Feel the Thunder at the Sturgis Bike Rally, South Dakota
Many individuals would be amazed to know that the history of the original Sturgis Bike Week is a far cry from what it is today. The very first rally that was held in Stugris was in Sugust of 1938. At that time, the individuals that participated in the event were very few…aproximately 20 participants. There was the traditional racing that occurred, but there were also stunts with the morotcycles that were the main attraction. Sturgis Bike Week, at that time, lasted for only two days, and did not have any of the motorcycle runs that are featured today. As time progressed, the popularity of the Sturgis motorcycle rally grew, due to word of mouth advertising. The only time that the Sturgis Bike Rally was not heavily populated was in the 1940s, as many individuals were in the military and fighting in World War II. Thru the years, more individuals came to see the events that occured
at the Bike Rally. Due to its popularity, the amount of days that were held on the Rally grew from two days to today’s standards, which are often over a week. To date, have been well over one million people in attendance. It may seem difficult to keep track of the amount of individuals that attend the rally, but the South Dakota department of Transportation and Public Safety
has kept the most accurate tally to date.
In past years, the Sturgis Bike Rally has held a reputation for being a wild and crazy time for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, many people would argue with that statement, and say that the Bike Rally has really toned down from its wild and carefree days. Sturgis has become more of a family oriented event, where children can accompany their parents while looking at bikes and strolling thru beautiful downtown Sturgis. There are many vendors that sell a wide array of Sturgis memoribilia, from the popular t-shirts, to patches which are often adorned on motorcycle jackets. Most motorcycle enthusiasts that visit Sturgis like to purchase a Bike Rally patch with the date of the rally, so that it can be sewn on to their motorcycle jacket. Many motorcyclists believe that in doing so, it is showing their passion and support for the Sturgis Bike Week.
For the adults, there are many world famous bars that are located and can be attended to in Sturgis. One of the most famous bars in Sturgis in One Eyed Jacks. The atmosphere in One Eyed Jacks is definitally laid back, and many will find that it is one of the nicest and most comfortable bars at the Rally. One Eyed Jacks has had many celebrities eat there, and is adorned with stufed animals from around the Black Hills area. Another bar that is fun to attend is the Full Throtle Saloon. The Full Throttle Saloon is known as the world’s largest morotcycle bar. The Full Throttle Saloon transforms its parking lot to a sea of motorcycles during Sturgis Bike Week. Also located in the parking lot is a concert stage, where various famous musicians will perform, as well as multiple motorcycle stunts and the likes.
Many people have to book a hotel room in far advance when they are staying in Sturgis. Due to this, many individuals opt to camp during the Bike Week. One of the most famous camp grounds in Sturgis is the Buffalo Chip Campground. The Buffalo Chip has been known to be a campground where “anything goes”, making it a favorite camping locale for many Sturgis enthusiasts. Not only is the Buffalo Chip one of the coolest places to camp, but it is also highly regarded for the concerts that are held there. Every year, there are a handful of famous musicians, such as Kid Rock and ZZ Top that perform at the Buffalo Chip. Since the Buffalo Chip is not too large of a campground, many individuals feel that the concerts that are held there are much more intimate and enjoyable than a concert that may be held elsewhere. It is often the headliners at the Buffalo Chip that brings in the many individuals to camp there year after year.
The Buffalo Chip Campground is not the only place where there are concerts held during the rally. There is also the Jack Daniels stage where legendary musicians such as B.B. King have played. It is not surprising to see a celebrity or two while in Sturgis. There are various celebrities that frequent Sturgis and draw in a croud, such as Playboy and Hustler models, the cast and crew of West Coat Customs and American Choppers, as well as segments filmed for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno ( who is a huge Harley Davidson enthusiast). Many celebrities that are there have a meet and greet, where those individuals in attendance can get pictures taken with and autographs from their favorite celebrities. There are also many pay -per-view shows that are broadcast from various locations of the Sturgis Bike Week, as well as DVDs that are created of the events from all around Sturgis. Furthermore, there are motorcycle trips, commonly known as ” runs” that are taken all over the Black Hills during Bike Week, one of which is hosted by Kevin Costner. To many, it is well known that Kevin Costner fell in love with the Black Hills while taping the movie ” Dances with Wolves”. Kevin hosts the Bike Run during the Sturgis rally. His Bike Run begins in Sturgis, goes thru the Black Hills, and ends up at his restaurant in Deadwood. All proceeds from Kevin Costner’s Bike Run goes directly to charity, which makes Kevin’s Bike Run one of the most popular during the Sturgis Bike Week.
As an individual that has attended Sturgis Bike Week, I can honestly say that it is an experience of a lifetime. It is fascinating how so many motorcycle enthusiasts travel from all around the world just to see other motorcycle enthusiasts. There is truly a sense of commoradity that exists in Sturgis druing the Bike Week. From the seas of chrome and the throttle of loud engines, the passion for motorcycles will live on forever in the hearts of many- especially those that “feel the thunder” during the Sturgis BikeWeek!
Sturgis Bike Week, Inc. and Sturgis Bike Week Productions Thunder Road, Inc. are the trademark owners of record.
