Closing out the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Riding into Fall

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has come and gone once again, and now it's time to slow down for fall.

As we inch closer and closer to autumn, it's still the perfect time to be out on a motorcycle, riding the Black Hills and Badlands. Traffic has slowed down, the weather is gradually getting cooler with the shorter days, and the region is greener than ever.

There have been several green summers in the last thirteen years I've lived in the region, but seeing everything this lush in August is a rare treat. The scent of the pines, sweet clover, and prairie grasses are thick in the air, and everything from Sundance to Murdo is teeming with life. Whether you hike or just cruise by, landmarks like Bear Butte, Badlands National Park, and Devils Tower are must-see locations this summer.

Soon, the leaves will begin to change, and the best scenic drives in the area will be lit up in splendid displays of autumnal color. Leaves will turn into brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow while the ponderosas steadfastly remain their signature green-black hue.

Rides through places like Needles Highway, Vanocker Canyon, Iron Mountain Road and Spearfish Canyon are an excellent way to witness all of the extraordinary natural beauty in the area. We understand it's hard to choose where to start, however we have a compiled list of suggestions from experienced riders of the Most Beautiful Motorcycle Rides in the Black Hills for inspiration. You'll see just how easy it is to cruise all day long in the 70-degree weather and lose yourself to the beauty of the Hills. You can even check some of our 10 Gems of the Sturgis Rally off of your to-do list in the quieter months if you're looking for those bucket list items. 

So cruise the highways, fill your camera, and say you made it to Sturgis all on your own terms this fall. Bring your family, friends and spouse, and make great memories as the sun sets on another summer.