Just got off the phone with Rafter J - nice folks. Made a reservation for seven nignts arriving 8/4/08 which is Bike Week. How crowded will it be? Did I make a mistake? If I made a mistake and need to reschedule later in August, when do things wind down from Bike Week?
I really want to be there that week but if it is going to be so crowded that we can't enjoy Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, the nature loop, Mt. Rushmore, etc. we can reschedule.
Thanks in advance.
* This post was
edited 03/29/08 04:41pm by OhioRVers *
We were there the week after and I can tell you- you will still see lots and lots of bikes. If you are like us, we are not real comfortable riding behind a bike. Someone does something stupid (as we all do sometimes) on a bike, even if it's a very small accident- someones life is more on the line than if they were in an auto with a little protection. That said, of couse RV drivers are super consious of what their big trucks, rigs, ect can do, so I believe they are some of the most careful drivers out there. For the most part all of the bikers are very considerate, and they like the beautiful spaces of South Dakota and there abouts, even before and after bike week. We also stayed at Rafter J's last year, great place. I guess one of the biggest drawbacks that I know of is: When we would want to just pull off the road and view the sites and visit, the bikes were continuous and LOUD. We could not even talk to each other , and LOUD. You can not hold a conversation with them riding anywhere near. That said- it's a beautiful place and we loved it.
We were in the area during bike week in '06 although not at Rafter J. First estimates were that 750,000 bikers were there. Never did get a full report. Bikes, Bikes and more Bikes. Bikes everywhere.
We'll be at the Rafter J during bike week and we're looking forward to it. The campground is great, but the area will have just a ton of motorcycles. Many of the attractions will be very crowded. Everything in the area is focused on bike week.
2007 Newmar Essex 45'
2006 Honda CR-V and 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500
2004 HD Electra Glide Ultra Classic
2006 HD Heritage Softail Classic
Overbilt Lift
Go ahead and go, it will be a lot of fun. These bikers aren't those you see on tv, they are teachers, dentists, stockbrokers, lawyers, etc. They are there to have a good time and ride. One guy I talked to was a teacher and his bike cost him "a little" over $30,000.
Custer State Park will have a lot of bikers drive thru but there will be plenty of room. You won't have any trouble getting into any attractions.You might even want to take a day and go to Sturgis, we had a good time there. The streets are well patrolled, no sex, no drugs, but some rock and roll.
Rafter J is far enough away from the road that noise won't be a problem.
Rafter J won't be quite as noisy as in town, but be prepared for traffic and crowds at all the tourisy places. If you don't mind the sound of bikes 24/7, then go and enjoy: cool bikes to see for sure! If the noise bothers you, change your week.
Do you like bikers? They will be there by the hundreds! We were there the week before Bike Week one year and my kids thought it was really neat! I was glad we left before the "party" started. We stayed at the KOA and they told us it can get a little rowdy during bike week. It would probably not be referred to as a family week! I personally would reschedule, but if you go into knowing all this and you think you would enjoy it - then no problem!
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