And Saturday a stream of motorcycles could be seen headed out onto the interstate for the trip home. Many of the vendors who have committed to other shows at other locations next week also started the work of tearing down and packing up. Many venue operators, as is the case with most rallies, are corporate salesmen and technicians who have spent the rally working rather than vacationing.

Chris Hadsall says, "This is our first year here. So we were trying to just check out the market and we had a pretty good turnout I think."

But as with most vendors already packing, most say they will spend one last night in Sturgis to relax and enjoy themselves before hitting the road Sunday.

One vendor from Chicago says, "Just packed up. And we're going to head back to Rapid City and catch a bus back to Sturgis and finish the night out. And then take off tomorrow? That's right. Take off tomorrow morning."

But just because some people were packing up it didn't mean that Sturgis was empty. In fact it seemed busier Saturday than it did on some days earlier in the week. Many rally-goers on the street said they wanted to take one last look at Sturgis, and spend one last night downtown, or at the Chip, or at one of the other concert venues. For many who come to Sturgis for the first time, it's an addictive experience.

Eyelicka says, "It was amazing. It was my first trip here and I loved it. I worked most of the time. But when I didn't work I was out and about for sure."

With their bedrolls packed on the back of the bike, and with a last fill-up of gasoline, some will be riding the bike for more than a thousand miles. Others will be at the wheel of a van or a pickup, hauling the bike. Most say they'll miss the noise and the crowds. But some say they'll take in one more night.

Saturday night is traditionally the last big party-night of bike week. Then, for the Sturgis bikers of 2012, it's back to the world.

Al Van Zee