Deadwood Trike Rally 2018

Jun 18, 2015
158
66
West Michigan
Just finished reading about a trike rally to be held in Deadwood SD next July, didn't realize there was such a thing but apparently this will be the fourth year. Wife and I attended the regular Sturgis Rally last August and, other than the riding and sight-seeing in that area, we were not that impressed with the Rally itself.

Curious if anyone here has attended the trike rally and what your thoughts are on this one vs the regular rally. Other than cheaper motel rooms and less crowded roads, I'm wondering if it's worth attending ???
 
Just finished reading about a trike rally to be held in Deadwood SD next July, didn't realize there was such a thing but apparently this will be the fourth year. Wife and I attended the regular Sturgis Rally last August and, other than the riding and sight-seeing in that area, we were not that impressed with the Rally itself.

Curious if anyone here has attended the trike rally and what your thoughts are on this one vs the regular rally. Other than cheaper motel rooms and less crowded roads, I'm wondering if it's worth attending ???

Rode out there last year from SW Ohio. Plan on again next year. Met some very nice people & did a lot of riding . Not near as crowded as Sturgis, The host hotel has been changed to a Travelodge. Same hotel just diff branding. Very nice with covered parking, 2 floors, of parking I think. They may be all booked,but hotels in Sturgis are only about 12 miles. http://d3wr.com/ You can book rooms but registration for Rally will be a couple months from now.
 
We went to the first one. It was a pretty good time, tried going on a group ride. What a cluster. Instead of breaking up 200 trikes into smaller groups, they ran everybody together.

After a few stop lights, you are following somebody who is following somebody else who doesn't know where they are going. We bailed and went off on our own...

It was our first time riding in the Black Hills, that part was great, wife had never been to Mt Rushmore.

Had fun with the buffalo herd in the state park.iron mtn road.jpg
 
2018 Deadwood 3 Wheeler Rally (July 10th - 15th)

Just finished reading about a trike rally to be held in Deadwood SD next July, didn't realize there was such a thing but apparently this will be the fourth year. Wife and I attended the regular Sturgis Rally last August and, other than the riding and sight-seeing in that area, we were not that impressed with the Rally itself.

Curious if anyone here has attended the trike rally and what your thoughts are on this one vs the regular rally. Other than cheaper motel rooms and less crowded roads, I'm wondering if it's worth attending ???

Hi Dave,

As the forum's coordinator for the rally, I'd like to add a few comments, in addition to what my good friend Bill (PosseRider) stated. First of all, there's no comparison to the rally that's held in Sturgis, SD the first weekend in August every year, other than they both take place in the beautiful Black Hills of my state of SD.

As Bill stated, during the Deadwood Trike Rally there's a lot less bike traffic and vehicle congestion that always comes with large gatherings. Lodging is less expensive and more readily available during the Deadwood Rally, however it is advisable that you still make your reservations early, as the area is a popular tourist spot during the summer. The Deadwood 3 Wheeler Rally, it's official title, is solely a "trike" rally, catered to those rider enthusiasts that love to travel on 3 vs 2 wheels. Still, 2 wheelers are welcome to attend. To learn more about the rally, soon to be in its 4th year, I welcome you to refer to its website, http://www.d3wr.com. It is there where you can register and find what is scheduled during the rally, soon to be updated. There is also a link to the rally's Facebook timeline where up-to-date details are often posted. Also I refer you to past comments that were given by myself and other members that attended rallies 1 - 3. These are listed on the forums other gatherings, sub-forum Deadwood Trike Rally.

Teresa Schanzenbach, the rally's coordinator, will be happy to answer any questions you have as well as myself. Since I'm unable to receive private messages through the forum, I welcome you and others interested in the Deadwood 3 Wheeler Rally, to email me. My email address is: marquardt6004@gmail.com.
If you decide to attend, I guaranteed that you will not be disappointed. We had about 400 trikers that attended the rally this year in 2017. Based on the number of trikers that have pre- registered at First Gold Hotel and Deadwood Travelodge Inn and Suites, our host hotels, we're better than 1/2 way there to matching and certainly bettering 2017's attendance. Hope to see you there...!

Regards,

Paul M.

aka: pmar6004




23031621_1510008822422264_923168784446511528_n.jpg
 
I am seriously considering attending this rally. Being a newbie (just two months) to the trike scene I'm digging it and this looks like a great way to meet fellow enthusiasts. Now I'll probably have some of my two-wheeled friends along but that's OK since riding is riding.

Been to the area several times and to the actual Sturgis rally once . . . and once was enough. I don't get enthused about large crowds and congestion so this event looks just about perfect.
 
We went to the first one. It was a pretty good time, tried going on a group ride. What a cluster. Instead of breaking up 200 trikes into smaller groups, they ran everybody together.

After a few stop lights, you are following somebody who is following somebody else who doesn't know where they are going. We bailed and went off on our own...

It was our first time riding in the Black Hills, that part was great, wife had never been to Mt Rushmore.

Had fun with the buffalo herd in the state park.View attachment 51527

That was our exact experience attending last year. The huge group rides sucked so we stopped attending those. We will be returning to that area in 2019 in our travels. Unless the organizers start breaking up those rides into safer more manageable size groups we won't drink that cool aid again though.

PS: you should sell that pic to Harley to use in their marketing!
 
We went to the first one. It was a pretty good time, tried going on a group ride. What a cluster. Instead of breaking up 200 trikes into smaller groups, they ran everybody together.

After a few stop lights, you are following somebody who is following somebody else who doesn't know where they are going. We bailed and went off on our own...

It was our first time riding in the Black Hills, that part was great, wife had never been to Mt Rushmore.

Had fun with the buffalo herd in the state park.View attachment 51527

Excelant photo , Thom :clapping: The men in the background really make it.
 
That was our exact experience attending last year. The huge group rides sucked so we stopped attending those. We will be returning to that area in 2019 in our travels. Unless the organizers start breaking up those rides into safer more manageable size groups we won't drink that cool aid again though.

PS: you should sell that pic to Harley to use in their marketing!

Hi Joe,

The organizers heard you and others and changes will be made. Please read my latest post:
"Latest Up Dates to the 2018 Deadwood 3 Wheeler Rally..."

BTW, I picked up an Aluma TK1 trailer for my Stallion a couple months ago. Found it listed on Craigslist, a 2011 model that is in very good condition. I had to buy ramp extensions since the trailer's pull out ramp was a bit too short, (prevent high centering the Stallion as the front wheel cleared the ramp). They didn't make a longer ramp till 2014 and later models. Unfortunately my trailer won't accommodate a longer ramp without physically altering the storage area beneath the bed.

pmar6004

 
Latest from the rally::

Nothing is set in stone however here are a few thoughts/updates to keep you in the loop for the 4th Annual Deadwood 3 Wheeler Rally taking place July 10-15, 2018.

1. We will be taking a break from large groups leaving at one time to go on a destination ride. Instead, small groups of 20 trikes or less will take off together. We will provide maps and sign-up sheets to help organize individuals into the small groups. Ultimately the small groups will meet back up later in the day for an ice cream or watermelon feed.

2. We are exploring a "Ride with a Local" day.

3. Increase group activities by hosting some trike games, an outdoor movie night, and going to Sturgis on Wednesday afternoon for an outdoor concert/street fair.

4. Having Vendors from Thursday - Saturday (in 2017 they started on Wed and will still have that option if they wish)

4. Having the show n shine (sponsored by Powder River Trikers) and evening dinner/awards on Friday rather than Saturday so more people can participate before heading back home.

I think they are really trying to better the event. The group riding the best upgrade for me.
 
Appreciate all the responses and I just finished booking a room in Sturgis for the event. ThumbUp As I stated, our trip to the big rally last august left us wanting more riding experiences in the area and we were looking for a reason to get back out there. This sounds like a good experience and we are looking forward to attending. :)
 
Appreciate all the responses and I just finished booking a room in Sturgis for the event. ThumbUp As I stated, our trip to the big rally last august left us wanting more riding experiences in the area and we were looking for a reason to get back out there. This sounds like a good experience and we are looking forward to attending. :)

Glad to hear. Hope to see ya on the way out.
 
Appreciate all the responses and I just finished booking a room in Sturgis for the event. ThumbUp As I stated, our trip to the big rally last august left us wanting more riding experiences in the area and we were looking for a reason to get back out there. This sounds like a good experience and we are looking forward to attending. :)

Hi Dave,

Welcome, glad that you decided to attend. Trust me, you will not regret it. I see that you booked your lodging reservations at Sturgis. Did you find no vacancies in Deadwood? Just curious...
:confused: Formal registration to the rally will soon be open on the rally's website, http://www.d3wr.com as well as a schedule of events, so please stay tuned.

pmar6004

 
Hi Dave,

Welcome, glad that you decided to attend. Trust me, you will not regret it. I see that you booked your lodging reservations at Sturgis. Did you find no vacancies in Deadwood? Just curious...
:confused:


There were rooms available in Deadwood when I searched but either more expensive or not type of room we were looking for. Is there a disadvantage to staying 12 miles away 🤔
 
There were rooms available in Deadwood when I searched but either more expensive or not type of room we were looking for. Is there a disadvantage to staying 12 miles away ��

To answer your question, certainly not. When I attended my first Deadwood 3 Wheeler Rally, I stayed at the Game Lodge Campground in Custer State Park, about 65 miles away from the rally site. As I said, I was just curious why you opted Sturgis vs Deadwood. It doesn't surprise me that Deadwood is slightly more expensive than Sturgis, due to it's historical background which attracts more tourists. You'd find that during the Sturgis MC Rally, they are about equal.

pmar6004



 
Talked to Teresa at the host hotel, First Gold Hotel & Gaming, they are already full up. Since I ride a Harley and they have a discount program with Best Western she suggested I check with them which I did. Booked our room for July 10 - 15 and really looking forward to this rally. I love that area and can't wait to get back there.
 
Talked to Teresa at the host hotel, First Gold Hotel & Gaming, they are already full up. Since I ride a Harley and they have a discount program with Best Western she suggested I check with them which I did. Booked our room for July 10 - 15 and really looking forward to this rally. I love that area and can't wait to get back there.

Hi Jerry,

Glad to read that you got your lodging booked and that you'll be attending the rally.
ThumbUp Glad that you communicated with Teresa and she assisted in getting you checked in. She pretty much handles all the details of the rally and is doing a super job. Don't know where she finds the energy. Keep your eye on the rally's website http://www.d3wr.com, as the registration for the rally will soon be open. Take care...!

Regards,

pmar6004

 
Hi Jerry,

Glad to read that you got your lodging booked and that you'll be attending the rally.
ThumbUp Glad that you communicated with Teresa and she assisted in getting you checked in. She pretty much handles all the details of the rally and is doing a super job. Don't know where she finds the energy. Keep your eye on the rally's website http://www.d3wr.com, as the registration for the rally will soon be open. Take care...!

Regards,

pmar6004


Will do Paul . . . and thanks!
 
Hi Joe,

The organizers heard you and others and changes will be made. Please read my latest post:
"Latest Up Dates to the 2018 Deadwood 3 Wheeler Rally..."

BTW, I picked up an Aluma TK1 trailer for my Stallion a couple months ago. Found it listed on Craigslist, a 2011 model that is in very good condition. I had to buy ramp extensions since the trailer's pull out ramp was a bit too short, (prevent high centering the Stallion as the front wheel cleared the ramp). They didn't make a longer ramp till 2014 and later models. Unfortunately my trailer won't accommodate a longer ramp without physically altering the storage area beneath the bed.

pmar6004


Phil, you will like the way the Aluma pulls. I hated to get rid of mine it was such a good trailer. Had to go with a 24' enclosed since we are now taking a car and trike with us behind RV.
 
Latest from the rally::

Nothing is set in stone however here are a few thoughts/updates to keep you in the loop for the 4th Annual Deadwood 3 Wheeler Rally taking place July 10-15, 2018.

1. We will be taking a break from large groups leaving at one time to go on a destination ride. Instead, small groups of 20 trikes or less will take off together. We will provide maps and sign-up sheets to help organize individuals into the small groups. Ultimately the small groups will meet back up later in the day for an ice cream or watermelon feed.

2. We are exploring a "Ride with a Local" day.

3. Increase group activities by hosting some trike games, an outdoor movie night, and going to Sturgis on Wednesday afternoon for an outdoor concert/street fair.

4. Having Vendors from Thursday - Saturday (in 2017 they started on Wed and will still have that option if they wish)

4. Having the show n shine (sponsored by Powder River Trikers) and evening dinner/awards on Friday rather than Saturday so more people can participate before heading back home.

I think they are really trying to better the event. The group riding the best upgrade for me.

Bill, if they break up the group rides to 20 or fewer bikes in each group then we will attend again, probably in 2019. I can take or leave having a ton of vendors, especially since there are several shops in the area along with a J&P store.
 
I really need to get there this year. I enjoy the Black Hills.

Hi Dennis,

Thanks for responding to the thread. I sure hope that you can make it to the rally. The rally's formal reservation will soon be up and running via its website http://www.d3wr.com. Please bookmark this site so that you can refer to it often. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to drop me an email. My address is given at the bottom of this post.

pmar6004

 
I just made reservations at Dakota Spur Hotel Lead, SD. Not many rooms left in Deadwood.



Welcome aboard Jerry. Will this your first visit to the Black Hills? If so, I think you'll find the scenery simply fantastic with some of the best triking/motorcycling roads east of the Rockies. Thanks for the lodging update for Deadwood, as it's not surprising that most rooms have been taken. For others that are interested in attending the Deadwood 3 Wheel Rally, here's a link to Deadwood's Chamber of Commerce which might be helpful as a first resource to finding lodging.

http://www.deadwood.com/chamber-info/.

pmar6004

 
I went to Sturgis about four years ago. Weather was bad didn't get to ride much. Looking forward to some good rides, with all the good people.

You'll find them both and then some, while attending the rally. Hope you can hook up with my good friend Bill (PosseRider). Having someone to make the journey with makes for a much more interesting and enjoyable ride, not to mention one that is safer, as well. Take care...!

pmar6004



 
Deadwood ralley

Are there any campgrounds recommended?

We will be coming out with the RV?

Thanks

Ride safe

Geo
 
We stayed at the Days of 76 rodeo grounds, they have RV sites, it's pretty decent, and it's right there where everything is happening. No sewer hook-ups at the sites, but they do have a trailer dump.
 
Are there any campgrounds recommended?

We will be coming out with the RV?

Thanks

Ride safe

Geo

Hi George,

Yes, there are quite a number of nearby campgrounds to chose from. Here's a link, which gives you the websites to a number of campgrounds http://www.deadwood.com/chamber-info/. Don't forget to register for the rally if you haven't already. http://www.d3wr.com is where you can register. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.



pmar6004

 
Are there any campgrounds recommended?

We will be coming out with the RV?

Thanks

Ride safe

Geo

We stayed in Elkhorn Ridge RV Park just outside of Spearfish SD Geo. It is a very nice CG with large sites, full hook-ups, and a really nice pool. What we liked about it was the location (close to interstate plus only 10 minutes away from rally).
 

Welcome to the Trike Talk Community

Join our vibrant online community dedicated to all things Trikes! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, this is the place to share experiences, tips, and stories about your three-wheeled adventures. Explore modifications, maintenance advice, and rides, all while connecting with fellow trike enthusiasts from around the globe

Forum statistics

Threads
55,245
Messages
802,422
Members
23,822
Latest member
GWearsch
Back
Top Bottom