What goes on at Sturgis Bike Rally? There’s nothing in the world like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Our rides, concerts, and events are as notorious as they are famous. You’ve heard stories of horned men, buffalo hide bikes, and bartenders on stilts pouring drinks down people’s throats.
You’ve seen iconic Sturgis Motorcycle Rally celebrations on T.V.: Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, and every news channel known to man. Maybe you’ve been to the Sturgis Rally and ridden past Mount Rushmore, through the Needle’s Eye, or scraped pegs on the 360-degree Pigtail Bridge turns. You want to experience the Sturgis Rally, and you should.
It’s easy to imagine yourself riding down Main Street, hitting the 84 curves on Iron Mountain Rd through the Black Hills, or drinking a cold one, center stage, at the best concert of your life. But what else should you know about the Sturgis Rally?
What Is The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?
If you made it this far in your search, you likely know the Sturgis Rally is an 82-year old gathering of like-minded individuals who share a love for motorcycling and the freedom of the road. The Sturgis Rally started as a race between a few friends. Since then, it has become a ten-day bike rally with rides, bike shows, and concerts unlike anywhere else in the world.
The Sturgis Rally is known for some of the best motorcycle riding in the world, unique concert settings, and crazy events that create smiles from ear to ear. But Sturgis is more than just a series of events.
It’s the feeling of outrunning a storm through the Black Hills, enjoying a “we’re not gonna take it” moment at a Buffalo Chip Twisted Sister concert, and gawking at eye-catching hand-built bikes.
The Rally is a state of being. It’s the wind and sun on your face as you ride past Mount Rushmore. It is a laugh with lifelong friends. It is a memory you’ll cherish forever.
What Goes On At Sturgis Bike Rally?
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a week-long event featuring live music, vendors selling all sorts of motorcycle gear and accessories, and various other events and activities.
There are guided tours of the area’s best motorcycle routes, poker runs, and even bike shows where you can show off your ride. In short, there’s never a dull moment at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
When Is The 2022 Sturgis Rally?
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally starts on the first Friday of August every year. The 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is August5 through 14, 2022.
The Sturgis Rally Pre-Party starts on August 1, 2022, at the Buffalo Chip.
Where Is The Sturgis Bike Rally?
The Sturgis Rally takes place in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Multiple promoters organize and promote the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Lamphere Ranch, Full Throttle Saloon, Glencoe Campresort, Black Hills Harley-Davidson, and the City of Sturgis, to name a few.
Who Owns The Sturgis Rally?
NOBODY OWNS THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY. Since day 1, the Sturgis Rally has been by bikers for bikers. Not by the city government, for bikers.
In 2018, the Eighth Circuit Court made that fact clear when they ruled that 100s of private entities have organized the Sturgis Rally over the years.
“We agree and hold that the jury could not infer from the onerous planning that the City undertakes to provide infrastructure for the Rally that the City was the organizer or sponsor of the Rally. To allow such an inference would be tantamount to saying that it would be reasonable to infer that the City of New York organizes the sessions of the United Nations General Assembly because of everything it does to assist their occurrence.”
The court went on to say that an organization cannot establish ownership “simply by getting its officials and agents to say that it is.”
Corporate sponsors paid millions of dollars to the City of Sturgis for the right to use false trademarks over the years. Will sponsors who paid for licensing to use those false trademarks want their money back?
When Did The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Start?
A local racing club called the Jackpine Gypsies started the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 1938. The Jackpine Gypsies Club was founded in 1936 by local Indian dealer Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, who later started the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as a series of races and stunts.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally originally began as a two-day event called the “Black Hills Motor Classic.” The Jackpine Gypsies continue to host races annually outside of the Sturgis City Limits in Meade County.
In 2020, the City of Sturgis attempted an unsuccessful hostile annexation of the Jackpine Gypsies’ property. The Jackpine Gypsies successfully petitioned to bring the forced annexation attempt to vote and won.
Where To Stay In Sturgis During The Motorcycle Rally?
Where you should stay during the Sturgis Rally depends on you. If you want the traditional authentic Sturgis Rally experience, the best place to stay during the Sturgis Rally would be at a campground like the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. The Buffalo Chip is the original “by bikers for bikers” campground.
It opened when the City of Sturgis kicked bikers out of town and is the original destination that brought music and motorcycles together for the Sturgis Rally.
It has grown to be a world-class entertainment venue with top concert performances from bands like Kid Rock, ZZ Top, and Shinedown. In addition to camping, they have R.V. Camping, Cabin Rentals, Suites, Tipi Rentals and all the amenities of a town.
Other area venues that offer camping and accommodations include Shade Valley, Kickstands, Drag Pipe Saloon, Iron Horse Campground, Glencoe Campresort, Steel Pony Campground, Hog Heaven, Lamphere, and more.
What to Wear to a Biker Party?
When it comes to attending a biker party, it’s all about finding the right balance between style and functionality.
Comfort is critical when going on a motorcycle for an extended period. Opt for clothing made from durable, breathable fabrics that can withstand the elements.
Leather jackets, vests, and chaps are classic biker attire and can add a touch of style to your outfit. They’re also incredibly durable and protective in the event of an accident.
Wearing the proper footwear is essential when riding a motorcycle. Boots that cover the ankle and provide good traction are the best choice.
Biker hats are a great way to complete your outfit while protecting your head from the sun and wind. Look for hats that are made from durable materials and have a wide brim to provide adequate sun protection.
What to Wear to Bike Week?
Bike Week is another popular motorcycle event annually in Daytona Beach, Florida. Like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, it features live music, vendors, and a variety of other events and activities.
When it comes to what to wear to Bike Week, the following tips can help:
- Dress for the weather: Florida can be hot and humid, so be sure to wear lightweight and breathable clothing. Shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops are all good options.
- Opt for comfortable footwear: Wear comfortable footwear is essential when riding a motorcycle. Sneakers or boots are a good choice.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Florida is known for its sunny weather, so wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from the sun.
- Accessorize with biker clothing: Biker clothing, such as leather vests or jackets, can add style to your outfit while providing protection while riding.
Going to Sturgis for the First Time?
Coming prepared is essential if you’re going to Sturgis for the first time. The following are some tips for what to wear to the Sturgis Bike Rally:
- Dress in layers: The weather in South Dakota can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to dress in layers. A t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, jacket, or sweatshirt can help you adjust to the changing temperatures throughout the day.
- Wear sturdy footwear: You’ll be walking around a lot at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes that provide good support. Sneakers or boots are a good choice.
- Biker clothing is a must: If there’s one place to rock your biker gear, it’s at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Leather jackets, vests, and chaps are all classic biker attire that will fit right in.
- Remember headwear: Besides protecting your head from the sun, a biker hat or motorcycle helmet can add style to your outfit.
Why Go To The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is known for having some of the best rides in the world. The Blacks Hills are stuffed full of fun winding turns, unique eats scattered throughout quaint little towns, and Native American and U.S. Calvary historical sights.
Riders enjoy monuments like Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, granite spires of the Needle’s eye, and crystal-clear high mountain lakes, reservoirs, and waterfalls. In addition, there are tons of Sturgis Rally Campgrounds with their styles.
Some offer accommodations with picturesque views like Bear Butte, Military Tributes like the field of 800 flags to see, and live music to lead you into each night’s sleep. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one way to check off all the boxes.
What To Expect At The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?
If this is your first time at the Sturgis Rally, you’re in for a few eye-opening treats. First of all, you should know that you’ll meet the nicest people at the Sturgis Rally.
The South Dakota community welcomes bikers into its yard to play, and they do it with that Midwest hospitality and smile. Those smiles and the good times bring out more smiles and good times from the people visiting.
You can expect to find various vendors, a massive selection of live concerts, demo ride opportunities, and bikes lined up and down main street in Sturgis, SD. Towns like Sturgis block off sections of Main Street to motorcycles only. It feels like you’re at the world’s largest bike show. Which, you are!
Some people mistakenly think it is only a big party. You can party, but you can also live a tame life if that is more your style.
Wake up early, go for a beautiful ride in the day, stroll through the Black Hills area sites, visit vendors, see the races and bike shows, have dinner at a winery in Hill City or a Brewhouse, check out the Saloon where Wild Bill Hickock got shot, then tuck yourself in to do something like it again the next morning.
There are more than enough activities at the Sturgis Rally to fill your itinerary for ten days.
FAQs
What do people do at Sturgis Bike Rally?
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the world’s largest motorcycle rally, attracting upward of 700,000 people each year. During the event, the entire town is overrun with motorcycles, parties, bike shows and live concerts. People from all over the world attend to ride, sightsee and experience the unique atmosphere.
Where do people sleep during Sturgis Rally?
Cabins. Ride N Rest Campground has some of the cleanest cabins in the Black Hills of Sturgis, SD. Our cabins are fresh and updated to ensure you have the best Sturgis rally campground experience. The Sturgis rally cabins are located throughout our grounds with scenic view nested near Bear Butte.
Can you drink on the street in Sturgis?
The Sturgis City Council Monday approved an open container resolution valid for one year allowing beer and wine to be consumed in an area spanning about 24 blocks in downtown Sturgis.
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