"On the road again, biking on the road again, eats along the ride, biking on the sales tax road again." Yes, it is that time of the month, the Avalara Sales Tax Trip Tuesday for September.
That's right, folks, Murph isn't always in a car, train, or bus when he is "on the road again." This month, he is riding his 2009 Harley Davidson Rocker Softail, all polished up, to make the ride from Moore, Oklahoma, to the 85th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, with some stops along the way and scenic rides in the area. In this trip of my imagination, I'm combining my recollections from a road trip of long ago with a memories of a more recent road share by a friend of mine who has done "the Sturgis thang" as he calls it a time or two. As always, these trips are brought to you by our friends at Avalara,"Tax Compliance Done Right".
Let’s review the route before we begin. It’s roughly 900 miles one way and will take two days. The ride is 14 hours long (16 with stops), which is too much saddle time for one stretch.
We begin our travels with a fill-up at the nearby OnCue. This was a convenient place for our group to meet up, refuel, and prepare for the ride. I always want to start with a full tank to maximize mileage.
My 5-gallon tank yields just over 200 miles at highway speeds. This time, my bike consumed 4.6 gallons at $2.799 per gallon, for a total fuel bill of $12.88. Of that, the gasoline tax is $0.184 federal, $0.19 state, and an additional $0.01 state fee. In other words, the total gasoline tax is $0.384 per gallon, or $1.77 of my total fuel bill.
We’ll make at least five gas stops on our route through Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and into South Dakota.
But before we head out, there’s time for a cup of coffee. The one-price-per-cup rule here means any size for $0.89. I don’t want to push it with an extra-large, so I grab a medium. Avalara informs me that the combined state, county, and city sales tax in Moore, OK (zip code 73160) is 8.51%. That means I’m paying $0.0757 in tax on my cup, rounded up to $0.08. My out-the-door cost for coffee is $0.97. In other words, hand the clerk $1.25 and be done with it.
As we sip our hot coffee, the sun has risen in the sky and is already drying the dew from the roadways. Now is as good a time as any to head north.
Day One's Ride
Getting on I-35 Northbound, we head out of Moore, and we are actually on our way. It's a good feeling to be starting this long bike ride. I only make a few of these long rides per year (even in my imagination), so it’s nice to savor the feel of the bike compared with the drive of my pickup.
Traffic through the Oklahoma City metro is light, and soon we’re northbound toward Perry, Oklahoma, for a short McDonald’s break. You can just make out those 'Golden Arches' in the travel shot below.
It's a good thing to make these little side stops and get a stretch, use the facilities, and grab a McMuffin. Since I ordered ahead on the app, my $4.00 Sausage Biscuit and Coffee deal-of-the-day is ready as soon as I wash my hands.
But I can hardly believe my eyes. Avalara confirms that the combined sales tax in this small town, home of Ditch Witch, is 10.25%. That's even higher than the Oklahoma City metro area. Nevertheless, the tax of $0.41 was included in my total when I made my app payment of $4.41.
Time to head north again, our next stop will be on the west side of Wichita for gasoline. It doesn't take long to get just south of the Kansas border.
And even less time to cross over from Oklahoma into Kansas.
I-35 in Kansas is a toll road, though the first 10 miles from Oklahoma are free until South Haven.
Thankfully, Oklahoma and Kansas have a reciprocal Pikepass system—but I don’t have one on my bike. That means toll lanes for me.
Since some of our group has toll tags and some don’t, we regroup at the service area a few miles north of the gate. It looks like there's some construction at the service area entrance, but it's easily navigable.
It's an easy ride to where we will be getting off at I-35, exit 42, and heading into Wichita to transition to Interstate 135.
And once again, we will need to stop and pay our tolls. Note to self: get a Pikepass next time.
Interstate 135 runs from this interchange with Interstate 35 (also known as the Kansas Turnpike) in Wichita all the way north to Salina, Kansas, where it intersects with Interstate 70.
It's not long after we get off I-35 onto I-135 that it looks like we are in a city where the river has been corralled into a highway median drainage system.
Wichita insisted that the three interstate highways that converge, I-35, I-135, and I-235, be separated sufficiently so as not to impact Wichita proper significantly. It doesn't matter which of these highways you are on; you really can't get much of a scenic view of Downtown Wichita from any of them, even though the highways appear on maps to go to the east, down the center, and to the west of the central business district.
So, I'm afraid that if you don't get off I-135 onto Kellogg (Highways 54/430) and head west, you really won't get a perspective of just all the things there are to do in Wichita. Maybe on our return trip, we can stop there for something other than gasoline.
This time, our stop is the QuikTrip at East 61st Street North and I-135 in Park City. I’ve always liked QuikTrip—clean stations, friendly service, and surprisingly good hot food (pizza!).
Here, I need 4.6 gallons at $2.979 per gallon, for a total of $13.71. Kansas fuel taxes include $0.2504 in state taxes/fees plus the $0.184 federal gasoline tax. That means $2.00 of my total goes to tax collectors.
But I'm not done paying tax. I head inside to pick up one of those personal supreme pizzas. What I like about them, other than being "hot and tasty," is that you can cut one in half, then fold it in half, and shove about 75% of it into your mouth for one big bite. "What a pig I can make of myself when I'm on a bike trip."
"Oh Happy Day!" The special is any personal pizza with a large drink for $14.99. Avalara shows Park City’s combined sales tax at 8.5% (6.5% state, 1% county, 1% city). My gluttony is going to cost me $16.27, which is the cost of the special, and $1.28 in sales tax.
With tanks and stomachs full, we continue north toward Salina, where I-135 merges into US-81.
From there, it’s about 75 minutes to Salina, then roughly three more hours through Nebraska until we reach I-80. After a short westward stretch, we exit at Highway 34 (aka US-281) on Grand Island’s south side.
Our group splits up among the Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, and Days Inn. All three of these places offer reasonably priced rooms and include a complimentary breakfast with your stay. I check into the Comfort Inn, conveniently near a restaurant and gas station.
After a long shower and a couple of hours of rest, we all decided to meet up at the Texas Roadhouse. Wherever you are, it’s always hearty food at a fair price.
I order the 16 oz. New York Strip, medium rare, with green beans and a baked potato loaded with everything.
Might as well have "Granny's Apple Classic" (pie with ice cream covered in caramel sauce) to top off the main course.
My entrée, dessert, and iced tea total $34.47. Avalara's tax calculator shows Grand Island’s rate at 7.5% (5.5% state, 2% city). That’s $2.59 in sales tax, making my tab $37.06 before tip. The service was fantastic, so I leave a $10 gratuity.
As I mentioned, there is a gas station just adjacent to my motel, so I plan to refuel tonight to help get an early start.
The gas was $3.049, and I needed 4.8 gallons ("that was close.”) for a total of $14.64. Nebraska adds $0.34 per gallon in state motor fuel tax and $0.09 per gallon for the Petroleum Remedial Action Fee, plus the federal $0.184 per gallon tax. Total tax: $0.497 per gallon. That means $2.39 of my $14.64 purchase went to taxes.
Day Two's Ride
I’m up by 5 a.m., and I slither down to the lobby for a big cup of coffee before heading back to my room for a quick shower to really wake up. Then it’s back to the lobby for a complimentary breakfast buffet before checking out.
Let's see, my room rate was $64.00 per night plus taxes. The taxes are essentially the same as those on my meal last night, with one exception. Avalara tells me that in addition to the 5.5% state sales tax, there’s a 1% Nebraska lodging tax. And instead of the 2% Grand Island city sales tax, the city charges a 2% occupation tax. That brings the total to 8.5% in taxes on my room, or $5.44, making my hotel bill $69.44.
I know that some bikers were booked into much higher-end hotels, perhaps twice as costly as my room, and some not even offering complimentary breakfast to their lodgers. I call that luck, especially since I went through the buffet three times. (Like I said earlier, I always “pig out” on these trips of my imagination.)
All of my companions meet up at the intersection of Highway 281 and Highway 2. From here, we have nearly 450 miles still ahead of us till we reach our destination of Sturgis. In addition, since we don't want to stretch our gasoline supply and run out of fuel while at Sturgis, we will ensure that we fill up a couple of times over the remaining portion of this ride.
Near Thedford, Highway 2 meets up with U.S. Highway 83 and turns north. Shortly after, a brief rain shower has us pulling onto the shoulder. The Sandhills stretch before us, green and rolling. To me, this doesn’t look like sand at all…more like prime grazing land for a few hundred head of Black Angus cattle.
I like this route because it offers the opportunity to see some of the old towns along the way. This little town of Valentine, Nebraska, reminds me of Purcell, Oklahoma, where I lived for about 18 months eons ago.
Just 10 miles north of Valentine, on U.S. Highway 83, we cross the Nebraska–South Dakota line. “Welcome to South Dakota – Great Faces – Great Places.”
Many of you may remember that I once had a fishing cabin on the beautiful White River in Arkansas near Cotter. Well, it just so happens that about 50 miles north of the border is the town of White River, South Dakota, named for the "Little White River" that flows adjacent to the town.
We will make our first gas and 'pit' stop of the day at a place called "Gus Stop 2."
It already feels like a long day. I'm not used to riding this far. It's a good thing I have friends along to give me moral support; otherwise, I might have turned around 500 miles ago. One thing that may help is a strong cup of coffee, and since this place is open 24 hours a day, I suspect the coffee is as thick as motor oil, but that's okay with me; the stouter the better.
I fill up: 4.8 gallons at $2.45 per gallon (imagine that!), totaling $11.76. South Dakota’s gasoline tax is $0.30 per gallon ($0.28 excise + $0.02 tank inspection), plus the federal $0.184 per gallon. That’s $0.484 total in fuel tax per gallon. Out of my $11.76, $2.33 went to taxes.
Now, about that coffee. A large cup costs $2.45—the same as a gallon of gas! Avalara says the total sales tax here is 6.2% (4.2% state, 2.0% White River city). That’s $0.16 in tax, for a total of $2.61.
And why not a PayDay bar while I’m at it? Also $2.45, also $2.61 with tax. What is it with everything costing $2.45 here? I hand the clerk $20 for the gas, coffee, and candy bar and call it good.
About 25 miles further north, we have arrived at Murdo, where we intersect with Interstate 90.
Believe it or not, we still have about 170 miles of interstate riding ahead of us.
Before Rapid City, we stop for gas near Ellsworth Air Force Base. It’s the perfect place, since if you’re from Oklahoma, you love Love’s Country Stores because they’re based in Oklahoma City.
My tank requires 4.6 gallons at $3.399 per gallon for a total of $15.60. Of this, the gasoline taxes are $0.484 per gallon, consisting of $0.184 in federal tax and $0.30 in South Dakota state excise tax, for a total of $ 0.514 in tax.
Inside, I grab a Love’s Honey Bun and a large coffee—not as healthy as their fruit cups, but hey, it’s a road trip. My goodies cost $4.38 before tax. Avalara tells me the rate in Zip Code 57719 is 6.2% (4.2% state, 2.0% Box Elder city). That’s $0.28 in sales tax, bringing my total to $4.66. Another $5 bill gone.
Getting back on Interstate 90, we make our way almost all the way through Rapid City, but some of our group had decided while we were at the Love's store that they wanted to stop at the Black Hills Harley-Davidson dealership to see if they had any "deals." Personally, I want to get headed on to our destination. I'm certainly not in a Harley-buying mood.
By now, I know you are also asking, "Is he ever going to get to Sturgis? " Getting back onto Interstate 90, it won't be much longer. And when you get there, it is "wall to wall" bikes.
Bikers park or ride along Main Street in Sturgis on the first day of the Rally.
Now that we’ve arrived, join me next month as we explore the Rally and nearby sights—like Deadwood.
In the mean time, thanks to our friends at Avalara for making this series possible. If you have sales tax issues, need answers to sales and use tax questions, or want to find the best way to always remain accurate in your sales tax administration, whether you have 'Nexus' situations or not, reach out to Avalara for "Tax Compliance Done Right".
Disclosures, Acknowledgements and Credits
Content published by Insightful Accountant is furnished for educational purposes only.Some content, including graphics may have been artificially generated by GenAi.
All 'Sales and related taxes' discussed herein were verified (or otherwise provided) from Avalara sources and were current at the time the story was composed. Tax rates and amounts may vary in some cases during different (seasonal) periods of the year and by location, and may have changed after publication. Do not rely on 'any' amounts (for goods, products, services, or taxes) specified here when planning travel.
Content is a fictionalized account of persons, places, and activities used only for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. Any similarity to actual persons is purely coincidental.
Trade names or references used herein (including those in bold italics) may refer to registered, trademarked, or copyrighted materials held by their respective owners and have been included herein for informational and educational purposes. We attempt to credit such trademarks or copyrights within our respective article footnotes and disclosures.
Regarding Oklahoma travels, certain information (including graphics) are public information available from the Oklahoma Transportation Department, Oklahoma Tourism Department and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, or other agencies or departments of the State of Oklahoma.
Certain information (including graphics) are adapted from OnCue, 411 S.W. 4th Street, Moore, Oklahoma. OnCue is owned by Oklahoma-based OnCue Express; however, the OnCue trademark for fuel and services is owned by Phillips 66.
Certain information (including graphics) are adapted from McDonald's, 2802 Fir Street, Perry, Oklahoma. McDonald's is a registered trademark of McDonald's International.
Regarding Kansas travels, certain information (including graphics) are public information available from the Kansas Transportation Department, Kansas Tourism Department and the Kansas Turnpike Authority, or other agencies or departments of the State of Kansas.
Certain information (including graphics) are adapted from QuikTrip, 928 East 61st Street North, Park City, Kansas. QuikTrip is a registered trademark of QTR Corporation, a subsidiary of QuikTrip Corporation.
Regarding Nebraska travels, certain information (including graphics) are public information available from the Nebraska Transportation Department, Nebraska Tourism Department, or other agencies or departments of the State of Nebraska.
Certain information (including graphics) are adapted from Comfort Inn, 3535 State Street, Grand Island, Nebraska. Comfort Inn is a registered trademark of Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Certain information (including graphics) are adapted from Texas Roadhouse, 232 Wilmar Avenue, Grand Island, Nebraska. Texas Roadhouse is a registered trademark of Texas Roadhouse Delaware, LLC.
Certain information (including graphics) are adapted from Shell Gasoline, 2411 S. Locust Street, Grand Island, Nebraska. Shell is a registered trademark of the Shell Group of Companies, a global conglomerate based in London, England.
Regarding South Dakota Travels, certain information (including graphics) are public information available from the South Dakota Transportation Department, South Dakota Tourism Department, or other agencies or departments of the State of South Dakota.
Certain information (including graphics) are adapted from Love's Travel Stop,679 Reagan Avenue, Box Elder, South Dakota. Love's Travel Stop is a registered trademark of Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores.
Certain information (including graphics) are adapted from Black Hills Harley-Davidson, 2820 Harley Drive, Rapid City, South Dakota. Harley-Davidson, Harley, H-D, and the Bar and Shield Logo are registered trademarks of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc.
Certain information (including graphics) are adapted from City of Sturgis, South Dakota, and the Sturgis Bike Rally, without additional acknowledgement.
Registered Trademark ® and other registration symbols (such as those used for copyrighted materials) have been eliminated from the articles within this publication for brevity due to the frequency or abundance with which they would otherwise appear or be repeated.