History of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

 Harley on a Harley

It's that time of year again.  Excitement, motorcycles, food, vendors, alcohol, games and LOTS of fans.  It is very important that you always look for motorcycles on the road but with the upcoming Sturgis Rally right around the corner there will be MANY MORE bikes on the road so please always look for motorcycles....because everyone that rides a bike is precious to someone.

We all know what Sturgis Motorcycle Rally IS but do you know when and why it started?

It's held in Sturgis, South Dakota and it is always the first full week of August...so this year, 2012 it begins Monday, August 6th and ends Sunday, August 12th...but most people start showing up the Sunday before.

The very first Rally was founded on August 14, 1938 and was founded by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club (who still currently own and operate the tracks, hillclimb and field areas).  The first rally lasted only two days and focused on racing and stunts.

The Sturgis Rally has been held EVERY YEAR since 1938 except during WWII.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will have an attendance of 500,000+ each year.  The new "breed" of riders are often found "trailering" their motorcycles to Sturgis (many make this a family event) and camp in RV's in the campground.  There used to be a patch that said they "attended" Sturgis and the year the attended but with many people that trailer their bikes there is now new patches that say "I Rode Mine to Sturgis" with the year.

Whether you trailer your bike, ride your bike or just drive your car it is an event for all.  In the years past it has been known to "get out of hand" and it wasn't really the appropriate place for children but the community stepped in and has calmed the Rally down and now it is a fun environment for everyone.  The "hard" riders will be there the entire week while the "seasonal" riders will show up on the Saturday before it begins to see all the vendors, say they were there and leave before it gets too busy.

Please be safe while driving or riding on the roads.


Zeisler & Associates, Attorney At Law, PC is there if you need them but would hate to meet you because of an accident.  Visit their website for more information

History of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally provided by SturgisRally.com