Time to rally: Bikers head west for Sturgis' milestone anniversary

The Budweiser Clydesdales will participate in opening ceremonies Aug. 1 at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Can you hear ’em comin’?

Interstate 90 is about to get a lot louder as bikers begin to head west for the 85th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which begins Aug. 1.

The milestone anniversary is expected to bring in a record number of guests this year, surpassing 700,000 bikers who will crowd Main Street in Sturgis, South Dakota, fill the campgrounds, mingle at the Buffalo Chip, loop through the Black Hills and scream along with ZZ Top and Gene Simmons.

And that’s the PG version, but we’ll cover (almost) all of it.

The Argus Leader’s trending reporter Angela George and visual journalist Samantha Laurey will have their cowboy boots on the ground for the event, and their earplugs and sunscreen packed. They’ll cover concerts and bike shows, tattoo artists and bartenders, “who to meet on the streets,” the Biker Belles and the Mayor’s Ride, culture and history, potential political appearances and a daily “Rally Tally” for those interested in those pointed numbers, accidents and any city news.

Whether you’re making the pilgrimage west or you will listen for the roar from afar, here’s what you need to know about the largest motorcycle rally in the world, happening Aug. 1-10.

Opening ceremonies

The rally kicks off with opening ceremonies on Aug. 1, including a flag procession, blessing of the bikes by Sturgis Mayor Kevin Forrester and an afternoon parade with the majestic Budweiser Clydesdales.

Grand Marshal for the 85th rally will be centenarian and lifelong motorcyclist Gloria Tramontin Struck. Forrester says she’s biked through nearly every state since age 16 and has been a member of the female-run Motor Maids since 1946.

“Her grit, warmth and unwavering commitment to the riding lifestyle embody the spirit of the Sturgis Rally,” the mayor said. “It’s an incredible honor to have her lead this milestone year.”

ZZ Top will perform Aug. 1 at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Concerts

The Sturgis Buffalo Chip, known as the unofficial headquarters for the rally, will host most concerts throughout the week. Headliners include ZZ Top on Aug. 1, Saliva and Gene Simmons on Aug. 3, Citizen Soldier and Five Finger Death Punch on Aug. 4, Buck Cherry and Jason Aldean on Aug. 5, Nickelback on Aug. 6, Marilyn Manson on Aug. 7 and Hinder on Aug. 8.

Other events at The Buffalo Chip include the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on Aug. 2, the Biker Belles Women’s Day and Maiden Moto Art Show on Aug. 5, daredevil rides Aug. 6-7, a Freedom Celebration honoring veterans on Aug. 7 as well as 13 motorcycle shows, art exhibitions, beauty contests and burnouts.

For more music, The Iron Horse Saloon will welcome headliners Tech N9ne on Aug. 2, Ian Munsick on Aug. 3, Clutch on Aug. 4, Hairball Aug. 5-7, That Mexican OT on Aug. 8, Yelawolf on Aug. 9 and a nightly hypnotist and DJ.

A motorcyclist rides along the road to Mt. Rushmore in 2021 near Keystone, South Dakota.

Rides

Many come to park and shine their bikes on Main Street, but most come to ride. There will be group rides to Spearfish Canyon, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, the Badlands and Bear Butte.

“The reason for all these years of success is the beauty of the Black Hills,” Mayor Forrester said.

There also will be charity rides, including:

  • Mayor’s Ride to Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park on Aug. 2
  • Buffalo Chip Legends Ride Aug. 4 from the Chip to Deadwood and back
  • Biker Belles morning ride on Aug. 5
  • Black Hills State University Jacket Motorcycle Ride for Veteran Scholarships on Aug. 5
  • Pappy Hoel Memorial Bike Ride on Aug. 6 at Full Throttle
  • Customs Kicking Cancer Charity Ride on Aug. 7 at Iron Horse Saloon

The official logo for the 85th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, running through Aug. 10.

History

Before local Indian Motorcycle dealer Clarence “Pappy” Hoel founded the rally with only nine stuntmen bikers in 1938, Sturgis was hosting races in the 1870s, only with horses.

Hoel continued to evolve what began as the Black Hills Motor Classic, from racing and stunts to live music, bike shows and rides through the Hills.

In the late 1930s, Hoel also founded the Jackpine Gypsies, a motorcycle club for enthusiasts that today operates dirt track races, hill climbs, motocross and a “Gypsy ride” on Aug. 5.

The Full Throttle’s Saloon’s Pappy Hoel Campground is Hoel’s namesake resort. But before that, Hoel and his wife, Pearl, welcomed bikers to camp in their backyard. According to the Pappy Hoel Campground website, the meal prepared by Pearl that first year was “weenies, sloppy joes, potato salad, watermelon and iced tea.”

According to the City of Sturgis, demographics for the rally today hover around 62% male riders and 37% female, around ages 45 to 65. The city sees up to 20 times more traffic, especially during the second and third day of the rally, and top visitors come from New York, Texas, California, Wyoming and Colorado.

“Motorcycling is a part of our DNA,” Forrester said. “We work hard to make the rally safe and memorable for everyone who attends. Please enjoy all we have to offer and make memories that will bring you back again.”

Couldn’t make it this year? Prep now for the 100th anniversary Aug. 3-12, 2040.

Post Related