Sturgis Screw Ups: I broke my own rules, don't do these! 

A wise man once told me - Don’t sweat the petty thing and don’t pet the sweaty things

Totally agree with your lane comments. The entire lane is mine in case I need it…..you never know when you might need it.

I’m don’t ride a bike.. but I do love to listen to the ethic and the stories my man tells about something he is so passionate about. I wish I was half as passionate about my hobbies.

Rider safety isn't the small stuff. Keeping from chasing him down is an example of great self control. You're good on this.

I've found that one of the hardest things for a highly motivated person, let alone couple, to do is to learn to stop. Stop running, stop doing, just stop, sit, have a drink, chat for while and enjoy what the day has brought you. It can be horribly difficult to do, even harder when you are at Sturgis with a million things to do. Still, you owe it to yourself to break the cycle, even for an hour or two to stop. You might miss x.. but you won't regret taking the time to decompress and enjoy the sounds, smells and sights. Those can be the best memories of the trip, easily. Don't lose that opportunity.

My wife and I were on a run recently and we were located about middle of the pack. We were next to a brother of mine with other riders I know directly behind us. The guy in front of me was another story. This guy couldn't hold his track at all. He was trying to stay next to the guy in the other track and failing miserably almost swerving into him. Nor could he maintain speed, he was in and out of the throttle constantly. He was in the oncoming lane numerous times. At one point we took a left hand turn onto another road and this guy winds up cutting across the other track almost taking out the other rider and goes into the ditch somehow keeping the bike on two. There was a barbeque following the run but after the ditch incident my brothers and I left the pack and went back to my place. Going to the barbeque wouldn't have been a good idea at that point and as it was a charity ride for a disabled child we decided to opt out. Later I talked to the organizer of the ride and find out the guy dumped his bike pulling into the property where the after party was and that he hadn't been riding for more than a couple of months. I guess my point is if someone has little to know experience riding they should be at the back of the pack not in the middle of 200+ riders.

In some ways you were apologetic but in your mind, you did things that broke your commandments. It takes a bigger man to admit this, and you my friend, are the bigger man. I make no judgment on whether you did right or wrong, only you can do this. You care about your family. That’s a big man! God bless.

When I was younger I was more of a daredevil. Now that I'm a little older and somewhat wiser, I always wear my helmet. We don't allow lane splitting in my state "Washington", and while riding in Cali I've been spooked before as somebody goes roaring by me. Glad you're home safe. We rolled through Sturgis a week before just as everything was being setup without the crowds. Put 4000 miles on my bike this trip.

Didn’t see you, but I caught Scotty on the main parking lot-“street”. Dungeon was fun and actually found a bare hidden spot to post a marker dollar. Rule1- don’t crash/get hit Rule2- make new friends Rule3- don’t get caught on film Rule4- don’t hurt anyone unnecessarily 😁

Well I got rid of my iron 883 today and got a 2022 low rider s. My ride to Harley was ok. My ride home from Harley my face hurts from smiling to damn much. What an upgrade that 117 is a monster

That’s awesome that you do a critical review of your trip. In the Navy we call it a “Hot Wash”. What we did, where we failed or were unsatisfactory, what we could’ve done betters, and how we are going to be better next time. It’s all part of improvement. So much knowledge and wisdom in your channel. I enjoy every post.

I'm an introverted extrovert. I don't want to go anywhere or do anything, but once I'm there, I'll talk to anyone and everyone that wants to have a conversation and I'm usually the last to leave. When I go on trips I always budget for a day or two of recovery just to decompress and have quiet me time simply because I don't know how to have quiet me time at a multiday rally or family function. Love the channel!

Totally understand on the dude passing you. Sometimes, things like that just hit you wrong.

I agree 100% with you. Take that downtime and enjoy it. I work way too much and cherish the little breaks of family time I have. Stay safe, rubber side down!

I like the, don't sweat the silly stuff point. I try my best to live by that. My dad always told me, "Don't sweat the petty stuff, and don't pet the sweaty stuff" 😂

I had so many lane splitters do that to me I thought I was in the wrong!

Welcome home. Funny how you can still learn new things about Sturgis and what you should do in the future considering how many times you've been there. Always good to stop and smell the roses. Take time to enjoy the chaos.

Pissed that I couldn't go this year! Just didn't have it in me to go down again on a bar hopper. Eyeballing a Road Glide .....that should make the trip more comfy

Self realization of controlling stress is the first step. It’s very tough to master in taking care of one’s health. Letting go of things beyond your control is part of it. My journey with this started after major heart surgery. The cardiologist sat me down and we talked about the importance of reducing stress. It is the silent killer. I don’t stress when I’m riding. I let things go. Nor do I surround myself with people who create stressful situations. I ride mellow. I ride to release stress. That’s why my bikes all have over 50,000 miles on them. I tell folks,”It’s cheaper than therapy”…;-)

I like the honesty and self-reflection...pure gold

Glad you made it home. I struggle with wearing a helmet myself. 1/3 of the time I wear it, I should always wear it.

downtime is important. I always plan my trip and then add a day for every week so I can just take it easy if I want or need to.

Bummed out I didn’t make it to Big Engine bar to shake your hand. Your doing a hell of a job and having fun at it. Always makes me chuckle watching you and the Mrs !!

Good to see that you and your wife made it home safe and healthy.

Absolutely right lol. I got burned out there too. I didn’t use my helmet for one ride from Lead to Deadwood and i was very uncomfortable. However, i did not pass anyone in their lane. That is a NO NO. We gave plenty of space between groups of other riders. Needles was awesome and Mt Rushmore was such a rush!!

I saw you on the 11th at around 1030 and you were performing your garage yoga it was only 100 degrees F….there were so many people watching you perform I thought you’d win a trophy for performance art..

Man I had a guy cut my lane leaving Laconia this year. Traffic was terrible and he just kept moving up passing bikes on the left and right. 3 of us were staggered at like 10 mph and constant stopping. Aggravating

The only thing we didn't miss was the concerts and the rides. Missed your meet and greet at the bar. Missed your build at the dealership. Missed sleep. Seems like no matter what time i thought i was going to bed, it ended up being 2am. Lol learned a lot about getting around traffic. It was our first time there. Can't wait for next year!

Home Sweet Home,three of the best words to make a statement,and two of them are the same.Glad you made it back home,to your girls .

Planning my 1st trip to Sturgis in 2024. Hope to get to meet and hang out with you. Ill bring the cigars you bring the bourbon 😁

First time listener, new subscriber. This would have been #45 STURGIS for me, but back issues prohibited!! Agree 100% re the DIP SHITS that pass in your lane. Not sure if they are stupid, arrogant or just don't care!! Will be lookin forward to more of your posts!! RIDE SAFE!!!

Great video! I sure do enjoy watching ALL of your videos! Would love someday to go to Sturgis!

My brother's and I are going next year. Thanks for the videos on the do and do not do info! It all helps

Welcome back.. now time to get back to work making fun videos for us to watch and laugh with... but seriously glad you guys are back safe .

As a local I love your rules, and follow many of them myself. Also the comment on no rain... I really can't believe it didn't rain either. I been going for 18 years now and first one no rain I can remember.

We all would like to think there is some form of connectivity between brother and sister bikers. Unfortunately there are some ass wipes out there. I would like to think they will learn sooner than later. Stoked that you and Mrs. Monkey are home safe and had a great time. Thanks for the great content in your videos!

Absolutely live the "down time". Need to incorporate that in all our family vacations. Sometimes you get so caught up in the vacation, you forget to take time for yourself and enjoy it. Thanks for the reminder.

Learning to manage your blood pressure as you get older is key. Learning to relax and not stressing out can be easier said than done but we all get one chance at this life. Letting the little shit go will go along ways.

Quick kick solves that…but good on you for keeping calm…

Love the videos sir! Going to sturgis for the first time next year. Hope to run into you and the wife!

I hear ya on slowing down a little. First year that I brought the missus, we rode the 1,300 miles from So. Cal in 2.5 days. Left on a Wednesday and arrived Friday afternoon. Problem was, we left for home that following Sunday. Rush around to ride all the rides and show her all the sights (including Mt. Rushmore, Devil's Tower, etc). This year, we left on a Sunday for Sturgis and left again on a Sunday for home. Spent more time, didn't ride all over creation and had a better time. Much slower pace and enjoyed ourselves better. Glad you got home safe and looking forward to your rally videos. Thanks man...

Been riding a long time. 1st ride was a 72 lime green Honda QA50 at 10yrs old. Recently while cruising on my 20 SGS at night in the left side of the left lane doing well over speed just enjoying the ride when a go fast bike doing at least 110 or more ripped by in the right side of my lane. I thank God for allowing me to bring my bike back under control.

Really enjoyed getting to meet u at rapid city hd. Your dad story's are the best. My favorite one was the pizza delivery one. We laughed about it all day. Thank u for taken the time to chat with us.

Welcome home! I really enjoy your views on things.... things that make someone think! Great video as always.

Hey Monkey, appreciate your videos. I don't have a bike yet, but your videos have put a lot of acorns in my brain for the squirrel that runs the switchboard. There's a lot you have talked about that I would have never thought of for when I finally get out on the roads and I truly appreciate it. Stay safe, sir. Best wishes to you and your family.

Glad you enjoyed Stugis and a big hello from the UK

So true, many good points. Take the time to smell the roses. It sounds like you realized your shortcomings, now you just need to get that helmet and sunscreen on in NC. I found that if I personalize my helmets and pick the right one for the day or event I will wear it with pride. Or, if you marry a nurse you will have to wear it, lol.

The neighbors missed you too 🤣. Love the content and glad you made it home safe and sound. Be safe

Thanks for sharing your time at the rally. We also were at Buffalo Chip South 40. Our first time at the rally. One bad experience was, while doing the Needles Hwy, some idiot decides to pass us on the right. WTF!! My girl was riding her FLH w/sidecar (she's a very experienced rider) and keeping up with everyone. Apparently, that wasn't good enough for this jerk. He then passed me. I don't understand what he was thinking, because there were dozens of bikes ahead of us. When we go to the end, we saw him and exchanged a few words. Even though we both loved Needles, that experience kind of put a damper on it. But, overall the rally was a great time and loved Buffalo Chip!! Keep the videos coming Professional Monkey!!

Had a great time. Didn't see you but had fun. We had a few people do the same things to us on the 90. A couple of guys cut right between me and my son who is a new rider. Kinda pissed me off. But like you said you have to let it go sometimes.

Downtime… definitely a must. BTW I’m just as guilty on the over scheduling front in most areas of my life. Glad you had a great time.

You are right about the rules passing in the same lane anger management didn't help me had to chase them down know the laws in every state

You're not dead, you didn't get arrested, win win 😊

I would have been pissed about the yellow Street Glide guy as well. I believe in keeping your distance from riders that aren't in your group, and I expect the same from other riders. Unfortunately some people lack common courtesy and common sense

Enjoyed saying hello to you at the Pavilion in Glencoe. Thanks for not letting me trip on the railway track. Lol

Another great video, please keep the Sturgis info coming. Lots of good info for the folks that tune in. Your videos are helping us plan our first trip to Sturgis next year from Ontario, Canada, making the full trip on the bikes.

I really enjoyed what time we got to spend together. I hope some day we can do it without all the commitments. Give my love to the family 🥰

Glad u had a good time. We finally got 6 solid people for next year and it will be the first time. Not sure where to stay got to do some research and rewatch your videos from the past.

G'day (to coin a phrase) .I would love to do Sturgis. Probably never get the chance as I'm in Australia, so I get to go there through your channel. Keep up the great work. Also love to see many girls enjoying the ride. I'm so proud of my wife riding her Sport Glide after she she has had years on Honda Super Sports but over there girls riding all sorts of bikes seems to be the norm. Cheers and g'day to Mrs Monkey as well.

Thanks for saying the important stuff out loud! 👍

I agree on all of your comments. The lane splitting and poor passing especially on 385 really was bad. Made you want to start carrying ball bearings! That’s extreme but you know what I mean! Glad you made it back ok. Wish I would have gotten to meet you out there. But maybe next year. Chip was a blast! Will be there in 2023!

I had a guy pass me in my lane just yesterday. He caught me and rode in my blind spot for several miles before passing me. I had to concentrate extremely hard to remember he was there because I could not see him and I was not in "group ride" mode as I was out by myself.

I enjoy all of your videos. You and the Monkey family are doing great, keep it up and thank you.

The last issue Amen!

Three rules that you're getting old🤣 love the channel just teasing you a little bit

Great content..Thank you...glad you all are home safe

Great word. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the videos.

Saw you at the Advanblack tent doing your bike build. Wanted to say hi but didn’t wanna bother ya. At least I can say I saw you in person and also got to meet Jess Her Two Wheels which was amazing. You two are my favorite moto RU-vidrs. Hope you had fun!

I’ve been a subscriber for about six months now I do enjoy watching your videos and hearing about your stories

Awesome recap, thanks brother!

Glad you had fun man!

Sometimes we break our own rules and we just need a bit of a self ass chewing. Nothing wrong with that Monk, the idea is to learn from it 👍

There is times I get BAD road rage. Lol

Thanks for the info, it helps a lot to know riding protocols. I appreciate this very much!!!

Glad to see you both made it home safe and sound

Don't sweat the petty stuff, pet the sweaty stuff

All great points. 🤘

Thank you for the videos of your experiences.I’ve never been to Sturgis but I’d like to go someday

Good advice and riding etiquette.

You're such a good dude! Your channel is great and you're very entertaining! Keep up the great work!

glad you made it home safe! and Thanks for the kewl content !

The passing thing happened to me recently with my wife on the back of the bike. It bothers her, but I just call them a moron and change the subject. I just keep my mirrors clean...

Glad you made it home safely Fam

Great video! It's always good to take time to reflect on what you enjoyed and what you could have done differently - on ANY ride/event/rally/etc... And, not just the bike related things. Always love your videos and Mrs. Monkey is amazing. It's good to have a good gig to be able to afford to do the things you want to do, besides just having to do the things you have to do.

Glad you had a good time. Your last issue was the most important. The wife and I stopped doing rally’s for a few years because it became more like work than fun. We now are back in the groove, might see you at Biketoberfest if you go, but we slow down and take some time just to chill with each other. Me, a cigar, and a bourbon, she and her coconut rum cocktail.

Enjoyed your videos while you were in Sturgis. We did not get to go this year so I was enjoying Sturgis through your videos. Thanks man

Sorry you missed your down time. That’s usually the highlight of our days there. Ride all afternoon. Then grilling steaks, chicken, or burgers at the campsite, followed by local live music, cigars and beverages.

Appreciate everything that you do! Can’t want to go back to Sturgis!

glad you had a good time, I hope to meet you out sometime at one of these rallies. The live color swap was great!

Been watching your channel for over a year and have been trying to run into you at one of the rallies but no luck so far. This was my first Sturgis and it was great ...watched all your videos about it while we planned the trip. Thanks for all the tips and advice.

I've Always admired your honesty and intelligence. This riding knowledge is critical for any level rider so on the anger towards idiots on two's is gauged based on how you learned right and wrong and is very justified . I'm the same way man.

Glad you and the family are home and safe

Don't sweat the petty, just pet the sweaty, lol.

Glad y’all made it home safe!

Nice to see ya home safe and putting videos out again... next year I'll be there to help ya break some more rules!!

Thanks Brother! Great topics! Absolutely Awesome!

Glad you made it home safe,we did too, hope the jerky was good 😊 yeah had same thing happen ,dumbass passing in same lane,,I get it was pissed but just let it be

Had a great time staying at the chip this year & super cool meeting you 2 at the big engine bar. Can't wait to go back next year!

Good shit brother, all great points to remember. Be safe. 🤘🤘