Sturgis Bike Rally

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a popular event in held in Sturgis, South Dakota. It was started in 1938 by Clarence “Pappy” Hoel. He founded the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club and the rally was born. Although the town is usually small and quiet, every year during the first week of August, bikers come from all over the world to show off bikes and have fun.

The Sturgis Bike Rally originally was called the “Black Hills Classic”. Although the first event featured only nine racers, today attendance is upwards of half a million people. It features hill climbs, memorial races and drag races.

Today, people bring all sorts of custom Harleys and other bikes to the Sturgis Bike Rally. Events include the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, and various concerts featuring performers such as Judd Hoos and Toby Keith. There are also televised events such as the wrestling program Road Wild.

The major rival bike rally is Daytona Beach Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida. It’s held in the first full week of March, and kicks off the summer for motorcycle riders. Often, bikers go to both bike rallies, meet people and form lasting friendships.

For more information about how you can get involved in the Sturgis Bike Rally and other great motorcycle events, register with FriendlyBikers.com and participate on the message board.