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Once
each year, hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists
head toward what many feel is the motorcycling
mecca of the world -- Sturgis.
 The
Sturgis Rally and Races in South Dakota takes
place in early August. The rally began in 1938
by a small group of Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle
Club members to bring a few tourists into town.
J. C. "Pappy" Hoel was one of the founders of
this event which began as the Black Hills Motor
Classic. The name was changed to Sturgis Rally
and Races in 1992 to reflect the fact that the
event was known world-wide as Sturgis and that
racing was always a part of the rally since
its inception.
The event has grown over the years. In 1938
only a few people watched the local races. By
1940, 5000 spectators watched the races. During
World War II, the rally was cancelled for two
years. In 1981 there were 25,000 riders coming
to Sturgis; in 1987, 63,000; 1997 saw 220,000;
and in 1998 over 360,000 people attended. The
size of the crowd is currently approaching ½
million.
This event is not confined to the town of Sturgis,
which has a population of 6000 during the rest
of the year. It's spread all over the area.
Most people cannot find a motel room unless
they book a year in advance so many go to the
numerous camp grounds. The Buffalo Chip Campground
is the most famous. People take rooms and camp
out up to 100 miles away from Sturgis. In fact,
you cannot ride anywhere within a 100 mile radius
of Sturgis and not be literally surrounded by
motorcycles.
Especially be sure to check out the town of
Deadwood, where Wild Bill Hickok was killed
in a local saloon. Deadwood is now mostly known
for its gambling casinos and slot machines in
every store. You can also visit Mount Rushmore,
the Badlands, and Devil's Tower. |
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