For every Harley rider, the first full week in August means only one thing – Sturgis. For over seventy years, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has brought “Hog” lovers from around the world to the Badlands of South Dakota.
Originally called the Black Hills Classic, the rally was started by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club back in 1936, receiving an American Motorcycle Association (AMA) charter in 1937.The AMA promoted racing events starting on August 14, 1938. That weekend, the lineup had only nine racers and a small audience to watch the single race. Today, the week long, Sturgis Rally holds 12 events, including: hill climbs, road tours, as well as short track, ½ mile and motocross races. Recently, the revitalization of riding has drawn over five hundred thousand spectators and hundreds of racers to this event, demonstrating the increased popularity of the Rally.
Riding through the Black Hills National Forest, you’ll experience some of the best riding on Earth. You can take to the open road and see Mt Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument, and Devil’s Tower National Monument or visit the famous town of Deadwood. You’ll see some of the most breathtaking scenery as you ride Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Loop and Vanocker Canyon Road. This area is one of only a few places on earth that offers this kind of riding.
After spending the day on the open road, hang around the town of Sturgis and enjoy the races, concerts, and free style bike stunts. Don’t miss the vendor exhibits and bike shows. Harley-Davidson and Victory showcase their new models at this event each year. Visit the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame or one of the world famous watering holes.
The Motorcycle Rally is an experience of a lifetime and it’s all waiting for you in Sturgis and the gorgeous Black Hills of South Dakota.