3 Survival Tips For Motorcyclists Heading To Sturgis This Year

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If you're a motorcycle enthusiast who has always wanted to attend a bike rally, heading to Sturgis, South Dakota would be an excellent choice. Sturgis has been holding its rally since 1938 and it has grown to being one of the largest bike rallies in the country. Attendance at the event ranges anywhere from 450,000 to 800,000 each year. With that many people and motorcycles, it's no surprise that accidents happen. Last year only three people died during the rally, but the year before that, the number of fatalities was 15. If you intend to stay safe at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, here are three survival tips to help you.

Know the Road

Riding a motorcycle on an open road is one thing, but to get to Sturgis, many motorcyclists drive through the Black Hills National Forest, which is filled with lots of twists and turns. You will want to follow the speed limit and you'll also need to watch out for deer, as they have a habit of coming out onto the road from out of nowhere. You'll also want to be sure to wear all of your protective gear including a helmet, gloves, boots, riding jeans, and a leather jacket.

Invest in Roadside Assistance

You most likely already have motorcycle insurance, but before heading to South Dakota, you may want to ensure that roadside assistance is included in your policy. Sturgis is located in a very rural part of the state where it's not always easy to get to a place for help. For this reason, it wouldn't hurt to make sure you're covered in the following types of scenarios:

It's especially important to get roadside assistance if you are coming from a long distance.

Prepare for the Weather

Before you head out to Sturgis, you'll want to be sure to check the weather so that you can pack appropriately. The bike rally is held in August and during that month, the average temperature for Rapid City, the largest town next to Sturgis, is about 84 degrees. Severe thunderstorms are not uncommon in that part of the state during the summer months.

While the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally can be a fun and exhilarating event, it is imperative to drive safely and use caution at all times. If you do happen to get into an accident, don't hesitate to contact a motorcycle accident attorney like Cok Kinzler PLLP today.


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