| Author |
Messages |
|
candygirl
Posts:14
 |
| 01/27/2006 7:26 AM |
 Alert
|
Well, hubby and I have made the reservation and we are going to Sturgis. We decided to go with the rental camper route. Definitely looking forward to it. We are coming from Texas and will be arriving on July 31 and staying for the entire rally. I'm happy to join the message board and I look forward to getting all kinds of good advice from you seasoned veterans! The first thing I need advice on is what to bring and how to pack. The longest bike trip I've taken to this point is a 2 day trip averaging about 400 miles a day but we were only gone a week. This time we will be averaging over 500 miles a day and be gone 2 weeks. Plus we have to supply all the linens and cooking stuff for the camper. Hubby went to Milwaukee for the HD 100th party and was gone for 2 weeks so he's a little more experienced than I am at this...but he also didn't camp and have to bring linens and stuff.
I look forward to meeting everyone and learning from ya'll.
CandyGirl |
|
|
|
|
NewHarleyCrazy
Posts:75
|
| 01/27/2006 7:50 AM |
Alert
|
Advice on what???? I'm always full of advice and opinions....as many can full well tell you.
Camping Gear: a good tent - I have an REI 4 season that is worth every cent I spent on it, a good sleeping bag - again REI zero degree rating, my Coleman one man inflatable mattress, my one burner stove and a small cook kit - for my coffee mostly, rain gear is a must, a roll of quarters (I don't stay at the Chip -sorry ya'll - I stay at the Day's End and our showers run on quarters - but I do buy 'day passes' into the Chip), take only the clothing and gear you "know" you'll use...keep your valuables to a minnimum....I buy my shampoo and soap in the small travel sizes. They're easy to pack and I can just throw them away instead of hauling it back home.
Pack a First Aid kit: Blistex or Carmex; whatever you use for headaches-or the inevitable hang-over (I like Alleve), sunscreen, some anti-histamines (one year my drunk butt sat in an ant hill!), an ace bandage, and then the usual bandaids, alcohol swabs, first aid tape..etc..
Then there's the crap for my bike: a can of Fix-A-Flat (got a flat tire 2 years ago near Mule Creek Junction!), a quart of oil, tire gauge, a few rags, a couple bottles of water, zip ties, allen wrenches, a few socket wrenches, and a 1 gallon container of gas (it's a freakin' sporty!)
Anything else??? Anyone?? (Buehler?...Buehler?...)  |
|
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
|
|
candygirl
Posts:14
|
| 01/27/2006 8:59 AM |
Alert
|
Well we won't have to pack a tent since we are going to rent one of the campers they have set up there at the Chip. We do have to supply all of our necessities though. I thought if I could cook a little it might save some money on food but carrying the stuff to do it could be a little tricky. We are considering mailing linens and a few pots and pans (and my trusty coffee maker) up there before hand and then mailing it back home. Has anyone done that? Hubby rides a Road King so he has some decent room in his saddle bags plus he has a very nice T-bag for the back. I ride a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 but my saddle bags are really small, basically carry my jacket and my purse and not much else. I've carried a really large duffle bag on the back of my bike before but I was only packed for a week then, not 2 weeks. I've heard some advice to only pack for a week and do laundry. Are there laundry facilities at the Chip?
Thanks for the advice...keep it coming!
CandyGirl |
|
|
|
|
JGZ
Posts:12
|
| 01/27/2006 11:05 AM |
Alert
|
When we went in 2004, we stayed at the Chip in the VIP area and loved it. I'm not sure if there is a place to do your laundry. There is a place at the camp where you can drop off your laundry and they will do it for you for a fee. We liked that, because we didn't have to spend any time that we could be riding, doing laundry. We are from Texas too!!
Mrs JGZ |
|
|
|
|
Bill124
Posts:159
|
| 01/27/2006 11:08 AM |
Alert
|
| You can ship stuff out and back. They have an onsite shipper. There are washing machines(bring lots of quarters) or pickup and delivery(24 hour turnaround). |
|
Keep the rubber side down |
|
|
wildwildangels
Posts:55
|
| 01/27/2006 11:39 AM |
Alert
|
We go to several rallys and yet have we ever cooked....wouldnt worry with pots and pans....we putt a trailer behind bike and space is a permium so pack only the basics...only cooking items we take are whats needed for coffee.....there is always a place to get somethin to eat around and without the hassel of fixing it...leave ur free time to enjoy whats goin on or ridin the routes.... |
|
|
|
|
PekUSA
Posts:154
|
| 01/27/2006 12:43 PM |
Alert
|
There is an on sight shipping/receiving place there. They do a great job. You could ship all you needed for the Chip trailer and all that you didn't need on the bike for the ride up and have it there when you get there. They'll take it to your trailer. When you're ready to go, ship it home. Lots of people take advantage of that.
They have washing machines but there may not be hot enough water at times. There is a laundry service that is excellent, so if you ship, you can have a few extra clothes for the day your overnight laundry is done. You can get gro. in town and they have a quick trip at the Chip plus many places to eat.
Just like coming home! We be headed up from that Lil o State of Texas ourselves. See y'all there.  |
|
Beer Bash '08-Don't be late! |
|
|
MG
Posts:15
|
| 01/27/2006 6:49 PM |
Alert
|
I used the coin laundry in the back part of the South Showers- they worked fine.
The Chip General Store is a pretty well-stocked convenience store, maybe paper plates and styrofoam cups would solve the dish problem- bring along a pan or two and of course the coffee pot!
Should be able to pack the linens on the bike without much trouble, but you could pick up a cheap set of linens at Walmart if you want and just donate them to the Chip at the end of the week.
You guys are going to have a great time- the Chip is the best party in the world! See you in August!
MG in Alabama |
|
|
|
|
FlaSteve
Posts:153
|
| 01/28/2006 6:47 AM |
Alert
|
| Upgrade ur ticket to VIP and get nightly buffet meals,plenty of free draft and up front stage access ! There is free coffee and egg breakfast in the mornin for $ 5.00 why cook!!! |
|
FlaSteve |
|
|
PekUSA
Posts:154
|
| 01/29/2006 1:39 PM |
Alert
|
FlaSteve,
I'm going over to your tent for free coffee, come on back!  
Pek |
|
Beer Bash '08-Don't be late! |
|
|
dar29
Posts:31
|
| 01/30/2006 5:45 PM |
Alert
|
well hello there everyone,
well there is 2 laundry places located at the chip. 1 at the top of the hill behind the showers in the back fourty, then there is one near the general store , plus the laundry service. we have used then all. a couple of rolls of quarters. phone card if you don't have a cell phone.
pack a pair of sweats so if it gets cold you will have some thing to put on when it gets cold. rain gear, what you might wear. first aide kit it helpful, with theraflu tabs, headache relever, bandaides,ace rap, sun burn spray, sun screen. flash light rechargable batteries. some thing to make shade a couple of camping chairs. good pair of shoes if you plain to do alot of walking or standing. leathers of corse.
air matterous , sleeping bags,got to have a coffee pot. you can get groceries in town or get them before you come. there are places you can get groceries the general store, pamida, wal-mart before town, and there at a couple of grocery stores in town. bring a pair of flip flops just in case to use in the showers.bring a couple of clothes pin so your towels wont blow away if it gets windy.
this is a few things you might bring . |
|
|
|
|
RebelWG
Posts:14
|
| 02/01/2006 5:53 AM |
Alert
|
Use the shipping feature "The Chip" has to offer and don't worry about packing a lot of stuff. Enjoy the ride out with just what you need for the trip. Then enjoy the ride back with what you need. The shipping is worth the effort and makes life so much better. The only thing better is if you have someone close by that you know that is going (and not riding) and they have room for some of your stuff. I have used the shipping in the past and it works great. Especially when it was time to come home.
Get ready for the ride of your life. The area around Sturgis is all everyone says it is and more. Relax and don't sweat the small stuff. They have stores near by and you can pick up what you need there. |
|
It is more what you do and how you do it, than who you do it to. |
|
|
Tommysixx9
Posts:7
|
| 03/19/2006 6:53 PM |
Alert
|
The first year I went to Sturgis, I stayed in a camper. I had bought so many food items that I ended up throwing alot of it away......I was never near the camper to eat, only to sleep. So My advice would be to keep the pots, pans, and other stuff at home. Everything you need will either be at the Chip's convienence store or in town. Last year when I went I just took money, money and more money. It's easier to carry and you don't have to worry about packing more shit than what you need. Buy what you need while you need it and go back with nothing you don't use. A good motto to live by if I don't say so myself.
|
|
The only time I say No is when people ask me if I am gonna stop! |
|
|
H2andHogs
Posts:19
|
| 03/24/2006 5:07 PM |
Alert
|
The shipping idea of sending out the heavier stuff by UPS you won't need to travel to Sturgis is a great idea. Thats how I have done many trips around the country and it works well. The Chip is now set up to handle the actual receiving of your items and holding them for you until you arrive.
Other suggestions on things to "bring or ship" would be foldable chairs, the type that are in the bag, so you can sit outside your camper, which is a long standing Chip activity, or so that you can sit while waiting for the concerts. You most likely won't be able to remain seated during the shows or you won't be able to see around those standing.
Include some shipping tape in the box you send out so you can seal it properly yourself for the return shipment. Also, in 2004, there were 4 days where in the morning it was 35 degrees until 10 or 11 am. Last year, it actually snowed in the hills south of Deadwood one early morning during the rally. Obviously it didn't accumulate, but if it is cold enough to snow or be 35 degrees in the AM, you will want some warm clothes and some clothes you can wear in layers when you ride in that type of tempature. It always warms up, so even though it starts out cold, you need to be able to dress warm at the beginning of the day and shed layers as needed when it warms up.
The contrast of that is that you can almost always count on the temperature being 100 degrees plus at least one day while you are there. After all, it is August and for each of my last 6 years of going to Sturgis, ( the last 4 where I stayed at the Chip), it has done every type of weather common in the central US.
There are several good grocery stores in town where you should plan on getting the majority of your groceries as the little store at the Chip is convenient, but obviously doesn't have the lowest prices. 
Make sure to carefully check the bikes fluids, tire pressures, etc. as the combination of the high temperatures and setting in traffic for up to one hour to get either to the Chip from town or to Sturgis from the Chip, will test the oil in your bike. I have seen many V Twins get up to 285 degrees of oil tempature waiting in line. Just some friendly words of advice. I hope they are helpful!
You will enjoy your stay at the Chip. The staff tries REAL HARD to make each bikers stay the best they can. Just remember, things do go wrong and if it should happen to you, don't let it ruin your Chip stay. Woody and his dedicated staff work extremely hard to do their best.
Last year, the guy in line in front of me at the Will Call Ticket pick up booth didn't follow a single rule of the entire transaction. He didn't have the same credit card on which he made his reservation, which is very important. He didn't even have a picture ID, yet he insisted he had paid for tickets and demanded he get them even without the credit card or being able to prove who he is(or should I say was?). He threw an absolute fit and held up the line until a few of us helped him to his vehicle. The hard working staff member kept smiling and did her very best until the berating and name calling by this one rude guy brought her to tears. It was at this point he received our assistance away from the counter so everything could return to normal and all of those who followed the rules could get thier tickets and move on. Obviously he was the rare exception. 99.9% of all of the people who either attend or work at the Chip's events are great people and the experience is one where you will make a lifetime of memories.
Stay safe and we all look forward to helping you with advice in any way we can! Bruce |
|
|
|
|
candygirl
Posts:14
|
| 03/29/2006 1:05 PM |
Alert
|
| Thanks everyone for all the advice. I am so looking forward to this trip. We checked into the VIP thing and it is so much more expensive but it sounds like you all think it's worth it. I will discuss with hubby and see what he thinks. He just got his bike out of the shop with a bunch of new chrome so he's ready! We are both getting new tires for the trip since we will wear them out on the trip. I don't have cruise control on my bike so I'm going to get that installed before we leave also. 1000 miles with no cruise control wouldn't be that bad but I'm having rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder the end of next month and I have heard I may not be up to the ride even 3 months later. I don't care, come hell or high water I'm going...even if I have to tape my arm up completely to ride. I might even consider riding beeotch for that 1000 miles if it's my only alternative. We are going to do the shipping thing and ship our linens up ahead of time. I plan on bringing at least a coffee maker so I can have some coffee every morning. Hubby HAS to have breakfast everyday and it can't be the sweets thing so we will just ship one skillet to cook him up some breakfast burritos everyday. I plan on bringing my chair with me so we have it for the way up there if needed. I've carried it on the bikes to many local get togethers so I don't think it will be a big problem. We are doing the early bird pass and already have them. We will get there on the 31st so we have a few days before the majority of the bikers get there. I hope to do some really good riding in those days and then once the rally officially begins I hope to sit back, party down, drink me lots of beer and just enjoy the show! We will be bringing our Texas flag so look for us in the rented camper section with a big 'ole Texas out front! |
|
|
|
|
nebwyldthang
Posts:111
|
| 03/29/2006 2:45 PM |
Alert
|
Candygirl: My niece had a lady back over her on her Sporty, my niece had the right of way and this lady backed out of a parking spot, go figure, I guess her little "reverse alarm" doesn't detect bikers on sportys, anyways, she laid down the bike to save it but the bumper hit her shoulder, had to have surgery, yada yada, but, my point is, make sure you diligently do your physical therapy afterwards, to get your stamina, strength, mobility back up to par as much as possible before the trip, my niece still has trouble with long distances and stuff. Just a tip girl. Keep the rubber on the road and the shiny side up 129 days and a wakeup  |
|
HEY! The Proctologist called........they found your head! |
|
|
grizzly
Posts:7
|
| 04/01/2006 7:07 AM |
Alert
|
| you shouldnt have a problem w/ your shoulder by the time u get ready to go. i had the same thing done to my shoulder this winter. the only thing different was that when they got in there, it was worse shape then they thought. they had to cut the biciept in half and put in a pin to attach it to. even w/ that i was back riding in about 3 months. good luck, maybe i will see you and hubby at the chip. im going to get there on the 31st also. i will have a little flag that says grizzly visalia ca on it by my tent. |
|
|
|
|
harleygirlflstf
Posts:1
|
| 04/10/2006 4:59 PM |
Alert
|
Hey Candy!
We lived in Grapevine for 10 years....Where about in The lonestar state are you from? I hauled the rv while my husband rode the fatboy 3 times. Ship what you need to there is breakfast available at the chip. We will be in the South 40. Look for the big red ford TXRDNEK plates. The first aid kit and warm layers is the best hint. You may start the day at 35 and hit 100 at 1 then have thunderstorms at 5.
Good luck, hope to see you there!
Nancy |
|
|
|
|
PekUSA
Posts:154
|
| 04/15/2006 4:00 PM |
Alert
|
| Me an' Lil' Red will be coming up from NW of Houston. Where you starting out from Candy Girl? We are planning on getting to the Chip on the 30th or 31st. Maybe leave a little earlier to stop in NE for a night. |
|
Beer Bash '08-Don't be late! |
|
|
Txaggie
Posts:1
|
| 06/09/2006 3:14 PM |
Alert
|
Hey Candygirl where in Texas are you guys coming from. Were leaving Texas City on the 3rd pulling the RV with with two bikes in the back and 3 others following us. We should be at the Chip by Saturday the 5th. We have a camp spot in the South 40 west. Look for a Raptor RV flying the Lone Star Flag and Harley Flag and a Margarita machine going full speed. This is my first trip too so we need all the help we can get. Stop by our campsite and have a Good Ol Texas Style Margarita.
Ride Safe |
|
|
|
|
|