Sturgis, South Dakota

Sturgis, S. D., is a small peaceful community almost all year long; where, every year, for one week in August, the quiet town explodes into the biggest, bawdiest and wildest motorcycle rally on the planet. The Sturgis South Dakota, Motorcycle Rally is one of the longest-running weeklong motorcycle rallies in the country, and in 2010 it’ll celebrate its 70th year, of wild and crazy mayhem.

YES, there are plenty of other motorcycle rallies throughout the world, but over the years the Sturgis BIKE WEEK, has created fame by drawing motorcycle lovers from all over the world. But everyone in the small town, shares one common thread — everyone wants to experience a good time. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has it all, bike shows, concerts, motocross events, lots of alcohol and more unmentionable entertainment than one could even pretend not to look at.

Simply known as “Sturgis,” or “The Rally,” and the mostly quiet people of Sturgis South Dakota know it as the time of the year where their state is invaded and the population almost doubles in just one week. But what makes STURGIS so special? In this article we’ll find out how the rally started, what goes on there in Sturgis and the type of culture that this event brings to this sleepy town, each and every year. Read on and you will see why this event is covered by http://PlaceForTattoo.com   and http://www.LingeriePreview.com

History

Sturgis, S.D., on August 14, 1938,nine men raced their motorcycle with a small group of people watching. The bikers were known as the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club which later organized the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally along with a fellow member and owner of the Indian Motorcycle Shop, J.C. “Pappy” Hoel. Pappy Hoel worked for his family’s ice business before buying the Indian motorcycle franchise and becoming one of the most successful dealers in South Dakota. After that momentous day , the rally has continued every year since that first race in 1938 — with the exception of two years during World War II. (they probably needed the rally more than ever, at that time) Now, seven decades after the first rally, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is still going strong and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, in fact corporate sponsorship and the pressure relieving properties of the event, assure its continuation.
An event that started out as a small group of racers now has transformed into the largest and certainly the most anticipated, motorcycle rally in the world. All types of motorcycles are represented at the rally as well as all different types of people. In 1960 the attendance of the rally topped only 800 people and in 1970 that number grew to 2,000. In the year 2000 about 550,000 people attended the rally Of course, Daytona Beach, Fla., is infamous for its Bike Week event, but one of the things that makes the attendance of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally so exceptional is that the city of Sturgis normally only has a population of about 6,000 people. In addition to the city of Sturgis’ small population, the entire state of South Dakota nearly doubles its population when the rally bikers show up each year.

Events

The Sturgis Zone is the primary hub of the rally and Main Street is the place to be for the best people and bike watching Street at least one evening out of all the nights at the rally.

The Bear Butte Zone, just east of the city of Sturgis is where the rally holds its major concerts. The Buffalo Chip and Rockin’ the Rally are the two main venues for the concerts. Major entertainers have grace the stage for this exciting event. The Buffalo CHIP is known for having rowdy campgrounds and for hosting the entertainment shows close to where the campgrounds are so that attendees can consume alcohol but not have to ride their bikes to the shows.

The concerts are amazing but, many bikers come to the rally just for the scenic rides, which are found in the Black Hills. This area of South Dakota and Wyoming includes Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands and several monuments including the Crazy Horse Monument. This area of the Sturgis rally is quieter and more secluded than the other two zones.

Motorcycle races and hill climbs are also part of the rally,(keeping with the roots of the rally), where bikers compete by racing their bikes up steep inclines. Looking for the wildest ride? The rally also hosts the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, a favorite event among attendees

Rally Culture

Besides the concerts, famous performers, bike shows and scenic rides, the Sturgis is also well-known for its surrounding culture. Besides the bikes, the rally’s party atmosphere is perhaps the most looked forward to, of the Rally.

Sturgis has its fair share of contests and pageants for women, which are not to be confused with the pageants most people might think of. Some unofficial events at the rally consist of women riding around showing off their bikes and their assets. Partial nudity at the rally events and particularly at the campgrounds is not uncommon. Be sure to note this rally is not for your average church group! Some of the campsites near Sturgis are quiet and secluded, but most are well known for their parties. Downtown Sturgis remains strict with its laws about indecent exposure, but many attendees, have found coping skills that push the limits of the local policing agencies throughout the event.

Watering holes, (Bars) are also a big part of the Sturgis culture. Almost all have live music and a few even have burnout pits, (near the building) for some tire smoking fun. (and blow off some of the dust from the ride) Some of the bars are even large enough for bikers to ride their motorcycles into.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally’s atmosphere is suitable for families, who live their lifestyle a little on the wild side, however each year more and more we have found that there’s a wide range of people who attend the event. Many Doctors, lawyers, realtors, moms, dads as well as those hardcore bikers, in fact anyone who is looking for an out and out good time, should make sure that they attend this Motorcycle Mecca, at least once in their life!!