Ah yes, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. You'll love it or hate it. This year is the 70th anniversary. This year will also be the year hosting the greatest entertainment ever - Bob Dylan, Ozzy Osborne, Motley Crue, Daugherty, Guns n'Roses, and many others. Harley-Davidson has staged its greatest showing ever, and it is impressive.

Harley is the main game in town. They came from everywhere. Andy, who came to visit from Jackson WY, and I met a group from England staying at the same motel in Rock Springs. The Harley riders are primarily American patriots, veterans, blue collar red neck types, looking like outlaws. They cannot be distinguished from the dentists, doctors, lawyers, other professionals and movie stars who also look like outlaws. Rarely, you will notice a typical BMW rider dressed in a full face helmet and space suit. There are also a number of Jap bike riders who are trying to look like outlaws. And for the benefit of Ken the Visionary and Jerry the Spider-man, there were a few Visions and Can-Am Spyders.

This year the rally is non-stop for pipe installers. Economy will be hot during those two weeks and the largest attendance ever is expected. There is not another small town that has become so well known and profited so much from a single event that's lasted for 70 years and enriched every one's life in Sturgis. God bless America.

Take a look at the pictures for a small sample of the excitement. Take note of the picture of Paul and me from our last year's trip. Also worth noting is the picture of Booger, Kitty and Mousey. Paul and I saw the trio on our route 66 trip four years ago in Bisbee, AZ.