Posted at: 07/29/2009 7:29 PM
By: Dan Conradt

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Cycles Roll Through to Sturgis

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- A familiar summertime sound is back.

By the tens of thousands, motorcycles are rolling toward a small town in western South Dakota.

It's not just a ride.

"This is more of a lifestyle," says John Petersen, from Bergdale Harley.

More than 500 miles east, America’s largest motorcycle rally is having an impact.

"It pretty well packs this town this time of August," says Petersen.

"The Sturgis rally means a lot to us," says Amber Anderson, who works at the Applebees, in Albert Lea.

"This is probably our fourth stop this morning, basically gas, McDonald's, Harley dealerships of course," says Brian Corder.

"I expect at least a 50 percent increase in our service work this week alone with the amount of traffic going through," says John Petersen.

"You’re going to spend a good 6, 700 dollars I bet," Jim Maring says.

"They all need a place to stay, they all need gas, and they all need food to eat," says Anderson, Applebees.

And as riders from around the country converge on a small town in South Dakota, that means big money.

"About 400-thousand people at Sturgis in 2008," says John Petersen.

But he expects that number might be down this time around.

"With the existing riders trying to sell their motorcycles because of the economy, I have to anticipate it will be reduced from last year, people just cannot afford it," says Corder.

Brian Corder was making his fourth ride to Sturgis, but this year's trip will be different than the first three.

"Usually about ten days, we're down to a five day because of economic time," says Corder.

Jim Maring was making his second trip to Sturgis, and not going wasn't an option.

"Riding a motorcycle, it's therapy," he says.

Riding the bike means giving up 16 of the wheels he usually rides on.

"Actually, I drive a truck," Maring says.

"It’s great to get away from work. I'm in real estate sales, which needless to say it is very, very slow," Corder says.

And despite the economy, Harleys by the thousands will continue rolling down the interstate.

"They don't let outside factors affect them having a good time," Petersen says.

The weeklong Harley Davidson rally in Sturgis officially starts on Monday.