| you will be making your inaugural trip to the 66th | | | | include RV camping, cabins and ample acreage for |
| Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, SD on | | | | tent camping. |
| Aug. 7th — 13th or you are a long time | | | | A complete event schedule for this year’s |
| veteran of the event, this article will be a useful | | | | event can be found at the following web address: |
| document providing a wealth of information | | | | This website provides the time, event name and |
| including a brief history of the event, lodging | | | | location for each of the scheduled events. One |
| information, schedule of events and safety tips | | | | way to fuel up for the extensive list of planned |
| and travel tips. | | | | events is to partake in the daily pancake |
| The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was organized by | | | | breakfast sponsored by the Marine Corps JROTC. |
| Clarence Pappy Hoel and members of the | | | | They can be found daily serving breakfast from |
| Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club. The first ever | | | | 6:00 am until 11:00 am in the Sturgis Brown High |
| Sturgis Rally was held on Aug. 14, 1938 featuring | | | | School. Most days also feature alternate breakfast |
| the Black Hills Classic, an event which featured 9 | | | | events by other clubs, including Alcoholics |
| participants and a few spectators. It was | | | | Anonymous who also hosts meetings throughout |
| determined that the event would be held annually | | | | the event, ensuring a variety of dining options for |
| on the first week after the first full weekend in | | | | the most important meal of the day. |
| August to avoid conflicts with other nearby | | | | Once breakfast is out of the way, participants are |
| events. By 1961 it had expanded to include Hill | | | | ready to enjoy the rest of the festivities. Live |
| Climb and Motocross races and in 1963 the event | | | | music is one of the undeniable highlights of the |
| expanded to three days. The Sturgis rally | | | | event. Although there are a variety of talented |
| continued to grow in leaps and bounds and by | | | | musicians scheduled to perform at this |
| 1975 it included a seven day event and by the | | | | year’s event, the Buffalo Chip |
| year 2000 the event was attracting over half a | | | | Campground has a lineup of headline performers |
| million visitors annually with the 2000 rally | | | | scheduled for 2006 including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid |
| attracting in excess of 600,000 visitors. | | | | Rock, Alice in Chains and David Lee Roth. |
| The small town of Sturgis, SD has a population of | | | | There are also plenty of motorcycle related |
| less than 7,000 so it is understandable that an | | | | events to keep participants occupied. Boss Hoss |
| event attracting over half a million travelers would | | | | demo rides are featured throughout the event. |
| create logistical problems with lodging concerns. If | | | | Burnout competitions are also popular with |
| you are planning to attend, it is wise to make | | | | spectators and are offered a few times during |
| reservations for accommodations well in advance | | | | the tournament at the Full Throttle Saloon. |
| of your trip to ensure you can secure a room | | | | Another highlight is the Discovery Channel’s |
| close to the site. More information on lodging for | | | | Biker Build Off featuring Detroit Bros. vs. Jason |
| the Rally can be found at the following web | | | | Kangas. In addition, there are demos and exhibits |
| address: | | | | throughout the day each day of the event and |
| Camping is a popular option for those attending | | | | shows featuring custom bikes from around the |
| the rally. Nearby campgrounds include the | | | | country. There are also going to be many |
| following: | | | | vendors on hand offering everything from |
| * Big Rig RV Park: - features wireless Internet | | | | motorcycle related merchandise to tattoos as well |
| access and spacious lots of 60’ and | | | | as food and beverages. |
| 100’ close to the rally site. | | | | An unfortunate aspect of Sturgis is the frequent |
| * Bulldog Campground: — features RV | | | | occurrence of the disappearance of motorcycles |
| camping as well as cabins which accommodate | | | | during the event. Estimates indicate approximately |
| 2-8 guests. This campground is located five miles | | | | $250,000 worth of motorcycles are stolen each |
| from Sturgis and features nightly entertainment | | | | year during the course of the event. Motorcycles |
| and happy hour as well as an onsite restaurant. | | | | on the higher end of the price spectrum as well |
| * Creekside Campground: — located 4 | | | | as custom bikes and show models are those |
| miles from Sturgis, this campground features RV | | | | most likely to be stolen, but all participants should |
| camping, tent camping as well as cabins. Highlights | | | | take precautions to avoid becoming a victim. Care |
| of the campground include an onsite store selling | | | | should be taken to park in well lit, high traffic |
| food and beverages and easy highway access. | | | | locations as opposed to dark areas with few |
| * Glencoe Camp Resort: — has been | | | | passersby. Additionally, participants should avoid |
| catering to Sturgis participants for over 20 years. | | | | leaving valuables such as cameras, leathers and |
| This campground has over 160 acres of camping | | | | souvenirs on their bike. Those who will be |
| with ample shade. In 2006 they will unveil a 34 | | | | attending the event should also invest in a high |
| acre outdoor amphitheater which will feature live | | | | quality lock to secure their bike. Even higher |
| music all week long. A 24 hour restaurant is also | | | | quality locks are not fool-proof to experienced |
| onsite for the convenience of campers. | | | | thieves but they are a definite deterrent. Lower |
| * Hog Heaven Campground: - with over 150 acres | | | | quality locks are not considered adequate |
| of camping, this campground situated in the Black | | | | protection because they can easily be broken or |
| Hills is an ideal location for Sturgis participants. The | | | | cut. |
| campground is open from July 31st through Aug. | | | | Participants who will be traveling long distances to |
| 13th this year and will host live bands providing | | | | the event on their motorcycle should also be |
| entertainment for guests. | | | | aware of safety issues while traveling. Even those |
| * Katmandu Campground: - features 250 RV | | | | experienced with long distance rides should take |
| sites, cabins and 50 acres of camping. Located | | | | safety precautions to ensure a smooth trip. One |
| just two miles from Sturgis, this location is | | | | precaution is to create a copy of your detailed |
| convenient for participants. Highlighted amenities | | | | itinerary to leave in the possession of a friend or |
| include laundry facilities and wireless Internet | | | | relative who will not be traveling with you. |
| access. | | | | Travelers are also warned against traveling alone. |
| * Sturgis View Campground: - located only 1.5 | | | | Whenever possible, travelers should have at least |
| miles from downtown Sturgis. This campground is | | | | one other rider accompany them on their trip. |
| famous for its spectacular views. Other highlights | | | | |