Bear Tooth vs Chief Joseph

[XRangerRides]

Planning a loop trip from home (Cape Cod) to Tahoe and back this summer. On the northern side of the loop we plan to ride the Beartooth and Chief Joseph. Timing could put us in the area during the annual Beartooth Rally (July 19 - 21, 2013). Does anybody know what Red Lodge is like during the rally? Not really looking for a mini-Sturgis type experience, but if it's a fairly laid back gathering it could add to the trip.
Is the rally something to shoot for, or does it bog down the travel on the Beartooth and take away from that experience?

Thanks -

[Truenorth2005]

Rode Red Lodge over the Beartooth, did a loop through Yellowstone and out Cheif Joesph to Cody on the last weekend in August 2011. Spent a night, then turned around and rode back over CJB & BT the other way. I would do it again without a second thought anytime. You will never regret it unless you don't do it. Yellowstone was nice but CJB & BT are the main event.

[bmwhacker]

Originally Posted by McRuss

In planning my route to D2D for next year, I find that I have to make a choice. The Beartooth has always been on my bucket list but I've heard that Chief Joseph is not to be missed. So now the choices are these: 1) Ride from Aurora, CO to Red Lodge, MT and do the entire Beartooth but skip the Chief Joseph, or 2) Ride to Cody, WY and ride the Chief Joseph to the junction with the Beartooth and then go west on the Beartooth to 89 and then on into Great Falls, MT, missing the twistiest portion of the Beartooth.

I guess there is a third option but not as likely: ride the Chief Joseph to the Beartooth, turn right and ride the Beartooth almost to Red Lodge, then turn around and ride back on the Beartooth to 89 and on to Great Falls. This would add about 90 miles...would it be worth it?

For those of you who have ridden both, which option will give me best bang for the buck?

Do both...you won't regret it.
My opinion is that The Beartooth Highway is much more scenic but since you're gonna be right there, take the time for both.
Our family had a home in Cooke City for 20 years. Drove the road a LOT.
Watch for rocks / deer on road. They'll try to get you. (ask me how I know)