STURGIS -- The economic effect on attendance at next month's Sturgis motorcycle rally will not be known for some time. What is clear, however, is that some people will not make the pilgrimage to the world's motorcycle mecca because of the poor economy.

Spring and Todd Smith of Mount Pleasant, Texas, are among those who, in the past have made the trip a family reunion of sorts, but have opted to skip this year.

The family had already made reservations at Glencoe Campresort. But they and others in their party applied for refunds because they are more closely watching the dollars they spend these days.

Smith said she and her husband decided on May 19, not to attend the rally this year.

The economy was the main factor in the Smiths' decision to stay home. Smith said the family would likely be able to afford the trip if gas stayed below $2.50 per gallon. Current prices are between 20 and 35 cents above that at some Sturgis stations.

Sturgis City Manager David Boone said gas prices do play a role in rally attendance. He said Department of Transportation traffic counters estimated last year's attendance to be in the 400,000 range despite record-high gas prices. Boone said that number was pretty decent.

Boone said a person would think this year's rally attendance will at least match that of a year ago. Gas prices are lower than $3 per gallon this year after surpassing $4 a year ago.

Spring Smith said she and Todd budgeted $1,000 for the 2005 rally and found that amount sufficient. But, gas cost just $1.78 per gallon then.

Belt tightening or no, Boone is optimistic about this year's rally.

"I think we'll have a very strong rally, and our tourist season is going really well," Boone said. Sales tax collection numbers for May and June will soon be ready. Boone said the city is running 4.5 percent behind, which mirrors general economic trends. "We think we're going to have a strong season to catch up."

Early vendor application numbers are very comparable to last year's. Boone said the city typically has about 700 vendors.

Smith admits that she is disappointed to be missing this year's rally because it would have been a chance to see her family and friends.

"Everyone we usually go with are not going this year due to the economy," Smith said.

That includes police officers from Waco, Texas, who share Todd's profession.

Smith's family uses the rally for a type of family reunion. Members come from California, Kansas and other locales when they can.

"My dad rides all the way from California to Sturgis," said Smith. "He is nearing age 60." She said one or all of the five Smith children come here with him every year.

The Smiths will not be doing anything special during rally week, she said. Smith said Todd took back his vacation and will work.