The 79th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota starts this week and for riders making the trip, Billings is a good resting spot.
One stop in Billings they make is at Beartooth Harley Davidson.
Some may need service and others may be looking for gear.
It’s the last Harley shop on the shorter, 289-mile route from Billings to Sturgis.
Camaraderie, entertainment, camping and the rides draw them to South Dakota.
“There’s wonderful roads out there that you don’t get a lot of other places,” said Penny McAdams from Greenville, Illinois. “All the parks and the scenery. Downtown Sturgis is a lot of fun. We like the vendors and all the excitement.”
“Bikers are the most ‘get along’ group that I’ve ever been around,” said Craig Burnham from Harlem, Mont. “I just started two years ago myself. They’re all friendly. They all help each other and they’re just all a good group of people.”
“About a three week event for us,” said Barry Usher, Beartooth Harley Davidson owner. “People going to Sturgis and people going home after. If you’re here late at night, you can hear them driving continuing at night. If I get here early, they’re leaving early, So they’re heading out.”
Usher warns riders to be careful at night because of the possibility of wildlife on the roads.
He advises everyone to be more alert and cautious with more motorcycles on the road during the summer.
The Sturgis rally runs from August 2-10.
