The Little Known Rowdy Sturgis Secret: Camp Zero
LoveForget everything you think you know about the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and start from ZERO. Over the years there’s been a lot of debate about what Sturgis is or isn’t, and who it is or isn’t for. “It’s just a bunch of big wheel baggers.” “It’s not my scene.” “There’s nothing there for me.” Insert any number of other zero fun or legit excuses. A few years back, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip decided to call BS on that line of thinking. The Buffalo Chip asked themselves, if you’re with the largest gathering of moto enthusiasts and music festival fans in the world and you can’t make a new scene or your own scene, whose fault is that, really? If you want to do your thing just start by getting your friends together and doing your thing. Don’t worry about who’s soiling their pants from flexing too hard down the street. So, that’s exactly what The Chip did… they soiled their pants with dirt instead. Camp Zero was built in 2018 by a group of folks who wanted to ditch the preconceived notion of what the Sturgis Rally is and party like 1980s animals who love rad bikes and wild parties. #Zero OGs like @DaymonWoodruff the Unsung Zero, Jesse Andersanchez @Jessebytheslice, Tanner Preedo @montanner17, Brady McClean from @GoFastDontDie, Cosmo Varriano @cosmoschoppers, Big Joe Mielke from @SnapFabrications, Jason Lightner from the @TheGambler500, @pgarvin from J&P Cycles, @KellyYazdi from Ride Wild, Brad Schneck @video.brad, @MotoLady Alicia Elfving and others all contributed to creating a space to push back against the perception that the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is filled with old men and big baggers who think that there is no room for riding anything else. ZERO truly is the launch site for raising hell and rallying like the old days. Were you in on this rowdy Sturgis secret? If you were there, take a walk down memory lane. If you missed it, picture this: In the southeast part of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, you grabbed a beer from your favorite bartender at Zero bar, a punk rock bar that was built inside of an 80-year-old barn. Whether you’re into minibike shenanigans, Sasha’s Cycle’s motorcycle rodeo, an incredible Sportster Showdown and Mini Bike show, wild parties, Harley wheelies, wicked burnouts or just hanging out with insanely cool people, you found yourself knee-deep in the madness that is Camp Zero @campzerosturgis. Everyday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., you kept your name at the top of the time trial list as you ran the fastest time around Camp Zero’s notorious Hell Track. This open track was available to race alone, with someone, on your own bike, or someone else’s. It didn’t matter, you just. Went. Fast. Camp Zero’s #UnsungZeros made sure the grass clippins were out of the way as you tested your minibike skills and speed. You raced with the best as you battled to win the top spot in the Pull-Start Barrel Racing event. You celebrated choppers, talked chop, and had a good time during an evening of old-school rodeo games during @SashasCyclesofSturgis Sasha’s Cycle’s Rodeo Games. From the weenie bite, slow races and cowboy barrel cross to a rail ride, highway cones, barrel races and more, this was a night to saddle up for. You headed over to one of the weirdest and wildest events at Camp Zero, the Mini Bike Rodeo where road barrel/keg dragging, pool noodle jousting, and flip cup races were just a few things to do. It’s a good thing you brought your cowboy hat! You stumbled upon a mind-blowing collection of customized Sportster models and a large dose of memorable mayhem. Led Sled Customs @ledsledcustoms hosted a free-to-enter communal event celebrating the history, culture, and diversity of one of the coolest bikes in existence, the Harley-Davidson Sportster, along with Biltwell, Metzeler, S&S Cycle, J&P Cycles, Cycle Source, Lowbrow Customs, and Chop Cult. The grass race to top all grass races. You grabbed your Coleman @colemanpowersports_usa mini bike and a buddy and headed to the Race Pit Area in the Powersports Complex where you participated in a head-to-head event where you proved once and for all that you are the fastest grasser out there. After the Sportster Showdown and Mini Bike Show for Anarchy Games, you showed up on a bike/mini bike and survived the Gauntlet and caught some airtime. Being punk rock isn’t always just about jumping minibikes and beer wall smashes – though, those things ARE pretty rad. It’s also about making sure that the space that surrounds you is cleaner than it was when you got there. The Gambler 500 @thegambler500 mini bike and scoot crew cleaned the ditches next to the highway leading into Camp Zero, and you helped them. Zero is the point from which a positive or a negative are reckoned. Zero is the Jump off point for all things that move forward. If you are going to start over, you must start at zero. Jump in, jump off, or stand there staring while your friends egg you on. Everyone starts at zero. Forget everything you think you know and start at Zero. Yeah, it is a good time. Annnnnnnnnnd it means something. Love
2023 Sturgis Rally Attendance – How Big Was The 2023 Sturgis Rally?
LoveThe 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Attendance Was Down 8.1%. Now that the books have officially closed on another incredible Sturgis Rally, everyone is asking the same question – How big was the 83rd Sturgis Rally in 2023? This year’s 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendance was down from 2022. Read on to see how the numbers break down. What was the Sturgis Rally Attendance in 2023? SD Department of Transportation reported traffic counts of 458,161. The DOT Reported the 2023 Sturgis Rally Attendance of 458,161 Was Down 8.1% from 2022 According to the official traffic numbers released by the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the 83rd Rally in 2023 was not nearly as big as 82nd in 2022, with 497,835 vehicles. The South Dakota Department Of Transportation gathers these numbers from road tube counters placed at nine locations around the Sturgis region. One vehicle is counted for every two axles that hit the counter on their way into town. The full DOT report on the Sturgis Rally can be found on the DOT Website. The South Dakota Office of Highway Safety reports that DUI arrests, citations, warnings, non-injury crashes, and injury crashest, were all down. Misdemeanor drug arrests, felony drug arrests, and fatalities were all up. See more rally statistics from the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety. 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally taxes were down 6%. According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, tax collections at the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are currently at $1,446526, down 6% from 2022. 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Dates When is the 84th Sturgis Rally? The 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is scheduled for Aug. 2-11, 2024. Get a jumpstart on 2024 by registering for the rally and receiving your free welcome packet at Sturgis.com/registration. Love
Death Wire Brings Life Full Circle ?
Love It takes a spectacle to want to spectate, a death survivor challenging death to make it spectacular, and the headline “Are These Guys Going to Die?” to remind you that consequences are serious. But you don’t know the half of it. Yet. If you overheard a man’s voice say, “My girlfriend’s elephant is too old to breed,” your ears would perk up, your left eye would squint in disbelief, and, while turning your head to see who it was, you’d ask yourself, “Did I hear that right?” When you did, you’d find a stocky man in a red silk shirt smiling back at you, continuing with the words, “The U.S. elephant gene pools are in trouble because it’s illegal to import elephant semen.” Knock, Knock. Who’s there? Reality Check. Yes, this was a real conversation. The man speaking was Blake Wallenda. Chances are, you haven’t met anyone in the world like Blake. Hearing him talk only takes seconds to recognize that his conversation topics aren’t the only extraordinary thing about him. You see, Blake grew up in a world straight out of children’s stories. In that world, he developed a rare skill. Blake’s a Highwire Walker. Blake is the great-grandson of Karl Wallenda – a skywalker known for performing dangerous feats and breaking world records. The legacy of the Wallendas goes back over 300 years. Blake carries on the bold tradition of his family despite Karl dying when he fell from a highwire, other Wallendas dying or becoming crippled for life, and himself nearly dying when he fell in 2017 from a human highwire pyramid but was able to stop himself by grabbing and holding onto the wire. On Aug. 10, Blake’s about to attempt something so uniquely dangerous with Wall of Death motorcycle daredevil Kyle Ives at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip that you’ll have to see it to grasp the magnitude of the feat taking place. It’s a story, unlike any story in the history of time. A real once-in-a-lifetime tongue wagger, “Whoahhhhhh” maker, and eye popper because what Blake and Kyle are about to do has never been done and never will be again. Only one thing is predictable. If you’re there, it’s a tale you’ll tell for the rest of your life. The additional surprise is that Blake Wallenda and Kyle Ives aren’t where this story begins. It starts with a man named Shawn Ives. A throat cancer survivor. And Kyle’s father. Shawn was mentored by Karl Wallenda and went on to walk highwire. He later became a motorcycle daredevil and now runs the rare Wall of Death daredevil exhibition with Kyle and his other son, Cody. Shawn Ives (right) Shawn’s life took a twist a few days before the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally when he felt a lump in his neck while setting up the Wall of Death at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. It was cancer. He spent the following year battling the disease and won, but if you ask Shawn about his fight against cancer, he chokes up and forces out the words, “It’s like having the worst hangover you’ve ever had, every day, for a year.” He will also tell you, “When you go through something like cancer, you need someone beside you, rooting for you. I’m grateful for my wife. And proud of my sons.” In addition to working with the Wallendas, Shawn’s family had bonded with the Knievel family over the years. Kyle and Cody learned to ride and jump motorcycles at an early age. According to Shawn, one day, Evel Knievel was sitting on the back of their truck bed, watching the two Ives kids jump their motorcycles, when Shawn leaned into Evel and said, “I hope that someday my kids will be as good as you.” Evel responded, “From what I can see, they’re already better.” In 2022, Evel’s son Robbie Knievel died of pancreatic cancer. Robbie had jumped at the Buffalo Chip many times over the years, including over its main stage and in its amphitheater. When Robbie passed away, Shawn had an idea that would bring all of the elements of his life together full circle: Knievel, a tribute to Robbie, his time with the Wallendas, his family legacy, the Buffalo Chip, and cancer fundraising. Shawn dreamt up the idea that he would face death again. This time by choice. Shawn approached Woody, the CEO of The Chip, “I want to do a jump at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip to raise funds for cancer and pay homage to Robbie.” Rod and Shawn concocted a plan and agreed that a run-of-the-mill ramp-to-ramp jump wouldn’t suffice. They would “need to do something truly spectacular.” A little research revealed that on October 20, 1973, Evel Knievel cleared 13 cars with a broken upper back while Karl Wallenda wire-walked overhead. This inspired Shawn to invite Blake Wallenda to high-wire walk over the Chip’s amphitheater before the Def Leppard concert. Still, to be spectacular and push this death-defying legacy to a new level, “Someone should jump over Blake.” Naturally, Shawn volunteered his son, Kyle! The stakes were high, but both Kyle and Blake embraced the challenge. The jump was on. They aimed to accomplish a life-threatening performance even history’s greatest daredevils hadn’t dared before. They would risk their lives attempting The Death Wire Daredevil Spectacular! To spice up the show, Shawn announced he would also do a 10-car jump on an HD XG-750 street bike. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation agreed to create a Ride For Kids to the Chip fundraiser to allow riders to raise money on their journey to Sturgis to see the performance. It’s not hard to imagine what will happen if they fail. However, the glory of success is unparalleled if they make it. No one, especially no true biker, should want to miss this incredible event. “Thinking back on the moments in my life and knowing that they are all wrapped up in this one event is unbelievable to me.” reflects Shawn, “What we are doing
3 Reasons You Must Attend the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
LoveA good adventure is one that doesn’t leave you feeling the same-ole-same-ole, adds excitement to your life, and truly gives you a new story to tell. You may have had one or two that changed your life. And you’ve talked about them non-stop since – the pleasant surprise you had when you discovered that sign at the top of the pass that said “Curves Next 80 Miles,” the sudden hail storm that forced you into a stranger’s driveway who invited you in for coffee and a chat, and later, the tequila, the Aerosmith concert where the singer fell off the stage, and waking up in the wrong tent. Whoops. The truth is that good adventures are few and far between. That’s why when an opportunity threatens to hit you in the face like a flying brick, you should take a moment to see where it’s coming from. In this instance, that proverbial brick heading your way is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, specifically the Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip. If you have yet to pay attention, you may have missed their promise to womp you good, pump you up with some excitement and get your adventure fix in 2023 with a triple dose of never-to-be-repeated experiences. From death-defying stunts to legendary rock performances and an unforgettable kickoff party, you’ll genuinely do once-in-a-lifetime so many times in one visit that you’ll need a bandage and extra padding to protect your chin from all the times your jaw drops clear to the ground. If all goes according to plan, you should leave the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with a perma smile stretched across your face and a jaw ready to rattle off a slew of stories that can’t be one-upped. This blog will tell you straight up why you must attend the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Death Wire Daredevil Spectacular Unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed, Thursday, Aug. 10, will be an adrenaline-pumping spectacle when Blake Wallenda, a fearless highwire artist, will attempt “The Death Wire Walk” over the Sturgis Buffalo Chip amphitheater. As he braves the treacherous heights, daredevil Kyle Ives will attempt a motorcycle jump over Blake. This act will test their limits and leave you holding your breath. It’s easy to imagine what it will be like if they fail. But imagine how thrilling the excitement will be should they succeed. The significance of this death-defying feat cannot be overstated. Even iconic daredevils Evel Knievel and Karl Wallenda never dared to attempt it. The Death Wire Daredevil Spectacular will also feature ramp-to-ramp jumps by Shawn Ives, Sherco Trials Stunts, and other captivating activities that will leave you in awe. Def Leppard at The Best Party Anywhere® On Thursday, Aug. 10, legendary multi-platinum band Def Leppard hits the Sturgis Music and Motorcycle Festival stage for only the second time in history. Motorcycle enthusiasts and music lovers who’ve had the chance to experience it can agree that the Buffalo Chip’s reputation as The Best Party Anywhere® is well-deserved. The energy and excitement of the happy, smiling faces create a pulsating atmosphere and unforgettable memories. The Buffalo Chip Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party The festivities kick off with a bang at the Sturgis Rally’s Official Kickoff Party and Parade. The first official activity starts at the Buffalo Chip’s Big Engine Bar with the Support Bikers Moto Meetup at 4 pm. The parade lineup begins at 5 pm. At 6:00 pm, hundreds of riders will ride the mile to the amphitheater, where ZZ Top will perform later that night. Once inside the Buffalo Chip amphitheater, the party continues with a Beer Wall Smash, an exhilarating Star-Spangled Banner performance, and live entertainment from the winner of the Sturgis Battle of the Bands. The climax of the evening will come with the iconic rock band ZZ Top. And if that wasn’t enough, the International Bikini Team will add a touch of glamour parading around the stage. The Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party sets the tone for an unforgettable Sturgis Motorcycle Rally experience. It brings together the essence of camaraderie, patriotism, and high-octane entertainment that defines the rally. The down and dirty of it is that when you feel the music, revelry, and electric atmosphere, you’ll understand why the Sturgis Rally is renowned worldwide as the ultimate gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts. There’s no other way to slice it. The 2023 Sturgis Rally will be an extraordinary adventure at the Buffalo Chip. The original destination that brought music and motorcycles together has become synonymous with the excitement, freedom, and true spirit of the Sturgis Rally. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a music enthusiast, or simply seeking an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your life, 2023 presents the answer to each. August 4, 2023, marks a spot on the calendar for an incredible journey to the heart of motorcycle culture. There, courageous daredevils will push the limits of possibility and make history. Timeless melodies and electrifying energy of rock legends will thread people together in a way that only music and authentic human connection can. A celebration with fellow bikers united in a passion for freedom, friends, and the open road awaits for you to step out your front door, lay a leg over your ride, and lean into the adventure. 2023 offers an unforgettable chapter in the rally’s storied history. From the death-defying Death Wire Daredevil Spectacular, featuring Blake Wallenda and Kyle Ives, to the iconic rock performance by Def Leppard, and the unforgettable Buffalo Chip Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party, three once-in-a-lifetime experiences threaten you with a good time you cannot miss. If you want to join the adventure of a lifetime, go to sturgis.com for more information! Love
First Sturgis Rally Buffalo Chip 2023 Concerts, Styx and REO Speedwagon, Announced with Offering of Video Shout Outs from a Cat, Among Others.
Love Reservations to the two rock n’ roll juggernauts comes with a personalized video gift from the mighty Zorro, the “head honcho”, the voice of “the Legendary Buffalo Chiiiiip”, and more. The Bands take the Wolfman Jack Main Stage on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023 Sturgis, SD (November 25, 2022): The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling® is going big on Black Friday by bringing in legendary rock icons Styx and REO Speedwagon for an incredible show on Aug. 8 during the 83rd Sturgis Rally. This is the first Sturgis Rally Buffalo Chip concert announcement for the nine-day festival held Aug. 4 – 13, 2023. In celebration of this announcement, the Chip is giving anyone who makes a reservation between Black Friday (11/25) and Cyber Monday (11/28) the option to receive a personalized video shoutout from a Buffalo Chip personality of their choice. The options include the festival office cat, head honcho Rod Woodruff, voice of the Legendaaaaary Buffallllooooo Chiiiip Hank Rotten Jr., and others. See BuffaloChip.com/BANDS for the full announcement video. “We are full speed ahead and ready to go for 2023! We have a lot of new fun things and top entertainment planned to give our guests the best rally experience possible. We can’t wait to show you.” – Rod Woodruff – President of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Styx – Aug. 8 Styx delivers over four decades of barn-burning chart hits, joyous singalongs, and hard-driving deep cuts to the Wolfman Jack Stage Tuesday, Aug. 8. The progressive rock group has put out a plethora of hit records including four albums that went triple platinum. This will be the first time they’ve brought their electrifying live show to the Sturgis Rally in four years. REO Speedwagon – Aug. 8 Rally goers “Can’t Fight this Feeling” when multi-platinum selling rockers REO Speedwagon step on stage. Iconic and electrifying, REO Speedwagon brings hits like “Ridin’ The Storm Out,” “Time For Me To Fly,” “Keep On Loving You,” “Take It On the Run,” and more to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Aug. 8 prior to a performance from coheadliner Styx. Get A Personalized Video from the Chip Fam Anyone who reserves between Black Friday and Cyber Monday will receive something extra special no one else will have—a one-of-a-kind, personalized video shoutout from their favorite Chip personality. The possibilities range from the Mighty Zorro the office cat to Woody, Hank Rotten, or anyone else at the Chip. YOU decide. Love
