Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Aug 3rd, 2009 through Aug 9th, 2009
Once a year, in early to mid-August, this sleepy town of about 6500 people is invaded by as many as 600,000 people, all looking to enjoy one of the oldest continuous motorcycle rallies in the United States. What do the citizens of Sturgis feel about this? They welcome the masses with open arms. On a side note, I had an aunt that lived near Sturgis, who had to go into Sturgis during the rally back in 1997. Her impression was nothing but favorable, as she wrote in an editorial in a Rapid City newspaper. More recently (2002) this article was printed, which shows a somewhat mixed bag.
The Sturgis event (then called "The Black Hills Classic") was started on August 14, 1938 by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, and the person considered the founding father, Clarence "Pappy" Hoel. That first year only had 9 motorcycles and a small group of spectators. It has sure grown from that!
This event has grown from those humble beginnings, and has been held every year (with the exception of 1942 due to wartime gas rationing) since. Sturgis changed from that one day format to a three day format, then a five day format, and finally to the seven day format of today in 1975.
Typical Events at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally offers events for all interests. Sometimes the hard part will be to decide which event to attend on a given day. A partial list is provided here, but I highly recommend going to the official website, listed below, to get a detailed listing as well as a schedule.
- Motorcycle drag racing on an eighth mile strip
- Motorcycle hill climbs
- Custom motorcycle shows
- Live music throughout the event, at numerous locations
- Vendors - for about anything a biker would want
- Manufacturer displays
While attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, don't miss these nearby attractions
While the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally may offer most of you everything you would want for the 10 days, Sturgis is in the middle of the Black Hills, and there are many areas everyone should check out. See a little history, enjoy the breathtaking views, just get away from the hustle and bustle that is Sturgis during the rally. Here is a short list of some of the most impressive (distances are approximate from Sturgis):
- Historic Deadwood is only 14 miles away
- Homestake Gold Mine is a 17 mile ride
- Mount Rushmore is only 60 miles away
- Crazy Horse Memorial is only a 70 mile ride
- Devils Tower National Monument is an 80 mile journey
- Badlands National Park is just 85 miles away
Want more great reading on the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?
While searching for more information for this website, I stumbled across the most definitive source about the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, written by a Sturgis local. This guide contains information you don't want to be without: routes that bypass the narmal traffic congestion, the best day trips to take, tips from past rally attendees and locals, and much more.
Many of you have heard the name Michael Lichter. Since 1979 Michael has been contributing great photography to Easyriders magazine. That job has taken him numerous times to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. As a result, recently a great coffee table book, Sturgis, the Photography of Michael Lichter, was born.
Or watch 70 minutes of the 2003 event! DVD shows a lot of what makes Sturgis the largest motorcycle rally in the US.
Official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Website (for further information)
- Sturgis Motorcycle Rally www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/
Motels and Camping Near Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Motorcycle related laws to know while attending Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
One of the common complaints when returning from a major motorcycle rally is about the law being rampant, and giving tickets out for every minor infraction. While we cannot stop all tickets from being given, some of those tickets are due to you, the attendee, not being aware of some of the standard laws in the state. Below are some of the most common laws for South Dakota. Be aware, though, that many rally locations have recently passed local ordinances that may be more strict than the state law. For example, a new noise ordinance was passed in Myrtle Beach just in time for the 2005 Fall Rally. I make every effort to keep this information up to date, but you may want to research them more just prior to going to an event, just in case they have changed.
| Helmet Usage | Required by law under age 18 |
| Eye Protection | Required by law unless equipped with windscreen |
| Daylight headlights | Modulating headlight permitted |
| Passenger Seat | Required if carrying a passenger |
| Passenger footrests | Required if carrying a passenger |
| Mirrors | Required |
| Turn Signals | Required |
| Mufflers | No acoustical criteria |
| Max Noise Level | No acoustical criteria |
| Handlebar Height | Handgrips below shoulder height |
| Riding two abreast | Yes |