The Complete Sturgis Rally Guide: Everything You Need To Know About The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Love 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? Anyone who comes to the Sturgis Rally knows there is no shortage of things to do. In fact, it’s impossible to do All The Things, even if you tried. To ensure you don’t waste your time at the wrong events during this year’s Rally, you need the inside scoop, a trusted Sturgis Rally Guide of must-dos, and you need it now to plan for the Sturgis Rally. Do all the things you truly want to do. What Is The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally? If you made it this far in your search, you likely know the Sturgis Rally is an 84-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. When Is The 2024 Sturgis Rally? The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally starts on the first Friday of August every year. The 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is August 1 through 11, 2024. The Sturgis Rally Pre-Party starts on August 1, 2024, 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? Read the articles explaining the historic ruling here: https://dev.sturgis.com/sturgismotorcyclerally/news/will-the-sturgis-motorcycle-rally-be-canceled-sturgis-rally-is-on-say-businesses-even-if-city-opts-out https://dev.sturgis.com/blog/sturgis-rally-trademark-officially-struck-down 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. Should I Register For The Sturgis Rally Or Just Show Up? Have you ever shown up to a destination wishing someone was there to tell you about all the best things to see and do? Sure you have! Discovering the best that the Sturgis Rally has to offer can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can begin your Sturgis Rally adventure by connecting with a friendly face, picking up a Welcome Packet, and free Sturgis Rally Ride Pin and Patch at the Sturgis Rally Information Center™! Sometimes all you need to help make your trip frustration-free is the opportunity to ask someone for a recommendation on what to do and see. Check out the Sturgis.com Official Sturgis Rally Registration. You’ll be glad you did. 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
A Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party That Speaks Only the Language of “Hell Yeah,” Screams, “Give it to Me, Baby,” and Inspires Your Legs to Move of Their Own Accord – Officially.
LoveEighty-three years ago, a man named Pappy knew that to throw a proper party you had to set the right mood. If he were advising on first dates, that might include a flower on the seat, a bottle of wine on moonlit haystacks and her arms wrapped around you when you…ride home. But Pappy wasn’t there to stare deep into your eyes and make babies. Instead, he was about to launch the world’s largest motorcycle rally – a party he knew would require high energy, entertainment, and, let’s not forget, smiling faces. There’s more to the formula you don’t know. First, let’s be honest. When someone invites you to an event, you ask yourself, “Is that worth submitting a vacation request, packing gear, and pushing myself up off this couch?” “Does it make my spirit say, ‘Hell yeahs,’ my heart scream, ‘Give it to me, baby,’ and my legs move in that direction by themselves?” The reality is that to commit to spicing up your life, it needs to satisfy a deep curiosity, be part of something authentic, and make you feel more alive. Getting out the door shouldn’t be that hard, but sometimes it is. That’s why, on the very first kickoff of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, WHAT DID PAPPY HOEL DO? He smashed through a wall of fire! (SURPRISE!) He threw a picnic. (FREE FOOD, GUYS!!!) He had friends lock handlebars while going fast around corners on motorcycles. (WHO KNEW IT’D BE SO MUCH FUN?) Saying it without saying it, Pappy said, WE AREN’T HERE ONLY TO RACE. WE’RE HERE TO LET LOOSE, ENTERTAIN EACH OTHER, SLAP BACKS, AND SMILE. At that original festivity, you bet that more than one person experienced their first “Holy S***!” moment and talked about it with their friends after. Although we find comfort in the known, predictable and commonplace, it’s the unusual, random, and surprising that cements a place in our memories, flavors our stories and impacts our lives, sometimes even changing them. The Legendary Buffalo Chip understands this when planning its Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party. They know you don’t come to read “The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” in your tent; you do that at home between monotonous, on-repeat workdays. Repeat doesn’t belong at a good party. Each smile should feel fresher than the last. Otherwise, you’re not at the Best Party Anywhere. Ironically, one thing people will repeat is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Not because of an addiction to Jager Bombs, deepening connections with friends, and smiles that grow into laughs that hurt. Well yeah, that. But also, because even the 10th time you visit, there is a new takeaway, friend, and smile to find. You can fall in love, lust, and get married at the rally. You can come for decades, make more friends than you have back home, and request that your friends spread your ashes there. I received an email the other day that read, “My husband recently passed away. He rode to Sturgis starting in 1961 and rode there for his last ride in 2022. He attended 61 years consecutively. Everyone thought he must have been a badass. No, he was just a biker obsessed with Sturgis.” The rally touches you in unusual, random and unexpected ways. Every year is different, exciting, and new, which is why we celebrate life at Sturgis. You might not be surprised to find there’s still a strong tradition of smashing through walls to kick off the party. This time, however, the smashing comes with a twist. In the spirit of Pappy, the founder of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Joe Mielke and I will smash through a wall of 1,440 cans of beer, not fire, with homemade battering rams mounted to the front of our bikes to welcome in the Buffalo Chip’s Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party. Why beer? Because a wall of fire seems so, you know, 1938. And we’d like to open some refreshments for you. To add spice to the excitement, Jason Lightner and his entourage will follow through the spurting wreckage in a motorized couch, two-wheeled Sea-Doo, boat, mini bikes, other mechanical creations, and a street roller to finish the job. But the Beer Wall Smash is only a tiny part of the fun that will get you off the couch and kickstart the rally with a bash. This year, join a parade of motorcyclists into The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling’s amphitheater for the “grandest first day in Sturgis Rally history.” The party begins at the Big Engine Bar with the Support Bikers Moto Meetup. Then, line up and parade into the amphitheater. The Buffalo Chip Bikini Models will take the stage with their “Everything But Clothes!” Homemade Bikini Contest. Next, the Hot Hunks will face off against the gals, show off their homemade mankinis, and keep the smiles coming. We’ll also get serious and recognize that all this fun is a freedom we don’t take for granted with the Star-Spangled Banner and, with the help of your throttle hand, a thunderous roar at the front of the stage to power up The Best Party Anywhere and welcome in ZZ TOP at the no. 1 Sturgis Rally destination—the Sturgis Buffalo Chip!! If this all seems a bit unusual, the kickoff is meant to remind us why we left the confines of our boring jobs, help us escape the scrutiny and stresses of everyday life, and set the tone for the next nine days of music, motorcycles, freedom and friends. It might even set the tone for your future. If that rings true to you, here’s what you should do. Get out the door. Leave your work and routine behind. Add unusual, random, surprising excitement to your life, and join the Not So Unusual – Officially Part of a Long Tradition – Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. That’s the rest of the formula for an unprecedented-level good time. Now, stop reading and go have a blast! Your spirit, heart, and legs are already taking you there. Love
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
Motorcycle Camping Gear: 10 Pieces of Essential Gear You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without
Love If you’ve ever thrown your leg over a motorcycle or spent a night camping under the stars, you probably know how transformative the experience can be. A little wind therapy or adventure therapy goes a long way in clearing the mind, and when you combine the two, the results are even greater! Bikers and campers may naturally understand the importance of being outdoors and being in nature, but the gear needed for motorcycle camping might not be quite as obvious. Here are a few recommended items to help you stay outdoors and maximize your next motorcycle camping experience. Camping 1. Tent A tent – though it should go without saying, you need one to sleep in. However, what you might not have thought about is its durability in a high wind and rainstorm, which happens, especially during a trip to Sturgis, SD. You don’t want a tent that rips in half the first time you get a 20 mph wind and leaves you sleeping in a river. The Wolf Walker 2-person motorbike tent is a three-season quick setup tent that’s lightweight, firm, and durable. The bike port is a great feature, and there’s a separate, secure enclosure attached to the inner tent for storing gear. 2. Compression Bag Compression bags should be high priority on your gear list. There’s limited luggage space on a motorcycle, so compression bags help a rider free some space for souvenirs and beer. The Nelson Rigg medium compression bag can store up to 30% more items after bags are compressed. This lightweight water-resistant bag allows for the most compact packing of your soft items. Pro-tip: Buy at least two of these bad boys – one for clean clothes, one for dirty clothes. 3. Knife If you don’t have at least one good American made knife, then are you even a motorcycle rider? Already have one? Well, two is one and one is none. The Whiteknuckler brand is made in the USA and built to last decades, not months. The Model 3’s overall length is 7 inches for you size queens, with 3.5 inches of sharp surface or a bit less than the width of most man hands. 4. Cooking System Whether you’ve just returned from a cold ride or waking up to go on one, hot wets will keep the chills at bay, so a stove cooking system is definitely a good investment. The Jetboil Flash boils water in a lightning quick 100 seconds, which is just shy of a millennium when you’ve just woken up hungover and craving coffee. Rain Gear: 5. Hurricane Rain Suit Depending on where you live, a short or long ride means a high probability you will experience all four seasons during your trip. If the forecast includes rain, you’ll wish you had rain gear added to your packing list. This affordable ultra-lightweight one-piece is designed to be worn over your textile or leather riding gear. The inside lining will keep you cool and comfortable. There is one main zipper that runs down the center from chest to thigh to get in and out quickly. All seams are tape-sealed for waterproofing, and the reflective detailing improves visibility so that others can see you riding in the rain. Even though it has the word hurricane in it, don’t be surprised if you get more than wet should you decide to ride in hurricane or hurricane adjacent conditions. It also comes with its own transport/storage bag designed to fit in your bike’s storage container. The sizes do run a little small, so be sure to check the sizing chart to ensure proper fit as you fluctuate in seasonal weight. 6. Waterproof Motorcycle Shoe Covers If you enjoy getting caught in the rain but would rather not experience trench foot, then consider purchasing appropriate footwear. At the very least, it wouldn’t hurt to pack a pair of inexpensive boot raincovers. These boot raincovers are constructed of 100% waterproof PVC material to keep your boots dry, clean and warm. The elastic top is designed to comfortable and snug regardless of your cankle size. It is portable and foldable enough to fit in your bag or luggage compartment. The material is thick and washable so you can use it over and over again. 7. Dry Gloves The benefits of keeping your meat hooks warm and dry are obvious, so hopefully you have the right gloves for the weather you might encounter. These Dainese gloves are versatile enough to use all season since they give waterproof protection, thermal insulation, comfort, flexibility, and safety. You can wear them on or off road or for daily use in the city. They’re designed with the D-Dry waterproof membrane, which repels rainwater. The reinforcement on the palm guarantees a perfect grip and maintaining breathability. If you are on a budget, these gloves have a thermal padding and windproof inserts, which make them perfect dual-purpose gloves for rain and winter use. As a bonus, the Smart Touch Dainese system allows you to handle your devices with touch screens without taking off the gloves. 8. Anti-Fog Film Not all fog is bad – like the mornings when you’re sipping coffee on your porch or getting busy with your partner inside a vehicle. But fog on your visor is bad for your health, so make sure you consider this before you go on a ride. This Master of Anti-Fog visor insert is for full face helmets and available in clear, gray for high contrast, or even yellow for night driving. It is made of high-quality material, the insert is anti-scratch, flexible, super light and durable. The adhesive on the back of the insert keeps it fixed in place from falling out easily, but make sure to measure the size of your helmet visor/shield before purchasing. This is one of many affordable solutions, but it is important to think about visibility when riding even when the conditions are clear. Cold Weather Gear 9. Winter Underwear Riding Bottom Unless you’re a complete
Boy’s Rally Lemonade Stand Raises Over $32,000 for Charity
Love In 2019, Wyatt Dennis sat on the porch of a house his parents were thinking about purchasing when an idea was born. It happened to be in the middle of the Sturgis Rally, and Wyatt told his parents that if they purchased the house, he’d want to do a lemonade stand the following Rally. When 2020 rolled around, the house was theirs, Wyatt was ready, and the lemonade stand idea was put into action. Wyatt wanted to purchase a Lego set. His parents told him he would be serving free lemonade to anyone who wanted some and in return for his hard work, they would take him to buy the Lego set with the money he earned at the end of Rally. On day one, donations started rolling in. It was apparent that the Lego set would be easily obtainable, so a new plan was set up for the money coming in. Fifty percent would go into savings for college, 30 percent would go toward a charity of Wyatt’s choice, and 20 percent would go toward the Lego set. Instead of only being able to teach Wyatt how hard work can get you what you want, the lemonade stand had become a lesson about saving, giving, and spending. Wyatt chose St. Jude Children’s Hospital for his charity because he wanted to help kids. In 2020, the lemonade stand brought in approximately $700 in donations, and Wyatt was able to donate $200 to St. Jude. When the 2021 Rally rolled around, Wyatt headed back down to Sturgis Road to set up his stand again. No one expected this year to be different than 2020, but everything changed in the first weekend the lemonade stand was set up. A wonderful lady named Tracy from Louisiana stopped a couple times and asked if she could post about the stand on Facebook. Her post was then picked up by Derek Swain, a Combat Vet Rider, who added to and reposted Tracy’s original post. It went viral in a couple days’ time. Not only were people from all over visiting the stand while in town for Sturgis, they were also donating virtual glasses of lemonade. Wyatt’s story was picked up by local news stations, newspapers, Fox and Friends, and a Fox station out of Minnesota. This allowed word of the stand to reach from coast to coast. After everything was said and done in 2021, Wyatt chose to donate 50 percent of what came in and was able to give just over $32,000 to St. Jude. Wyatt plans to continue to do his lemonade stand every year, as long as people continue to come. In 2022, he hopes everyone who comes to town for Rally will come stop by and say hello and that he can raise $50,000 for St. Jude! **Update as of 1-4-2022 **I wanted to let you know (if you haven’t seen it on his FB page) that we are going to have a raffle for a $1000 tattoo session. There is an artist from Spearfish who has committed to this and we will be selling tickets starting in February for $20.00 each. We will draw for the winner on July 4th so they have time to schedule the session when they are out for the Rally. All proceeds will go directly to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. In the meantime, you can learn more about Wyatt’s Lemonade Stand on his Facebook page (Wyatt’s Lemonade), Instagram (@wyattslemonade), and website (www.wyattslemonade.com). Love
The Doggfather: Part 2. Snoop Dogg Returns to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip for 2022 Rally
Love Legendary rapper, actor and showman Snoop Dogg returns to the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling® on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022 Sturgis, S.D. (October 12, 2021): Never one to fit the mold, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® is breaking barriers once again with the return of Super Bowl-Level entertainer Snoop Dogg on the first Saturday of the 82nd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Based on the massive success of Snoop Dogg’s first visit to the Best Party Anywhere® in 2019, the venue is bringing back the Doggfather for an evening of Sturgis Rally Concerts. See the official concert announcement video at BuffaloChip.com/BANDS. Since 1993, Snoop Dogg has proved time and time again that his music appeals to just about any crowd. From Super Bowl LVI to a motorcycle rally at the Chip, crowds everywhere groove along with mega-hits like “Gin & Juice,” “Nuthin’ But A G Thang,” “Next Episode,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Young, Wild & Free,” and so many more. Snoop Dogg in 2019 at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip When we announced Snoop Dogg in 2019, no one knew what to expect. He wasn’t the traditional performer that the Buffalo Chip crowd was accustomed to. But when he took the stage, we were blown away! He had a huge fanbase at the Chip, singing and dancing along to his long list of hit songs. It was an incredible performance. With talent like that, it’s no surprise to me that Snoop Dogg is headlining the Super Bowl this year, and we are darn happy to bring folks here some Super-Bowl-quality entertainment! – Rod Woodruff, CEO of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip The unrivaled Snoop Dogg is the first artist announced for the 2022 Sturgis Buffalo Chip Music and Motorcycle Festival. More announcements coming soon. Performances from the world’s top entertainers are just a part of what the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has in store for 2022. Guests will have the opportunity to experience countless events, including legendary rides, powerful freedom celebrations, top-tier bike shows, heart-pounding stunts, white-knuckle racing events and so much more. The Buffalo Chip is home to the Sturgis Rally Information Center™ and is the official sponsor of the free Sturgis.com Official Sturgis Rally Registration Program. Love
Sturgis Rally Numbers – How Big Was the 2021 Sturgis Rally?
Love The dust has settled on an incredible rally, and now everyone is asking the same question – How big was the 81st Sturgis Rally in 2021? This year was a bounce back year for the Sturgis Rally. Leading up to the 81st, rumors swirled that 2021 would see a massive turnout, maybe even the largest Sturgis Rally ever. In some ways, the rumors were true. What was the Sturgis Rally Attendance in 2021? SD Department of Transportation numbers as reported by the department and local News Source KOTA, indicate “more than 525,000 visitors attended the 81st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.” “Rally attendance was up 13.8% over last year when COVID19 kept attendance low at 462,182.” 2021 Sturgis Rally Vehicle Count Numbers Business and vendors in the Sturgis area reported increased sales, Custer State Park reported an eight percent increase in visitor traffic and campgrounds like the Sturgis Buffalo Chip saw a record number of campers, but how many people were really in attendance? Was it as big as the 75th? No…It was not as big as the 75th. According to the official traffic numbers released by the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the 81st Rally in 2021 was not nearly as big as the 75th, but traffic was up almost 14 percent from 2020. The South Dakota DOT gathers these numbers from road tube counters placed at nine locations where traffic enters Sturgis. One vehicle is counted for every two axles that hit the counter on their way into town. The full DOT report on the rally can be found here. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is reporting that the 2021 Sturgis Rally was a safer rally than 2020. Though the traffic was higher this year, the number of crashes were about the same, but fatalities and DUI arrests were down. See more rally statistics from the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety here. South Dakota State News Reports the Department of Revenue’s tax collections at the 2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are currently at $1,795,706k, 34% more than 2020. The 82nd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is scheduled for Aug. 5-14, 2022. Get a jumpstart on 2022 by registering for the rally and receiving your free welcome packet at Sturgis.com/registration. Love
2021 Sturgis Rally Concerts Expand With 4 More Bands
Love Here comes P.O.D., Black Stone Cherry, From Ashes To New and Reverend Horton Heat to join already announced Kid Rod, ZZ Top and Shinedown 2021 Sturgis Rally Concerts. The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling® is lining up the noise with the addition of four bands with four different takes on the rock genre for the 40th anniversary party this August. P.O.D., Black Stone Cherry, From Ashes To New and Reverend Horton Heat are joining a booming Sturgis Motorcycle Rally lineup that already includes Kid Rock, ZZ Top and Shinedown. The Buffalo Chip’s Sturgis Rally Concert video announcement can be seen at www.BuffaloChip.com/BANDS. “Outdoor concerts are going to be more fun than ever!” said Rod Woodruff, President of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “People are craving live music, and bands are rearing to get out and perform in front of people again. We can’t wait for these bands and more to give our Chip family the fun 40th anniversary festival they deserve.” The Band P.O.D will perform at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the 2021 Sturgis Rally P.O.D Since 1992, P.O.D. have experienced relentless success, selling over 10 million records, selling out gigs on multiple continents and logging four Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top 200. The San Diego based quartet will bring their hypnotic hybrid of hard rock, hip-hop, reggae, and alternative to the Wolfman Jack Stage the second Saturday of the Sturgis Rally for the event’s grand finale. Black Stone Cherry will perform at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the 2021 Sturgis Rally Black Stone Cherry For two decades, Black Stone Cherry has put forth a new vicious breed of Southern rock, injecting youthful vitality and a myriad of fresh new influences into the beloved American rock tradition. The Kentucky-based rock n’ roll quartet will bring their chart-topping songs to The Best Party Anywhere® on Aug. 13. From Ashes To New will perform at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the 2021 Sturgis Rally From Ashes To New Energetic and driven, From Ashes To New exploded onto the scene in 2016 with their unmatched blend of rock, hip-hop, pop and metal. Now riding the success of their sophomore album, “The Future,” From Ashes To New will bring hits like “Panic,” “Through It All,” “Crazy” and more to the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling Saturday, Aug. 14. Reverend Horton Heat will perform at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the 2021 Sturgis Rally Reverend Horton Heat Serving up their wild blues-country-rock groove to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip crowd for 2021 is Reverend Horton Heat. Their unique Texas-based, psychobilly mania will crash the Wolfman Jack Main Stage like a Texas twister on Aug. 8 prior to the American Badass, Kid Rock. Performances by top entertainers are just a part of what the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has in store for their 40th Anniversary in 2021. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience countless events, including legendary rides, powerful freedom celebrations, top-tier bike shows, white-knuckle racing events, and so much more. All events are held outdoors in an open environment for the safest experience possible. Entertainment is free with camping. More announcements are coming soon. A full list of Sturgis Buffalo Chip events is available at www.buffalochip.com/EVENTS. Love
Is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Canceled?
Love Is Sturgis Canceled? The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Is Not Canceled! Over 50 local businesses confirm they will be open and hosting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. (listed below) Over the past few months the question that has been on everyone’s mind is – will the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally be canceled? “You can’t cancel what you don’t own,” said Randy Peterson, owner of Sturgis.com, the original website dedicated to promoting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. “You can choose to participate or choose not to participate, but the Sturgis Rally will still go on regardless of what the City of Sturgis chooses.” Consensus among area venues, campgrounds and over 50 hospitality businesses is that the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is happening, and they will be open to host it. No One Owns the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally The fact there is no “official” owner of the rally is one that is widely misunderstood. Only recently have regional news and media outlets begun to shed more light on this reality. In a recent article published by the Black Hills Pioneer, Jesse James Dupree, co-owner of the Full Throttle Saloon and Pappy Hoel Campground, pointed out the federal ruling from the 8th Circuit Court, which addressed the use of Rally trademarks. In that document, the court ruled the City of Sturgis’ involvement and authority over the Rally does not extend past providing municipal services. In 2018, The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the US District Court ruled the rally is not organized by any single entity but is rather a pluralistic endeavor promoted by multiple organizations. These court cases began as a trademark dispute between who owns the title “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.” They additionally brought to light answers to the question of who is the official organizer of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The court stated: “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.” A blog article further explaining the implications of the court ruling and providing .pdf court documents can be found here: sturgis.com/blog/sturgis-rally-trademark-officially-struck-down. “The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was started by a private business owner and private motorcycle club,” said Peterson. “That motorcycle club isn’t even inside Sturgis City limits. According to US Court of Appeals, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been promoted by ‘hundreds of entities’ since.” An entity cannot own something just because their officials say they do. This fact is made very clear when the appeals court went on to state, an “…owner cannot establish that its mark is valid simply by getting its officials and agents to say that it is.” If the City of Sturgis votes to not partake in the 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, it does not mean there will not be a rally. It means the city will not issue vendor permits within city limits, rent out space, make Main Street motorcycles only or provide other municipal services. “You can’t cancel what you don’t own” – Randy Peterson, of Sturgis.com Government Involvement Because the City of Sturgis does not own the rally and the state has shown no inclination to tell people they cannot come, multiple venues, campgrounds and businesses are moving forward. These Black Hills venues and attractions will continue hosting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally regardless of whether the City of Sturgis votes to promote the rally within the city limits. “It’s what Governor Kristi Noem said early on: ‘The government’s role is not to run people’s lives, but to give them information by which they can make informed decisions,’ ” said Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO and President Rod Woodruff. “Beyond that, it’s a personal responsibility. We have a very conscientious political structure here in South Dakota, and that’s because of the people we have here. They’re respectful of people’s civil rights and their right to freedom. We’re here every year to celebrate that freedom.” When Governor Noem announced a July 3rd fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, she was quoted as saying, “If you’re sick stay home, If you’re the vulnerable population and you’re worried about the virus, then you should stay home. People will have all the information they need to know exactly what it will look like out there at Mt. Rushmore so that they can make a decision whether or not they should attend this year.” The same attitude should prevail regarding the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Those who do not feel safe coming to the Sturgis Rally should not come. “The government’s role is not to run people’s lives, but to give them information by which they can make informed decisions,” said Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO and President Rod Woodruff. “Beyond that, it’s a personal responsibility.” – Rod Woodruff Safety The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the lives of everyone, but much has been learned since the virus was first detected. The public now has access to information on how to best protect themselves and how to live with the virus. Social distancing, wearing a mask, sanitation practices and self-quarantining when symptomatic are all steps the public and businesses can take. Safety is still on people’s minds, but many are starting to realize they can’t hide forever. Department of Health and CDC guidelines are keeping people more informed on how to stay safe while being able to live their lives, and many private businesses are doing their part to help their customers be better protected. Many area businesses and campgrounds have already put in place new guidelines and safeguards to combat the potential spread of COVID-19. Measures at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip will include increasing sanitation practices, implementing social distancing measures, providing hand sanitizer throughout the campground and encouraging
STURGIS RALLY TRADEMARK OFFICIALLY STRUCK DOWN!!!
Love IT’S ABOUT TIME! Who owns the rights to “Sturgis”? After more than a decade of battling, there is finally a firm answer to this question—we all own it because it is in the public domain. This means that any business planning to use the words “Sturgis,” “Sturgis Rally & Races” or “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally” may do so without any fear of getting themselves into legal hot water. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc.(SMRI) may no longer attempt to claim ownership of the “Sturgis,” “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally” or “Sturgis Rally & Races” trademarks according to an order issued by Federal Judge Jeffrey Viken. A ruling on February 14, 2019 from Judge Jeffrey Viken in the US District Court, District of South Dakota, Western Division stated: “The record does not support a finding that SMRI owns, produces, or operates the rally, or does anything else that might allow it to acquire ownership over the rally itself or its intellectual property. The record indicates to the contrary that the rally is a pluralistic endeavor.” So what does that mean exactly? And why is it a good thing? Let’s look at a piece of recent history to put this into perspective. In the late 1970s and early ’80s, residents in the City of Sturgis brought to vote a referendum to kill the Sturgis Rally. The City of Sturgis kicked bikers out of city park, and city politicians stated it was time to get them out of town. The rally moved to campgrounds and establishments outside of city limits, and for the next 20 years, the Sturgis Rally was promoted by those private businesses. It wasn’t until nearly two decades later that the City of Sturgis Chamber of Commerce attempted to falsely claim ownership of Sturgis, Sturgis Rally and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, alleging it had not been used or promoted by anyone other than the City of Sturgis Chamber of Commerce. The recent court ruling nullifies that attempt for what it was, a grab. You never know which way a government politician is going to turn, or what they will choose to support or kill. This ruling helps to ensure that if something ever happened again like what did in the early ’80s, the rally can move and prosper anywhere outside of town just like it did in the early ’80s. A city only controls what happens within the city. Biker passion trumps government intervention when it comes to keeping a motorcycle rally tradition alive. And that’s why this court ruling is important to the longevity of the Sturgis Rally’s existence. The poster shown above is an example of the word “Sturgis” being used in the public domain to promote the rally more than two decades prior to the attempted trademark claim. At the time this poster was produced and distributed, the City of Sturgis was actively trying to keep bikers out of town. What else does this ruling mean? The court order is consistent with the 8th Circuit Court ruling from February 22, 2019, which stated that the STURGIS mark and many others are invalid. This new order takes things a step further by ordering that trademark cancellations be sent to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. A November 2, 2018 ruling had previously stated that SMRI, in fact, did not own or have valid trademark rights to “Sturgis,” “Sturgis Rally & Races” or “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.” The summary stated, “SMRI and its witnesses were … not credible as a matter of law when they told the jury that it and its predecessors-in-interest had been the substantially exclusive users of the word.” It went on to state, “…a trademark owner cannot establish that its mark is valid simply by getting its officials and agents to say that it is. Businesses that once feared attempted enforcement of the publicly available words by SMRI can now find comfort knowing that the trademarks have been ordered to officially be wiped from the books. SMRI can longer attempt to enforce ownership rights over the names “Sturgis,” “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally” or “Sturgis Rally & Races”.. The ruling by the US Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has brought major vindication to Rushmore Photo & Gifts (RPG) and the Niemann family who have been fighting hard to defend this stance against Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc. (SMRI). Rushmore Photo & Gifts, Inc., owned by the Niemanns, had long produced souvenir items containing the words “Sturgis,” “Sturgis Rally & Races” and “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.” They had always known these terms were public domain, and they never strayed from that belief, even after SMRI registered the mark “Sturgis” (long after it had been used by others in public domain), began a licensing program for its use and slapped RPG with a trademark infringement lawsuit. According to a press release issued by RPG April 3, 2019, “Until the Niemann’s and Rushmore Photo & Gifts prevailed at the Eighth Circuit, a South Dakota district court had in place a permanent injunction on the use of [Sturgis] marks, which ultimately represented hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost business for Rushmore Photo & Gifts and its owners.” As Judge Viken stated in his February 14, 2019 ruling, “The terms STURGIS, STURGIS RALLY & RACES, and STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY when used by the defendants, or by anyone else for that matter, do not infringe on SMRI’s marks.” Judge Jeffrey Viken in the US District Court, District of South Dakota, Western Division Sturgis Court Case PDF Download PDF File Here Trademark Court Case Download PDF File Here Love
