I did not go on this trip, but I'm sharing pictures taken by Doug and his friend, John, as they rode their motorcycles across Minnesota and South Dakota to this year's motorcycle rally in Sturgis.
Doug

John
Yes, the guys did wear protective jackets and helmets. It was very hot, though, so when they stopped at different places, they immediately took off their gear. In some places, the temperature was over 100°F.
Sturgis
Hill CityOf course, now I wish I had gone because I'm thinking about all the pictures I could have taken. On the other hand, riding across Minnesota and South Dakota on the back of Doug's bike doesn't sound too comfortable.