33 feet wide to allow room for extra bikers and ve- one of his golf carts. I was already impressed Mount Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, Spearfish
hicles. with the place and its amenities, but when he Canyon, the Badlands, Crazy Horse, Needles
All of the Mount Rodney staff are volunteer took me to the two upper levels of the park, I Highway, Iron Mountain Bridge Road, Bear
family and friends of the owners, and, I must say, was equally impressed with the panoramic view Butte…. and much more. Mount Rodney staff
some of the friendliest and most helpful folks of Downtown Sturgis. I also learned that it helps make it even more appealing by providing pick-
you will find anywhere. to make reservations early for one of the cov- up service for guests’ bikes that break down, ei-
I also discovered that Mount Rodney caters eted upper level spots. ther bringing them back to the park or to a local
to other rally-goers who don’t have an RV. Tent I told J.D. I was going down to Main Street to mechanic, if needed, for a modest fuel charge.
camping spaces are available for $35 per per- see the sites. Although it’s only a couple of They will also shuttle guests to the Rapid City
son per night. You can even rent a catered tent blocks away, he recommended that I take the Airport.
(good for two people), which also includes a park’s free shuttle. It makes the short run to So I ride during the day and party down at
mattress, light, electrical plug, fan, ice chest, and Downtown Sturgis every 15 minutes from 7 night in Downtown Sturgis or travel a few
picnic table for $110 per night. (Weekly rates p.m. to 2 a.m., making it easy and convenient for miles east to the Full Throttle Saloon, Glen-
are also available for tent campers). park patrons to get around. Mount Rodney staff coe, or Buffalo Chip Campground for a
You can even rent a (Caddy Shack) a 4-6 know their way around Sturgis. J.D. told me world-class concert. Man, I cannot believe
person RV equipped with bathroom, shower, where to go for the best karaoke (The Oasis), there is a clean quiet campground like Mount
air-conditioning, refrigerator, stove, microwave, the most … uh… interesting girls (One-Eyed Jacks) Rodney so centrally located to everything
towels and bedding. These units rent for 5 or the best live music (Gunners, Broken Spoke, and equipped with all the amenities and
10-day stays, and, like all Mount Rodney sites, Loud American Roadhouse, Side Hack Saloon, services to keep the party going! On my last
can be reserved online (www.mtrodney.com). or Knuckle Saloon). The Knuckle is also well day at the rally, I even used their free wi-fi to
Adjacent to the park’s office and available known for its Tough Man and Tough Woman make my reservations for next year. For more
free for all guests are new air-conditioned men’s contests. information, or to make a reservation, go on-
and women’s bath/shower houses complete Overlooking Downtown Sturgis on my first line to
www.mtrodney.com.
with laundry facilities. The park office also night at the park, I could see the decks full of Both Saturday nights of rally week, the Mount
serves as an onsite store, offering beer, soda, ice, partiers at the Knuckle and One-Eyed Jacks. Rodney crew puts together a barbecue or cat-
food, RV supplies, and other supplies. Twenty minutes later, I was taking the free shut- fish feast for their guests on the party deck, along
So, now that I’ve driven 800 miles and am all tle to town for steak tips at the Knuckle, then a with live music and cold beer. Chances are
set at my RV site, I’m ready for the fun to begin. leisurely stroll up and down Main Street for a good too, that Rodney himself will appear on the
I head over to J.D.’s party deck, located near the closer look at the beautiful bikes and interesting deck to entertain guests with his various one-
park’s entrance, to relax to some free live music girls. Mmmmm! liners and stories. What a way to start and finish
and some $2 longnecks. J.D. even bought me a The next morning I was ready to ride. With the week! These folks offer everything. I can’t
cold one and took me on a tour of the park in all the attractions, it can be a tough choice. wait til next year.
Wide Open 9
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