The Legend of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

The Sturgis Motocycle Rally has been revving its engines since 1938. It is held annually for ten days in Sturgis, South Dakota. The rally attracts people from all over the globe and normal attendance usually includes around half a million people creating around 800 million dollars in revenue.

The rally was founded by Clarence "Pappy" Hoel, who was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 1998. Pappy was also the founding member of the Jackpine Gypsies, a motorcycle club in Indiana.

Originally the rally was a place for racing and stunts, but in 1961, the rally expanded and began featuring the hilllclimb and motocross races. This gave the Sturgis the eyes of the world and people have been coming back almost every year. In 1942, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was NOT held due to gasoline rationing.

The locals of Sturgis have sort of a love/hate relationship with the rally. Indian tribes have voiced that it is in poor taste to have so much alcohol at the event, but they also acknowledge that the event brings in great revenue annually, part of which benefits the tribes of the region. In fact 95% of all revenue in Sturgis comes directly from the rally.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues to be a haven for bikers of all backgrounds. By now it has become an annual pilgrimage for motorcycle enthusiasts and much like the bikes they ride on, it doesn't show any sign of slowing down.

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