Tranquility is embodied by this place, with its glorious hills of green, bison enjoying their afternoon snacks of prairie grass, tree after tree generating a crisp clean air with a silent serenity that can only be captured in this woodland haven – until the bikes roll in.
Sturgis, South Dakota
All year long, Sturgis remains the quiet ideal of small-town America. With friendly faces that greet you as they hold open the door of any shop, and people who refer to you as “sweetie” or “honey”, you really can’t ignore the tranquility that exists in a town like Sturgis. However, this leisurely little town holds its breath and braces itself come August for the annual uproar that is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
With this year’s Rally being less than a week away, I figured it would be a great time to highlight the history of the event as well as the relevance it has in the riding community.
The first Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, held back in August of 1938, was actually called the “Black Hills Motor Classic”. This event was organized by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, and Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, owner of an Indian Motorcycle shop in Sturgis. The first rally consisted of racing, ramp jumps, head-on collisions and board wall crashes. A circus tent was set up in Pappy’s backyard to house guests who came to view this exciting escapade.
Today, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally extends ten days and encompasses more events and excitement than Pappy likely could have imagined. With over half a million attendees on an annual basis, along with a 5k run, a Harley-Daivdson Rally Point, big-name sponsors, vendors galore, multiple rides supporting various charities throughout the course of the rally, and performances by popular artist like Ozzy Osbourne, Keith Urban, Styx, Skid Row, and Snoop Dogg – what was once an event attended by 175 people has truly erupted into a special tradition. Nonetheless, the rally still holds to its roots with motorcycle racing and stunts on the schedule as well.
While you’re in the area, you would be foolish not to explore the beautiful scenery and landmarks that surround Sturgis. From the Black Hills of South Dakota to the Crazy Horse Monument and Mount Rushmore, there is plenty to do just a short ride away. The Sturgis Rally is saturated in history on its own, but the area that surrounds it speaks volumes when it comes to Native American culture and history alongside the effects of Western expansion.
While I have yet to attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for myself, I can attest to the beauty that exists in South Dakota. Visiting Sturgis for the rally merely presents an opportunity for an adventure through one of the most dazzling and historically saturated parts of the United States. So, whether you can make it from August 2nd to 11th for the Rally, or decide to ride over another time of year, this is definitely an adventure worth taking on two-wheels.
If you would like to know more about visiting South Dakota, or about the history of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, click away! If you have gone to Sturgis and have a story to share, please feel free to message me on Instagram or through Gmail. If you’re heading off to Sturgis this coming week, keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down. ✌️
the feminist motorist 