City, county and state agencies are settling into a familiar routine when it comes to the Sturgis motorcycle rally.

Sturgis Police Chief Jim Bush has spent 30 years in the police department and 20 years of that as chief. The rally isn't unfamiliar territory to him, but he still experiences constant change.

"You like to think you're on top of it, dealing with events this size and people," he said. "It changes daily, hourly. If you think you've seen it all, you'll see something new."

In preparation, staffs have increased nearly everywhere: the fire department, emergency management and the police department.

"It's quite amazing that we pull this off," he said. "In South Dakota, we don't have many resources. We need everyone to make this work."

Bush compared the course of action to preparing for a disaster in terms of manpower, equipment and food. The only difference is the time to plan and process. Preparation begins early April by hiring part-time staff. The people come from 10 different states, including South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Iowa, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Colorado, Minnesota and Wyoming.

As the state and county agencies coordinate, emergency management stays in contact with the National Weather Service at least daily, according to Kathie Grant, Meade County emergency manager.

The biggest concern they face is a significant hailstorm that could injure riders traveling or in a campground, Grant said. They also have plans in place for shelter should a severe storm develop.

If other needs or problems arise, Grant said, she is not worried about finding a solution.

"We've been creative in our planning," she said. "We've done it for so long, there's very little that's new to throw at us."

Sturgis Fire Chief Ron Koan said that in the past, the volunteer fire department averaged about 200 rally calls, but he doesn't "anticipate anything out of the ordinary this year."

Bikers have already been involved in accidents this summer, and Bush hopes the trend does not continue into the rally.

"We'll be extra diligent to keep everyone safe in that department," he said. Though the hours are long, Bush will enjoy the rally in his own way through visiting with people.

"Sturgis transforms into something that isn't Sturgis. It's a vacation without leaving town," he said.