...but I really thought they needed us more than most places due to income, but I guess not.
While on a trip I happened to get into a conversation in a diner with a couple who live in Sturgis, SD full time….except during the Rally. They were very respectful of my mode of transportation and inquired if I had ever been in Sturgis. I told them I had been to the rally more than 15 times (really…I lose track for a number of reasons but it happens if you live long enough). I asked them what they thought of “us”.
Wow! They have lost their grocery stores, family-owned year around downtown businesses, and a lot of non-motorcycle oriented services. Oh yeah, there are a few businesses (mostly owned by out of towners) that have struck it rich with the biker crowd even though they are only open 3 weeks a year, not unlike the gold rush days, I suppose. If you listen to the published releases, vendors pay for all of the increased cost of law enforcement, etc. My new acquaintances had a different perspective. Not only do local’s taxes increase, but It’s sad to look at the businesses along main street and Lazelle St. during non-rally months. I know there is increased revenue to the city and county due to the rally but the quality of life is vastly different for those who call Sturgis home. Guess there’s no free lunch for anyone.
Fewer people in an attendance is a plus, as far as I’m concerned. I started going to the Black Hills during the week prior to rally week and really enjoyed freedom of traveling and gas stops and motel rates and…everything.
Just getting old, I guess.