Is it too early to be thinking of this?

Hell no! August 4th thru 10th are the dates. I'm planning already. I have a place to stay and my bros and I are planning our routes. We ride ours and I hope we meet you on the road. A big part of Sturgis is getting there, the people you meet, and the things you see along the way. It's about the journey.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Official Website

Biker Babes, Sturgis Style

You wouldn't want to get too close to the one in the middle in a crowded bar.

Postcard from Sturgis

Great Selection of Sturgis pics from BikersVision

The West is Burning

Fires, started by lightning in many cases and man in others, are burning all over the west. Idaho in particular is hard hit and a large brush fire is burning on the Arco desert near here. A lot of the fire is within the boundaries of the Idaho National Laboratory, a nuclear research facility along the lines of Lawrence Livermoore in Berkley and Los Alamos in New Mexico, although at last report none of the facilities or buildings at INL were in danger. One small community of about 50 people was in danger of being cut-off by fire last night but I haven't heard anything today. High temperatures coupled with low humidity and a lack of rainfall have caused the government to raise fire danger warnings to the highest level.

This hot, dry weather is great for riding but you need to be damn careful when you camp and stop to rest. Also, dehydration can be a problem and you need to carry and drink plenty of water. I usually freeze a quart bottle of water and toss it into the saddle bag as I leave. It melts gradually and stays cold for a few hours.

A wild fire swept through a canyon in South Dakota's Black Hills destroying a number of homes. With Sturgis only a little more than two weeks away this could be a concern for all headed that way.
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More on the fires from New West

Carhenge?

Out on the prairie near the central Nebraska panhandle town of Alliance, stands a monument quite unlike any other in the world. On a couple of occasions, I've paused my ride at Carhenge, a rather whimsical reproduction of the Stonehenge site in England, using old American cars rather than stones.



In 2006, Discovery Channel's Biker Build Off did a shoot at Carhenge. The Bikes were then ridden on to Sturgis for the unveiling. Some of you may have seen that.

I mention this for a couple of reasons. First, yesterday was the Solstice, the longest day of sunshine each year and traditionally the first day of Summer. Solstice celebrations are always held at Stonehenge by modern day Druids, Pagans, and folks just looking for good party. (I don't know if they do that at Carhenge, although I have attended a party or two in Alliance.)
Second, Carhenge is a great place to stop and take a few pics on your way to or from Sturgis. Check your maps. It's about 180mi due south. If you go, check the guestbook at the site. Signatures here by travelers from all over the world. You can thank me later.

Keep on keepin' on!

Anyone Heading for Sturgis?

Only six weeks away.



This Sturgis video is set to Arlo Guthrie. It's fun.

Lyrics to The Motorcycle Song

Charlie Brechtel Band

Performing "At the Chip" -- Buffalo Chip Campground, Sturgis, 2006.

See you there, in 2007.
uglicoyote

Charlie Brechtel