to the CG host's spot and asked about bears, since I was the only one back there. He assured me the only one he'd seen that day was a small one........(didn't sleep well). I had a glorious ride through the pass, sunshine and was treated to incredible views. If you're coming that way enroute to Gillette.....don't pass up the 230 loop south of Laramie (if you have the time), but definitely turn on 130 and cross the pass through the Medicine Bow National Forest. Snowy Range Pass El. 10,847 and Medicine Bow Peak EL 12,013. I hope you're rewarded the "calendar view"

[k75karol]

Jumped off I-80 at Laramie after riding along spectacular views of Vedauwoo ("earthbound spirits")

A sample of the Vedauwoo area. Strange rock formations...."otherworldly"

[PGlaves]

How did you manage to find a windless day at the top of the Beartooth Pass?! ;)

All things are relative. It might have been breezy, but not windy:)

[Mike M]

I'm not certain if this thread is primariy a; my bike brand vs. your bike brand thread or a; roads near the National site thread. Sooooooo, let me throw in my 2 cents worth.

As a semi-local, don't miss riding Beartooth if you are coming from afar. It is truely a wonderful piece of road and would be worth your time to put into your agenda if possible. The veiw from the top is world class by any travelers description. I wouldn't miss Yellowstone because it is crowded, nor Yosemite. For a rider, I put Beartooth in that classification. Anytime Beartooth is open there will be traffic of some sort that is slower than a Beemer rider.

In case you are wondering, no I don't go near Sturgis during the rally, I go any other time of year. :bikes

It was not intended as an us vs. them thread. Not by me anyway... Heck, I love Harleys!:nod ---->:german :heart :usa

When I started this thread, in the first post I asked if the Harley Rodeo drew a large crowd of riders. I went on to say that the last thing I wanted was to ride the classic Beartooth Hwy for the first time behind long lines of Milwaukees finest.

The same reason you (and I, as well) would stay away from Sturgis during the rally. Because of the crowds....right?

Sounds to me like it will be OK. I'll be on top of that windy pass in July. Rick, I hope to see you there!

[Visian]

Let me just say that I rode BMW's before I rode Harleys and now I own one of each.

BMW riders whine so much more that Harley riders. Get over your bad self and enjoy the ride and be happy that there are other people riding and promoting the sport before we all loose the right to ride.
In my circle we support each other no matter what we ride.
Stitch 1%er

to me, "support each other" means moving over in the lane and waving a fellow rider past. it also means not starting to race someone who is trying to pass you.

it is very dangerous to pass people "promoting the sport" by riding in large groups so far under the speed limit that even the cars and motorhomes are being held up. and beyond being dangerous, even though every motorcycle is actually a single vehicle on the road, it's rude to break in on a parade pattern.

ever since "let's block traffic" became the latest proof of penis size in certain riding circles, i've taken to following some of the advice in this thread:

wait until the end of a straight, stop.... stay there until the next vehicles behind you appear, and then take off again. you can typically ride for more than a few minutes at an enjoyable pace before catching back up with the parade.

and... thank God for gravel roads. :ha

ian

[judjones]

Riding Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills can be about as good as motorcycling gets. And, riding Spearfish Canyon during the week of the Black Hills Motor Classic in Sturgis (Bike Week) amidst a group of some very poor riders can be almost as unfun as it gets. I did both last year.

One need only look at the accident statistics around/during the several great American wobblefests to know that there are better places to be on a motorcycle than right there right then.

Q: What do you call a hundred Harleys in Spearfish Canyon?









A: A slalom course.

[boxerr]

As an owner of both BMW, and Harley, I find it odd that a lot of people bag Harleys, and there riders, for being slow, and inconsiderate.
Are BMW riders that good? I think not.
I enjoy both of my bikes, and can move quite well with my Harley (2007 FXDC)
As a cruiser, they are hard to beat. They are not ment to handle like a Beemer.
We all love the freedom that our Motorcycles give us, none of us own the road, and all sorts of traffic can slow us down.
Lets get out there and just ride.:dance

" These comments are my own, and not ment to create a debate"

[afhrnfa1]

Just maybe many BMW riders are wishing that they had the same brotherhood that Harley riders share.


2005 HD Road King:usa
2006 R 1200 GS:german

[Visian]

Just maybe many BMW riders are wishing that they had the same brotherhood that Harley riders share.


if brotherhood is defined by brand, motorcyclists have a real problem.

ian

[wanderer]

Mike, no problem. :hug You clearly stated you have no problem with Harleys and asked a question.
Not all posts have followed that vein.
I'd hate to see a brand discussion cause people to miss a great road.:bikes

[PGlaves]

As an owner of both BMW, and Harley, I find it odd that a lot of people bag Harleys, and there riders, for being slow, and inconsiderate.
Are BMW riders that good? I think not.
I enjoy both of my bikes, and can move quite well with my Harley (2007 FXDC)
As a cruiser, they are hard to beat. They are not ment to handle like a Beemer.
We all love the freedom that our Motorcycles give us, none of us own the road, and all sorts of traffic can slow us down.
Lets get out there and just ride.:dance

" These comments are my own, and not ment to create a debate"

Aw come on! You know that a motorcyclist that happens to own a BMW and a HD is not the same type rider as a biker that owns a cruiser of some type and wobbles through the corners, or from bar to bar. This is not about the brand - it is about the skill level and level of sobriety.

[rik]

Just maybe many BMW riders are wishing that they had the same brotherhood that Harley riders share.


2005 HD Road King:usa
2006 R 1200 GS:german

And what brotherhood would that be?

When I wrote of "bretheren" I was speaking to the romantic ideal that is riding. The ideal that I believe all riders share at one level or another. The ideal of a certain freedom and that we are all at some point on the same road. That may not be a very practical view, but it's the one that I keep.

Mike was voicing his thoughts on his upcoming trip, the practical view. I answered with my thoughts, the romantic view. I don't believe either of us brought up brand bashing, or brand superiority.

Whatever your opinion is, ie: how well you ride, how intelligently you ride, how safe you ride, brand of bike, cruiser vs. sportbike vs. tourer. The common denominator we have is this. We all choose to travel the hiways and byways with an internal combustion engine strapped between our legs.

I think that makes us a "brotherhood."

[edjones]

My wife's folks live between Cody and Powell on a small farm/ranch. We were out there over the Christmas Holiday. Actually had lunch in Red Lodge. Though I must admit I dislike riding in heavy traffic or possible congestion as much as the next guy, the scenery is absolutely worth it. You may get frustrated however if you plan accordingly the view and the ride will make it worth your while. Ride safely

[Visian]

Whatever your opinion is, ie: how well you ride, how intelligently you ride, how safe you ride, brand of bike, cruiser vs. sportbike vs. tourer. The common denominator we have is this. We all choose to travel the hiways and byways with an internal combustion engine strapped between our legs.

I think that makes us a "brotherhood."

:thumb

there really is no issue here, other than lack of courtesy to other riders (and cars and motorhomes!).... the whole issue would completely go away if fellow riders shared the lane and let faster riders pass without a big ego contest.

ian

[Mike M]

The post that struck a nerve with me was Becky's description of her ride in Nova Scotia during the MOA Nat'l in VT.

She described braking at every turn on a twisty road behind a long line of HD's. Frankly, nothing rattles me ragged more than that. Honestly, I don't care if it is HD's, RV's or old Buick's! It just takes all the fun out of a twisty road.

Heck, if the annual AARP meeting of Vintage Buick Electra 225 Owners was in Red Lodge that weekend I would consider bypassing it too! It ain't about Harleys.

It doesn't matter what the impedement is. I just don't like being behind a rolling parking lot on a road like the Beartooth Highway. I'm not into outright straight-line speed. My enjoyment comes from smoothly leaning into 30mph turns at 45-50mph. I'm not talking reckless. I'm talking BMW Sport-Touring!

Lets face it, the designated use for (almost every) Harley is cruising. Heck, just slightly lean one of those over and you are scraping hard-parts. Just think about what would happen if you threw an old Buick "Deuce-and-a-Quarter" into a hairpin on top of Beartooth Pass at speed. It wouldn't be pretty! :help

[Montana]

Any time you have a narrow road that leads to/from a national park, you have congestion. Of course you should ride the BT highway if you're in the area! The whole thing was rebuilt just a few years ago, but the new road is still a bit twisty and slow (that's why it's fun), so don't think other motorcycles on the road are going to impact your enjoyment of the ride very much. Just get there early; they won't get up that early if they partied the night before.

It's probably more fun than going in Aug when we hold the BMW Beartooth Rendezvous in Red Lodge. Man, all those hot shots on their BMW motorcycles think they're sooo gooood...

Yes, riding through town will be stop and go - it's TOWN. It's narrow, one lane, parking on both sides, and last summer they were tearing up one block, so you had to ride around a back hoe. We only have two seasons in Montana: Ski season and construction season.

[kbasa]

The post that struck a nerve with me was Becky's description of her ride in Nova Scotia during the MOA Nat'l in VT.

She described braking at every turn on a twisty road behind a long line of HD's. Frankly, nothing rattles me ragged more than that. Honestly, I don't care if it is HD's, RV's or old Buick's! It just takes all the fun out of a twisty road.

Heck, if the annual AARP meeting of Vintage Buick Electra 225 Owners was in Red Lodge that weekend I would consider bypassing it too! It ain't about Harleys.

It doesn't matter what the impedement is. I just don't like being behind a rolling parking lot on a road like the Beartooth Highway. I'm not into outright straight-line speed. My enjoyment comes from smoothly leaning into 30mph turns at 45-50mph. I'm not talking reckless. I'm talking BMW Sport-Touring!

Lets face it, the designated use for (almost every) Harley is cruising. Heck, just slightly lean one of those over and you are scraping hard-parts. Just think about what would happen if you threw an old Buick "Deuce-and-a-Quarter" into a hairpin on top of Beartooth Pass at speed. It wouldn't be pretty! :help

Pass 'em.

[judjones]

Pass 'em.

Right. See post #34.

[Visian]

well, i have done that for sure... but on tight, twisties, doing this makes me feel uncomfortable about having to break into their formation and as a result, riding a whole lot closer to them than they might want.

the former is a bit rude, the latter is probably more dangerous to me than it is to them.

ian

[BigSkyRider]

I have a cabin less than an hour from Red Lodge and I've gone into town during the rally. In years past it wasn't that crowded, in town or going up the Beartooth.
If you want to camp near town, I would suggest the Rock Creek forest service campground just about 8 miles south of downtown. Be sure to check out "Fishtail" Montana just a few beautiful twisty turns down the highway from Red Lodge, just be aware of the deer and antelope.

Cheers!

Bskyrider

[gulfcoastbeemer]

I attended the '06 Beartooth Rally. It was blast! I wasn't riding a Harley.

I arrived a few of days before the rally and setup camp just outside of town at the Basin Campground in the USDA Forrest Service - Custer National Forrest off of the West Fork of Rock Creek Road, six-miles from downtown. The site was primative, but scenic and one of the most enjoyable campsites in which I have ever stayed.

The Beartooth Rally is usually a three-day event: Friday Golf Tournament; Saturday Poker Run; and Sunday Biker Rodeo. The crowd is predominately riding H-D, but not exclusively. The people ran the gamut. By Monday night the town is pretty much back to normal.

I can't tell you exactly how many people attended the rally, but crowds weren't a serious problem at all. During the poker run, I never encountered more than fifty bikers at each card stop.

The Beartooth Pass and the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway are the main riding attractions. I stayed one week -- making nine passes over the Beartooth Pass.

While the Rally may impact lodging, it won't otherwise hamper your enjoyment of one of the finest riding areas in this country. I wouldn't hesitate to go to Red Lodge, the Beartooth Pass and the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway just because of the Rally.

If you think most of the rally attendees look strange festooned in all of that black leather, try to imagine what your Aerostich Roadcrafter and floppy hat outfit looks like to them. Relax. You'll have a blast.

[RGuy]

Hey BigSkyRider,
Since you are a local I have a question for you. I am planning to attend Gillette and will be coming in from the west. I was planning on getting a motel around Columbus or Laurel, MT on the Wednesday night before and then arriving in Gillette sometime late Thursday. How long do you think it will take to ride from Laurel across Beartooth, Chief Joseph and back across to I90 at Sheridan (via hwy14)? or Buffalo via hwy 16? Rough estimates are okay. I am just trying to figure out how much extra time I will have for stops, photo ops and sightseeing before I beat a path on to Gillette.
Thanks!

[BigSkyRider]

Hi RGUY,

You are going to love that section of road. You should figure on a very full day to ride from Columbus to Gillette. If you have the time I would just ride to Cody and then the rest of the way the following day.
But if not here is my suggestion: First, stay in Columbus not Laurel and take Highway #78 out of Columbus for Absarokee and on to Red Lodge, a good little side jaunt is to visit Fishtail if you have the time. Columbus to Red Lodge is a beautiful ride, twisty roads through fertile ranchland with the Beartooth mountain range rising up on you're immediate right, this section takes about an hour. Red Lodge is a great little town, stop and go in the "Candy Store" it's worth checking out even if you're diabetic.
Once you leave Red Lodge you'll begin the climb onto the Beartooth....enjoy....this is Highway 212. I'm rambling so....take 212 to 296 and down into Cody and then blast east on #14. I hope this helps, it's an amazing section of roadway, one of the best in America!

Cheers!:dance

[2wheelbob]

For Rguy,

All the stuff from bigskyrider is true. I think it's best to break up the trip into two days. Follow his route into Cody and spend the night. You can then head east over the Big Horns via Lovell, Wy. The switchbacks up to burgess junction are pretty cool and there is also the route from Greybull through Shell Canyon. I live in Cody and have ridden all these roads. Let me know when you come through Red Lodge and I give you my list for the candy store:laugh . Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

peace, bob

[Montana]

You need to go to the Back of the Candy Store! Don't just walk in, go to the rear. (I'm not giving away the rest...)

I also like the Grizzly Bar in Roscoe but the turn to Roscoe is easy to miss, look for the sign for a welding shop. Downtown Roscoe is just two buildings and a bridge across the creek.

Don't stay in Laurel because it is mostly a petroleum processing facility. That is a really long day, even starting from Columbus.

[raydar]

Just mu .02, if you are coming from far away you shouldn't miss this ride. I have never ridden the dragons tail, but I've talked to people who've ridden both and they have all said that Bear Tooth Pass and the Chief Joe Highways are the better ones to ride. I know everytime I ride them I love it! As far as crowding, two years ago we rode over to Red Lodge and back while the Hells Angels International Rally was going on at Cody, WY (south end of Chief Joe's highway) and we didn't even notice that much crowding. There are many miles of road and lots of pull outs so, "Ride em if you get a chance." You'll thank yourself if you do!

[RGuy]

Thanks everyone for the great responses. I only have the one day in my schedule so I will have to make the most of it. It sounds like I won't have much time for stopping and gawking but that's okay, I enjoy riding too! I just didn't want to get into Gillette too late in the evening - I will have friends, cold beverages and live music waiting on me. I do hope to spend more time in the Red Lodge area sometime in the future. I will only have one full day at Gillette as it is and then must head back home Saturday.

[SIBUD]

And what brotherhood would that be?

When I wrote of "bretheren" I was speaking to the romantic ideal that is riding. The ideal that I believe all riders share at one level or another. The ideal of a certain freedom and that we are all at some point on the same road. That may not be a very practical view, but it's the one that I keep.

Mike was voicing his thoughts on his upcoming trip, the practical view. I answered with my thoughts, the romantic view. I don't believe either of us brought up brand bashing, or brand superiority.

Whatever your opinion is, ie: how well you ride, how intelligently you ride, how safe you ride, brand of bike, cruiser vs. sportbike vs. tourer. The common denominator we have is this. We all choose to travel the hiways and byways with an internal combustion engine strapped between our legs.

I think that makes us a "brotherhood."

OK You asked for it. I wasn't going to bring this up again but now feel compelled to do so.

The Brotherhood of the Road by Shalom Auslander

I love motorcycles, and I love riding. Like many of you, what first drew me to bikes was not just the experience of riding, but the feeling that I'd become part of a special community? a brotherhood, really. Nothing calms me more than a long ride down the interstate, waving to the members of my beloved clan.

Except when I pass Harley guys. I hate Harley guys. Hate, hate, hate. When they pass me on the highway, you know what I do? I don't wave. With their little tassle handlebars and the studded luggage and the half-helmets? God, they drive me crazy.

You know who else I hate? BMW guys. Oh, I do hate those guys. I don't wave at them, either. They think they're so great, sitting all upright, with their 180-degree German engines. God, I hate them.

They're almost as bad as those old bastards on their touring motorcycles. You know what I call those bikes? "Two-wheeled couches!" Get it? Because they're so big. They drive around like they've got all day. Appreciate the scenery somewhere else, Grampa, and while you're at it, I'm not waving to you.

Ducati guys? I don't wave at them either. Why don't they spend a little more money on their bikes? "You can have it in any color you want, as long as it's red." Aren't you cool! Like they even know what a desmo-whatever engine is, anyway. Try finding the battery, you Italian-wannabe racers! I never, ever wave at those guys.

Suzuki guys aren't much better, which is why I never wave at them, either. They always have those stupid helmets sitting on top of their stupid heads, and God forbid they should wear any safety gear. They make me so mad. Sometimes they'll speed by and look over at me and you know what I do? I don't wave. I just keep on going. Please, don't get me started on Kawasaki guys. Ninjas? What are you, twelve years old? Team Green my ass. I never wave at Kawasaki guys.

I ride a Honda, and I'll only wave at Honda guys, but even then, I'll never wave at a guy in full leathers. Never, never, never. Yeah, like you're going to get your knee down on the New York Thruway. Nice crotch, by the way.

Guys in full leathers will never get a wave from me, and by the way, neither will the guys in two-piece leathers. And I'll tell you who else I'm not waving at those guys with the helmets with the loud paint jobs. Four pounds of paint on a two pound helmet? Like I'm going to wave back to that! I'll also never wave at someone with a mirrored visor. Or helmet stickers. Or racing gloves. Or hiking boots.

To me, motorcycling is a like a family, a close-knit brotherhood of people who ride Hondas, wear jeans and a leather jacket (not Vanson) with regular gloves and a solid-color helmet with a clear visor, no stickers, no racing gloves and regular boots (not Timberlands). And isn't that what really makes riding so special?"

[lawman]

Paul is right, as usual. I stopped going to Sturgis two years ago after twenty or so years of visits. The reason was the crowds of poor riders in the area. This is one of the reasons I was so excited that the rally is in Gillette this years. I intend to ride those great black hills canyons hard going and coming without having to fight the crowds....wj

[judjones]

Paul is right, as usual. I stopped going to Sturgis two years ago after twenty or so years of visits. The reason was the crowds of poor riders in the area. This is one of the reasons I was so excited that the rally is in Gillette this years. I intend to ride those great black hills canyons hard going and coming without having to fight the crowds....wj

The two secrets to enjoying the Hills during rally week: 1) avoid Sturgis; and 2) avoid pavement. Then you can come out of the woods for lunch in Rochford and all the harley riders are sunburned and their women are pissed off. When one of them looks at you and says "You guys are having all the fun, aren't you?" the answer is "Yes".:dance