ELITE SERIES - STURGIS RALLY 2023 - RIDE THE WORLD MOTORCYCLE TOURS

NEW ORLEANS TO STURGIS

21 Days

24 July to 13 August 2023

Sturgis, the Destination of our tour?

Sturgis is a city in South Dakota with well-known towns and attractions nearby.

The towns you may remember from the Westerns are Deadwood, Keystone, Custer, Hill City, Spearfish, Lead and Hot Springs.

There are Attractions such as Mt Rushmore, The Crazy Horse Memorial (a work still in progress since its start in 1948), Custer National Park, the Black Hills and across the state border, Devil’s Tower, as seen in Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

When THE ANNUAL STURGIS RALLY is on, it’s the Bucket-list location for motorcycle riders. Some even spoil themselves by making it an annual pilgrimage as they cannot get enough of THE EVENT.

So, why would you join this tour to Sturgis?

This tour is part of our hand-crafted Elite Series, in which we offer the Best Experiences Beyond the Ride.

Our tour starts from New Orleans, whereas most Australians start their roadtrip from Los Angeles, Las Vegas or San Francisco.

Our Route takes us through 8 U.S. states, each offering something different in many ways to the other.

You will experience different aspects of American history and life during our tour.

The historical aspects of our tour will include the American Frontier Wars and the American Civil War.

Musically you will experience the different genres, such as the Blues, Country Music and Rock n Roll. You will visit the places synonymous with these musical types.

It has been suggested we at Ride The World Motorcycle Tours, Ride to Eat and Eat to Ride. The wide variety of American food styles will keep us fuelled.

The accommodation choices on an Elite Series Tour are 4 and 5 stars.

Elite Series New Orleans to Sturgis Tour Highlights:

A maximum of 14 motorcycles plus the guide’s on the tour.
American Civil War sites.
Ride the the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Try a great variety of American food styles.
American Historic sites.
Elvis history at his birthplace and Graceland.
Casey Jones Village.
The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle.
Visit to the Chain of Rocks Bridge on the Mississippi River.
A Day’s Ride along Route 66 in Missouri.
Route 66 Mural City of Cuba, Missouri.
World’s Second Largest Rocking Chair.
The Devil’s Elbow Bridge.
Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, Missouri.
Fort Scott Historic Site.
The Evel Knieval Museum in Topeka, Kansas.
Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneers, Grand Island, Nebraska.
The Wounded Knee Memorial at Wounded Knee, South Dakota.
Crazy Horse Memorial, South Dakota.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota.
Riding to Historic towns and Cities
And so much more which a tour like this provides.

Elite Series – New Orleans to Sturgis Itinerary

Day 1: New Orleans, Louisiana – Arrival. Riding 0 miles / 0 kms.

Today you arrive in ‘The Big Easy’ and check in to your hotel.

Tonight we have our ‘Welcome Dinner’ where you will meet the Ride The World Motorcycle Tours’ crew and the other riders. This dinner will include a briefing about the tour and if you haven’t asked questions previously, tonight is an excellent time to ask. Whilst celebrating, remember we ride tomorrow.

Overnight accommodation – Royal Sonesta Hotel, New Orleans is a French Quarter hotel located on Bourbon Street. Stay close to fantastic attractions, shops, restaurants and bars. Meals: D.

Day 2: New Orleans, Louisiana to Vicksburg, Mississippi. Riding 245 miles / 395 kms.

‘Hit the Road Jack’.

Our ride starts today, so our first stop is the motorcycle location to collect our motorcycles.

Having collected our motorcycles, we head out of town, north across the causeway.
Our first food stop will be at Sonic Drive-in in Tylertown, Mississippi is, with a fast-food burgers and fries joint with an old-school feel, including retro drive-in service.

We have our first historic stop when we arrive at the Old Trace Exhibit Shelter. A covered shelter on the Natchez Trace Parkway housing four information panels that tell the history of the Natchez Trace.
We return to the Natchez Trace Parkway to our destination for today, Vicksburg, Mississippi, which was the last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River during the American Civil War.

Overnight accommodation – Ameristar Casino & Hotel, Vicksburg, a riverboat casino located in Vicksburg on the Mississippi River. Meals: L.

Day 3: Vicksburg, Mississippi to Tupelo, Mississippi. Riding 220 miles / 355 kms.

‘The American Civil War’.

As we have begun discovering about the American Civil War, our first stop for today is Vicksburg National Military Park commemorating one of the most decisive Civil War battles; the campaign, siege, and the defence of Vicksburg.
We return to riding the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Our meal stop will offer more variety at ‘Lost Gringos Coffee House’ in ‘French Camp’. ‘French Camp is a historical village with plenty to do. Visit the historic buildings and unique attractions, like the pottery studio, gift shop, cafe and museum.

Next, we will explore the Parkway Visitor Centre and find out more about the American Civil War in this area.

We stay in Tupelo tonight and go ready for tomorrow’s experiences of the world of the once ‘King of Rock and Roll’.
Overnight accommodation – Hilton Garden Inn Tupelo is 1.3 miles from Elvis Presley’s Birthplace and Museum. Meals: Nil.

Day 4: Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. Riding 115 miles / 185 kms.

‘Remembering the King 45 years on’.

Today we follow the life of Elvis Presley starting at Elvis Presley’s Birthplace, a two-room shack and is a historic museum site.

From here, we naturally ride to Graceland. Graceland is so much more than a Mansion. It was the private retreat of the King of Rock n Roll. It was where his family grew up, spent their time together and enjoyed life. We will experience Elvis’s life as we tour his famous estate.

With all the Elvis information we have gathered, we ride to our accommodation for the next two nights in Memphis.

Overnight accommodation – The Peabody Memphis is the ‘South’s Grand Hotel’. It is legendary for its charm, elegance, gracious hospitality and rich history. Meals: Nil

Day 5: Memphis, Tennessee – Free Day. Riding 0 miles / 0 kms.

‘So this is Memphis’.

Time out in ‘Bluff City’ as we what there is to see and do. The city was also known as the ‘Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock’ n’ Roll’, not to mention the other genes, Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Rap and Soul.

Explore Beale Street and enjoy all the musical offerings. Beale Street was voted the second most popular entertainment district in America, following Bourbon Street in New Orleans, which you should have seen on day one of your tour.

Memphis is the pork barbecue capital of the world, thanks to Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in May, and there are more than 100 barbecue speciality restaurants.

All that should keep you busy, remember though tomorrow ‘We Hit the Road’.

Overnight accommodation – The Peabody Memphis. Meals: Nil

Day 6: Memphis, Tennessee to Nashville, Tennessee. Riding 235 miles / 380 kms.

‘Follow the Music’.

Today, Casey Jones Village in Jackson, Tennessee, is our stop along the Route. They say it’s the best whistle-stop between Memphis and Nashville, just off the Interstate 40. After we visit, you will know why they call it a whistle-stop.

Food-wise, the world-famous Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store restaurant serves delicious and authentic Southern food daily. The food offered is dedicated to preserving the Southern history and the Southern food traditions their grandparents loved and cherished.

The Casey Jones Railroad Museum contains many exhibits dedicated to Casey’s life and famous last ride. Civil War enthusiasts will enjoy the permanent exhibition entitled ‘The Railroads & The Civil War In Tennessee’.

We continue to Nashville and our accommodation for the next two nights.

Overnight accommodation – Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown. In the surroundings, Music City Center is just 500 metres from the hotel, Bridgestone Arena is 400 metres. Nissan Stadium is just 1.1 kilometres, as is Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Meals: Nil

Day 7: Nashville, Tennessee – Free Day. Riding 0 miles / 0 kms.

‘I Can Hear Music’.

Welcome to ‘The Music City’. Nashville has played an essential role in music history. It’s home to some of the most famous music venues globally, including the home of country music, ‘The Grand Ole Opry’ and ‘Ryman Auditorium’. Let your ears be your guide.

Overnight accommodation – Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown. Meals: Nil

Day 8: Nashville , Tennessee to St Louis, Missouri. Riding 335 miles / 540 kms.

‘The Long Way Up’.

You could almost think there is a food theme today as our first stop is at Parker’s Drive-in and Catering.

Parker’s Drive-In is a 50’s drive-in and diner! It is a family-owned restaurant with great food, excellent service, great music, and a great 50’s environment. Their menu offers flavoursome food using quality ingredients. A worthwhile stop

After eating, we see a larger version of what you may have used at Parker’s; it is the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle—completed in October 1949 as the water tower for the long-gone Brooks Tomato Products Company.

The Mississippi River calls, and we ride to the original Chain of Rocks Bridge. The bridge spans the Mississippi River on the north edge of St. Louis. Its most notable feature is a 22-degree bend occurring in the middle of the crossing. It carried many earlier Route 66 travellers to their final destination and our next stop of St Louis.

We ride to our final destination for today, the Hyatt Regency St Louis at the Arch, our accommodation for the next two nights.

Overnight accommodation – Hyatt Regency St Louis at the Arch. The hotel overlooks the iconic Gateway Arch. With easy access to the downtown’s most desirable attractions and within walking distance. Meals: Nil.

Day 9: St Louis, Missouri – Free Day. Riding 0 miles / 0 kms.

‘Let’s See Who We Meet’.

A day to see the sights of St Louis with so much to keep you busy. You may choose to take it easy and prepare for tomorrow’s memorable riding.

Overnight accommodation – Hyatt Regency St Louis at the Arch. Meals: Nil.

Day 10: St Louis, Missouri to Springfield, Missouri. Riding 230 miles / 370 kms.

‘Getting your Kicks on Route 66’.

It’s time to get kicks as we ride along the Missouri portion of ‘The Mother Road’ Route 66.

We start by riding through St Louis then into the suburbs and the countryside, following this famous Route.

Our first stop is Cuba, Missouri, known as ‘Route 66 Mural City’ there are currently 14 murals, each depicting a different aspect of the city’s history.

Some things go to plan, and others don’t. The next stop is the World’s Second Largest Rocker. Opened on April Fool’s Day 2008, Danny Sanazaro built the rocker. It was the World’s largest rocker until August 25, 2015; a larger rocker was opened in Illinois. Danny Sanazaro’s rocker was renamed ‘The Route 66 Red Rocker’ but didn’t draw the crowds. It is also known as the ‘World’s Largest Rocking Chair on Route 66’

Devil’s Elbow Bridge is an iconic steel bridge constructed as a Highway 14 improvement in 1923. Built with a dogleg, a design we saw at the ‘original Chain of Rocks Bridge.

Time to eat and the choice is the Route 66 Taco & Wing Company in St Robert. They claim to make the best craft tacos and hand-tossed wings that you have ever tasted. You can be the judge.
We have ridden along Route, and now we look back at its history at the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon. The town library contains a museum. A recreated indoor gas station is complete with vintage gas pumps with a 1950s car parked under the awning. You can sit on chairs covered in Route 66 upholstery whilst reading from a library of Route 66 books and maps. There are artefacts of the old days of Route 66 to be seen.

We ride to today’s final destination DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Springfield, to relax and unwind.

Overnight accommodation – DoubleTree by Hilton Springfield Hotel, located in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks. Meals: Nil.

Day 11: Springfield, Missouri to Kansas City, Missouri. Riding 230 miles / 370 kms.

‘The Little Fort on the Prairie’.

Mainly a ‘ride day’ today through the Prairie as we travel to explore the Fort Scott Historic Site. The site represents an 1840s fort, focusing on the role of the U.S. Army on the frontier. There are interpretive exhibits, period furnishings, and living history programs.

We return to our time as we ride to Hotel Phillips Kansas City, our stop for the next two nights.

Overnight accommodation – Hotel Phillips Kansas City Curio Collection. Once the tallest building in Kansas City, this 1930 hotel retains its Art Deco sensibilities, from our speakeasy concealed in the basement to our lobby’s Goddess of Dawn sculpture. Only blocks from the Power & Light District’s theatres and nightlife. Meals: Nil.

Day 12: Kansas City, Missouri – Free Day. Riding 0 miles / 0 kms.

Let’s start with a clarification; just like Dorothy, you wonder if you are in Kansas or Missouri? Today Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, remain two separate cities but part of the Kansas City Metropolitan area.

Change your mode of transport for today and explore Kansas City by their streetcar system with many of the city’s attractions along the road.

Overnight – Hotel Phillips Kansas City Curio Collection. Meals: Nil.

Day 13: Kansas City, Missouri to Lincoln, Missouri. Riding 245 miles / 395 kms.

‘American Speed’.

It’s not that we’ll be speeding today as we are cruising the highway and byways of America.

Our first stop is not about a Man of Speed but amazing stunts as we visit the Evel Knieval Museum in Topeka. View the incredible collection of the physics-defying bikes that launched this legend. See his iconic 1974 Mack Truck & Trailer “Big Red.” Even the star-spangled helmets help him survive some of his crashes.

Back on the road to our food stop at Re-Bucks Gourmet Grill in Nebraska. Rebucks has a beautiful atmosphere that shines through from a 125-year-old building; original brick walls, high ceilings, large windows make you feel right at home. We will also discover why it is called Re-Bucks.

Museum of American Speed, Lincoln, Nebraska. Founded in 1992 by “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith, the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. Dedicated to preserving, interpreting and displaying physical items significant in racing and automotive history. You are sure to find something of interest here.

Our last stop of the day is at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Overnight accommodation – Hampton Inn & Suites Lincoln. Why not relax in the whirlpool, work out in our fitness centre or relax. Meals: Nil.

Day 14: Lincoln, Missouri to Valentine, Nebraska. Riding 310 miles / 500 kms.

‘The Pioneers’ Spirit’.

Another journey back in time. Today, we discover the life of early pioneers in the area. We visit the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneers is, a museum located in Grand Island, Nebraska, preserving the legacy of the Pioneers. They settled the plains of central Nebraska in the late 19th century. It is a vast area to explore.

Our lunch stop will be at Broken Bow. After finding a broken bow on a former Indian campground, a settler named the town.

We ride after lunch to The Niobrara Lodge in Valentine.

Overnight accommodation – The Niobrara Lodge Valentine. Here we will be welcomed to the ‘Middle of Nowhere’. Valentine is also affectionately known as the ‘Heart City’. Meals: Nil.

Day 15: Valentine, Nebraska to Rapid City, South Dakota. Riding 275 miles / 445 kms.

‘How The West Was Won’.

Our first stop for today is the Wounded Knee Memorial. It is a small monument to the natives killed in the Wounded Knee massacre. The Wounded Knee Massacre, also known as the Battle of Wounded Knee, was a massacre of nearly three hundred Lakota people by soldiers of the United States Army.

Our next stop is at Custer, located on the edge of Custer State Park. It’s time to eat then we visit some of the attractions.

The next stop is a Native American Indian history site. The Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument that has been under construction since 1948. Its completion currently has no definite date. It will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land when finished.

Our final stop will be at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 by Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture’s roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

Overnight accommodation – GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel at Rapid City provides a comfortable base for our rides around the area. There is an indoor pool, a Jacuzzi and a fitness centre for those wanting time out. Meals: Nil.