2023: An Eventful Year Ahead
To many motorcyclists, various rallies and other get-togethers are the highlights of each riding season. The events of the past couple of years put a damper on things, but we’re finally back to business as usual. The year ahead is filled with plenty of rallies, both old favorites and exciting new experiences.
The Get On! ADV Fest (GOAF) kicks things off with not one but two events. This event calls intrepid motorcyclists to California’s Mojave Desert on April 27-30 and South Dakota’s Black Hills on July 20-23. Both locations offer four days of riding adventures through exciting routes carefully planned by the expert event team. GOAF offers attendees catered meals, so you won’t have to pack your own lunch. In addition to tackling the trails, attendees can participate in classes and training, go on OEM test rides, visit more than 30 ADV vendors, and wrap up the day with nightly entertainment including exclusive movie premieres and live music performances.
As if that wasn’t incentive enough, the ticket cost also includes a complimentary Revzilla swag bag packed with goodies from event sponsors. Note that the South Dakota GOAF takes place at the Buffalo Chip Campground of Sturgis fame. It’s a fantastic chance to check out the local roads before a certain other big event.
The Americade celebrates its 40th event in Lake George, NY. The opening celebration takes place on May 30, with the event proper kicking off the following day and lasting until June 4. This year’s Americade offers everything you’ve come to expect—demo rides, guest speakers, boat cruises, and, of course, plenty of rides. But wait, there’s more! New events and activities include the Americade Street Party, the Bring It motorcycle show, and the MotoMotion bike stunt show. On June 3, a new scenic Ride for Kids ride will raise more than $20,000 for charity—while the ride itself is free.
After attending the South Dakota GOAF, stick around the Buffalo Chip for a while to partake in the 83rd anniversary of the Sturgis Rally. As always, there will be dozens of exciting events to see, do, and experience on August 4-13. Five scenic loops take riders to Mount Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, Spearfish Canyon, and other picturesque locations. Music has always been a vital part of the Sturgis Rally, and this year Kid Rock and ZZ Top climb to the stage at the Buffalo Chip to entertain the crowd. If you can’t make it to Sturgis for some reason, don’t fret too much—multiple webcams will broadcast rally events on the internet.
Once you’re done at Sturgis, point your bike to North Haverhill, NH, where the Touratech DirtDaze Rally (TTDD) takes place on August 16-20. TTDD combines riding, social interaction, and educational events for five exhilarating days of motorcycling bliss. Both novice and advanced riders are welcome to attend, so TTDD is the perfect excuse to grab your new ADV riding friend and take them along for their first rally. The event schedule wasn’t available yet at the time of this issue’s publication, but you can expect a new thrilling obstacle course, riding routes, and training sessions from TTDD 2023. Naturally, there will also be demos from Triumph, Yamaha, KTM, and more.