Traveling to Motorcycle Rallies

Motorcycle Rallies have been popular since the late 1930s, with the first rallies being at Daytona Beach in 1937 and the Black Hills Motor Classic of South Dakota in 1938, which became the Sturgis Rally. For many, these rallies have become somewhat of a mecca and a pilgrimage motorcycle enthusiasts need to make every year. They come from near and far by every means imaginable, flying, driving, and riding. They trailer show bikes and ride bikes that people might wonder if they are road worthy or even legal to be on the road.

Many think rallies are only hard-core bikers going crazy and blowing off steam for a weekend, or ten days, which may be partially true. But the reality these days is they are more commercialized, like widespread conventions that allow people from all walks of life to see the latest in motorcycles from different manufacturers and all the new gear and creations from dealers and individuals showing the wears.

I have been to many motorcycle rallies over the years, even though I took a thirty-year hiatus. They are always fun, and getting there is half the fun. I have gone with and without a motorcycle and have both ridden and trailered bikes to rallies.

Over the last twenty years, Internet reconnaissance has taken much of the guesswork of these trips. You can search your chosen route, gas and food stops, campgrounds, hotels, mileage between points of interest, etc. So before leaving, you know where you are staying and the approximate time of the trip. Combined with GPS and onboard weather maps, rides are far easier and more about stamina.

Some might check riding networks, such as Bunk a Biker or their Harley Owners Group, where people pair up to ride and sometimes stay together. The ride networks might also include people who open their homes or campers for traveling bikers to stay along their journey.

Before going, I make sure my bike is in top-notch condition with all maintenance issues taken care of. I ride in weather appropriate riding gear, and I’m lucky enough to have baggers with trunks with plenty of space.

Knowing everybody and every trip is different; I hope this article helps people think about things they may need and how to pack for rallies, especially those riding and camping.

When I started doing these rides, I would start with the motorcycle unpacked and place all the items I wanted to take on the floor around the bike, then prioritize the need and systematically allocate the space for items based on priority.

I always travel with personal items, tools, camera gear, a firearm, a lighter, zip ties, tie downs, rain gear, and other small items that fit in my bags or are mounted to the bike. Depending on the length of stay, clothing and maybe an extra pair of shoes go in my tour pack. Camping gear (tent, mat, and sleeping bag) and other large items are tied to the tour pack luggage rack or the passenger seat via ratchet tie-downs.

Below is a comprehensive list of item suggestions I consider based on the type of trip. With the limited packing space of a motorcycle, always consider size, weight, and level of necessity, and look for multi-use items to reduce the load. Combine the use of items wherever possible, such as your phone is a single item, with GPS, Comm, and Flashlight, eliminating the need to carry them separately.

If you have a concealed carry permit and plan to carry a firearm or weapon, you should carefully review the reciprocating status with your state license, current laws, and packing requirements for any states you plan to visit. Other weapons, such as knives, clubs, etc., fall under a concealed carry permit in some states.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have tips or thoughts related to this story.