Eleven days, seven states, 2,200 miles, tomorrow morning we are ready to roll. Six riders will start from Chester's Harley-Davidson in Mesa, Arizona. Our group will grow to nine by the time we reach Grand Teton Harley-Davidson & Buell in Idaho Falls, Idaho. An additional two riders will join us for the Sturgis portion of the tour.
Remember, you can double-click on the map and any photo posted on the blog to see a larger version.
Here's the gear that I must find room for in one tour pack across the back of the bike, two saddle bags, and one soft bag that will serve as my backrest. It was easier than expected, as everything fit, and there was room to spare.
Here's inventory of what's travelling with me: Nikon D70 camera, MacBook laptop, tape recorder with spare tapes and batteries, nine notepads, toiletries, four-T-shirts, three short-sleeve Coolmax shirts, two long-sleeve Coolmax shirts, three pairs of inner and outer socks, three pairs of underwear, two handkerchiefs, one neckerchief, heavy riding pants, pair of jeans, walking shorts, cap, Shoei helmet, mesh riding jacket with shoulder and elbow pads for hottest time of the day, padded FXRG riding jacket, rain paints, cowboy boots, running shoes, sandals, and one small pewter bell to ward off evil road spirits.
The reason I had such an easy time of packing is that I had a chance to watch the master, E.B. Chester, stow his gear on his bike in the same arrangement of bags that I have.
Chris, the service manager of Chester's Harley-Davidson, checks over the Electra Glide Classic that will be my ride for the next 12 days.
While I’m still in Southern California looking after business, Jennifer at Chester’s Harley-Davidson tells me all is almost ready for our departure Friday morning. As you can see from the photo she sent, my bike is getting a thorough once-over in preparation for the 2,200 miles that await us.
Everyone I meet and tell about the upcoming trip wants to know not IF I’m getting a tattoo in Sturgis but WHERE on my body it will be displayed.
Me, I’m curious what the trip will be like for me as my last long bike ride was in the Canadian Rockies some years back. Certainly, the heat has me worried. Temps in the 90 to 110F range are forecast for Arizona and Utah.
--Georgs
Here's the Electra Glide Classic that will be my ride for the 12 days on the road to Sturgis and beyond. I can't wait to get started.
--Georgs
Harley-Davidsons and their owners by the hundreds of thousands descend on Sturgis every August.
The four Presidents sculpted on Mount Rushmore would enjoy the sight of thousands of Harley-Davidson motorcycles from around the world riding into Rapid City, S.D., for the 67th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, August 4-11, 2007. Rapid City will be the hub of all the beautiful scenery, rich history and range of attractions in the Black Hills as it hosts a multitude of thrilling and sensational activities and events.
Harley-Davidson and Buell activities will run from Saturday, Aug. 4 through Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City. Main events include:
-- Harley-Davidson and Buell New Product Show
-- Harley-Davidson and Buell demo rides
-- Harley-Davidson Festival with fun activities such as free demos, music and jerky samples
-- Custom motorcycle Ride-In Show, free bike wash and a booth dedicated to women
"You haven't really experienced the best of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally if you haven't made a stop in Rapid City to see the Harley-Davidson Road Tour," said Jerry Wilke, Vice President, Marketing, Customer Relationships and Motorcycle Product Planning. "Our events are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with fellow riders and see the latest Harley-Davidson motorcycles and products, while enjoying some great music, motorcycle demo rides, a custom motorcycle Ride-In Show and much more. And admission and parking are free."
The Harley-Davidson New Product Show (Aug. 4 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Aug. 5-10 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) inside the Rushmore Plaza will feature new 2008 Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles, Genuine Motor Accessories and MotorClothes merchandise, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Auction and Bike Raffle, Willie G. limited-edition commemorative merchandise and Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series display. There is also a H.O.G. members-only reception Saturday, Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and a H.O.G. Hospitality area for members during the New Product Show hours.
Experience the passion, excitement and sound of the Sturgis Rally at the Harley-Davidson Festival at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, which includes the following events in an open outdoor space that is free of charge:
-- Harley-Davidson and Buell demo rides (9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily)
-- Festival Stage with live music and entertainment
-- Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum
-- NHRA Acceleration Nation Display (Saturday - Monday only)
-- Motorcycle stunt shows, free bike wash area, free beef jerky samples and other displays
The coolest bikes at the Sturgis Rally will be displayed at the Harley-Davidson Ride-In Show Wednesday, Aug. 8. The entry fee will be donated to MDA, and all entrants will receive a special commemorative dash plaque. "Best of Show" winners in each class will receive a $500 cash prize, and $500 cash prizes will be awarded to the top Sportster and Big Twin utilizing Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories.
