How Many People Attended the 85th 2025 Sturgis Rally?
LoveThe 2025 85th Anniversary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Attendance Was Up over 14%. Now that the books have officially closed on another incredible rally, everyone is asking the same question – How big was the 85th Sturgis Rally in 2025? This year’s attendance was up significantly from 2024. In fact, 2025 drew in the largest number of visitors in the last 5 years! Read on to see how the numbers break down. What was the Sturgis Rally Attendance in 2025? SD Department of Transportation reported traffic counts of 537,459. The DOT reported the 2024 Sturgis Rally attendance of 537,459 was up 14% from 2024. According to the official traffic numbers released by the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the 85th Rally in 2025 was significantly bigger than the 84th in 2024, with 470,987 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, misdemeanor drug arrests, felony drug arrests, and non-injury accidents were all down. Citations, warnings, injury crashes, and fatalities were all slightly up from 2024. See more rally statistics from the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety. 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally taxes were up 13% According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, tax collections at the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are currently at $1,581,736, up 13% from 2024’s $1.3 million. 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Dates When is the 86th Sturgis Rally? The 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is scheduled for Aug. 7-16, 2026. Get a jumpstart on 2026 by registering for the rally and receiving your free welcome packet at Sturgis.com/registration. Love
How To Get A Job At The Sturgis Rally
LoveEvery summer, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally turns the Black Hills of South Dakota into a high-octane hub of chrome, leather, live music, and unforgettable memories. But behind the scenes of all that rumbling and revelry is an army of workers—bartenders, cooks, retail clerks, parking crews, security staff, stagehands, merch sellers, and more—who make the magic happen. If you’ve ever thought about working the Sturgis Rally, you’re not alone. Thousands of people look for temporary work each year during Rally Week (and the days before and after), hoping to earn some cash and be part of the experience. Whether you’re after a fast-paced gig, a unique life adventure, or just want to soak up the energy of the event from the inside, here’s how to get started. 1. Start With a Plan: Know What Kind of Work You Want Jobs at the Sturgis Rally fall into all kinds of categories, from food and beverage to merchandise sales to campground staffing. Some positions require experience (like bartending or security), while others just need a strong work ethic and willingness to keep up with the crowd. It helps to know what kind of role you’re after before you apply so you can focus your efforts. Common Rally jobs include: Bartenders and bar backs Food prep and grill cooks Cashiers and salespeople Event setup and tear-down crews Gate workers, wristband checkers Clean-up and sanitation workers Parking and campground attendants Motorcycle wash or detailing services 2. Apply Through Sturgis.com to Reach More Employers Sturgis.com is proud to help connect job seekers with vendors, campgrounds, bars, and businesses that are hiring for the Rally. We’ve set up a simple Rally Jobs Application Form that lets you fill out your basic details, work experience, and job preferences. Here’s how it works: You fill out one form. We share your information with potential employers who contact you directly if they’re interested. You can apply anytime, but the earlier in the season (spring to early summer), the better your chances of landing a job. Keep in mind: Sturgis.com doesn’t hire directly—we act as a hub to distribute your info to those who do hire. The more specific and enthusiastic you are on the form, the more likely you are to catch a vendor’s attention. 3. Apply Directly to the Place You Want to Work While the Rally Jobs form is a great way to get your name in front of many businesses, sometimes the best strategy is to go straight to the source. If you already know a bar, campground, or vendor you’d love to work for—reach out directly! Many of the larger establishments like the Buffalo Chip, Full Throttle, Iron Horse, or popular Main Street bars post job openings on their own websites or social media pages. Check early and check often, especially in May and June. Tip: Have a resume ready, even if it’s short. Include any relevant experience and your availability. A friendly phone call or email can go a long way. 4. Just Show Up (Yes, Really) Believe it or not, some people land Rally jobs just by being in the right place at the right time. In the week leading up to the event, you’ll see “Help Wanted” signs go up all over town—especially in downtown Sturgis, at campgrounds like Glencoe and the Chip, and at roadside vendors. If you’re already in the Black Hills or planning to come out anyway, it doesn’t hurt to walk around and ask. Dress ready to work, bring your ID and Social Security number (many jobs pay cash but still require documentation), and be ready to start immediately. This “boots on the ground” approach works best if: You can arrive a few days early (many places start staffing up before Rally officially begins). You’re flexible about the kind of job you’ll take. You’re staying locally and can commit to a full week or more. 5. Final Tips for Rally Job Seekers Lodging is on you. If you’re coming from out of town, be sure to line up a place to stay—or ask potential employers if they offer employee camping or bunk space. Be ready for long days. The Rally is fast-paced, loud, and non-stop. Most jobs are physical and can run from early morning to late night. Bring the right attitude. Friendly, reliable, and hard-working people tend to get asked back year after year. Even if it’s your first time, showing up on time and doing your job with a good attitude goes a long way. Ready to Rally? Whether you’re looking for a full-week gig, a place to earn some fast cash, or just want to experience Sturgis from behind the scenes, there’s a Rally job with your name on it. Start with the Rally Jobs Application at Sturgis.com, and remember—the best way to get hired is often to talk directly to the businesses you’re most interested in. See you in the Black Hills this August! Love
How to Set Up a Booth at the Sturgis Rally
Love Thinking about becoming a vendor at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally? With hundreds of thousands of riders rolling into the Black Hills each August, it’s one of the most exciting and high-traffic opportunities for businesses of all kinds. If you’ve ever dreamed of setting up your own booth—selling food, gear, services, or souvenirs—you’re in the right place. 1. There is no central gate or single location for the Sturgis Rally. Think of it like Mardi Gras: events and vendors are spread across the entire Black Hills region, not just in the city of Sturgis. The Rally is a regional celebration, not a single fenced-in event. 2. The Rally is a Public Event. As the courts have stated, “The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a pluralistic endeavor promoted by multiple organizations.”There is no single owner or central control—the Rally belongs to the people. Communities, businesses, and private property owners across the Hills host vendors and events. So, How Do you Set Up A Booth? Here’s what you need to do: Find a LocationThere are spaces for rent all over—from downtown Sturgis to campgrounds, private lots, and venues throughout the Black Hills. Downtown Sturgis Main Street will be busy. Sometimes people are too busy to buy. You might be better off on a side street, or at one the big Campgrounds. It’s VERY helpful to come to the Rally at least once, before you try to become a vendor. Get the Correct License Once you’ve chosen a vending location, you’ll need the proper business license(s) based on the jurisdiction: Inside Sturgis city limits? You’ll need a special vending permit from the city. Outside Sturgis city limits? You’ll follow licensing rules for the county or town you’re in (e.g., Meade County, Lawrence County, Rapid City, etc.). Bring Your Own SetupVendors are responsible for their own: Tents/awnings, Tables and displays, Electrical hookups (if not included with your rental), Staff and signage. No ‘Rally-Wide’ Permit RequiredThere is no such thing as a “Sturgis Rally Permit.” There are permits required for for the particular location where you operate. Our Advice: If you’ve never been to the Sturgis Rally, attend at least once first to get a feel for the layout. It’s open and unstructured, with energy flowing across hundreds of miles. There’s no entrance fee or gate—just the freedom to set up and do business in one of the most unique events in the country. Bottom Line: Rent a spot Get licensed where you’re set up Bring your gear Be ready for an unforgettable experience Getting licensed for the 85th Sturgis Rally & Black Hills Rally in 2025 Starts Here. Love
20 Wild & Historical Facts You Didn’t Know About The Sturgis Rally
Love The world-famous motorcycle rally didn’t become legendary overnight. From humble beginnings to headline-making moments, the Sturgis Rally is packed with stories that are as wild as they are historic. Here are 20 fascinating facts through the years that dive into the unexpected, unforgettable, and undeniably bold legacy of the rally that put this small South Dakota town on the map: 1. The 4th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 16-18, 1940) It was the first time maroon printed T-shirts advertising the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally hit the shelves, marking the beginning of rally merch history. 2. The 5th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 1-3, 1941) Pearl Hoel spoke at the gathering about driving the Sturgis Rally Ride chase vehicle to pick up stranded riders, and one time giving their leftover tea to a tourist who needed water for his radiator to cool down his over-heated Ford along Needles Highway. 3. The 6th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 9-11, 1946) Johnny Spiegelhoff was once again named the Sturgis Champion. Photo Courtesy of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame 4. The 7th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 8-10, 1947) The 7th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally had over 400 riders register for the Gypsy Tour. Saturday’s races were successful (Bill Tuman was named the Sturgis Champion), but Sunday’s races were canceled due to heavy rain. Photo Courtesy of Weirs Beach 5. The 9th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 12-14, 1949) This was the first year that Main St. in Sturgis, SD was partially closed off to Motorcycles, but only for 2 hours on a Friday night. 6. The 12th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 8-10, 1952) The 12th Sturgis Rally was the first year of the AMA 5 Mile National Championship Race (to a crowd of 7500!) Photo Courtesy of Cycle World 7. The 13th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 6-9, 1953) The 13th Sturgis Rally was the first rally to run for 4 days. Photo Courtesy of South Dakota Public Broadcasting 8. The 13th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 6-9, 1953) The Motor Maids of America also held their 5-State convention in Sturgis during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Photo Courtesy of Motor Maids 9. The 17th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 8-11, 1957) The 17th Sturgis Rally was the first year of the Hill Climbs at the Jackpine Gypsy’s property. Photo Courtesy of Michael Lichter 10. The 25th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 11-15, 1965) The 25th Sturgis Rally was the first year it was expanded to a 5-day event. This was also one of the first years where housing the visitors became a real problem. Photo Courtesy of American Rider 11. The 32nd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 8-13, 1972) Some of the Gypsy Tours became 8 miles long! The tour was organized into groups over 2 days the following year. Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum 12. The 35th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 4-10, 1975) The Sturgis Rally was expanded to a 7-day format. 13. The 36th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 9-15, 1976) Over 18000 visitors attend the 1976 “Classic”. A few ‘undesirables’ staged sex shows behind back-lit canvases while others poured and lit gasoline across the highway in front of the City Park. The Economic impact that benefited the city of Sturgis was over $1.8 million. 14. The 38th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 7-13, 1978) 1978 was the first time the National ABATE convention was held. 15. The 40th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 7-13, 1978) An estimated 40,000 people attend the Classic, generating rave reviews from local merchants. More than 3,900 registered to camp in the City Park causing some local concern. Photo Courtesy of Gary V Shallbetter 16. The 41st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 3-9, 1981) Locals proposing to abolish the City’s participation in the Sturgis Rally bring the issue to a referendum. The City’s participation in the rally survives by a slim vote margin, but Sturgis kicks bikers out of City Park and the Mayor states he would like to “get the riff-raff out of Town.” A welcoming place was needed if the rally were to survive. The Buffalo Chip Campground opened its Welcome Home Bikers gates 4 miles outside of town and became the main promoter of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Photo Courtesy of Michael Lichter 17. The 42nd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 2-8, 1982) The Buffalo Chip promotes the Sturgis Rally! That first year the campground was called the Buffalo Chip Picnic, and the grounds consisted of an open field with a few porta potties and a makeshift stage where campers enjoyed three nights of performances by entertainers Johnny Paycheck, Susan Nelson and Foggy Notion. 18. The 47th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (July 31-August 8, 1987) The Sturgis Buffalo Chip expands the Sturgis Rally entertainment to ten days and nine nights of concerts – Black Oak Arkansas and Canned Heat headline. 19. The 76th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 5-14, 2016) Although it had been promoted by other businesses as a nine-night/ten-day event for nearly 30 years, the City of Sturgis council votes to also acknowledge the rally as a ten-day event within the city limits. Photo Courtesy of Autotrader Motorcycles 20. The 78th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (July 31-August 8, 2018) The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the US District Court ruled the Sturgis Rally is not owned or organized by the City of Sturgis or any single entity. The courts state the Sturgis Rally is “a pluralistic endeavor promoted by multiple organizations.” These court cases began as a trademark dispute about 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
Top 10 Facts About The 85th Sturgis Rally That You Need To Know
Love The 85th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is more than just a celebration of motorcycle culture, it’s about the legacy of a historical event that has spanned generations. Here are the top 10 facts about the world’s most legendary motorcycle rally that you need to know: 1. A Milestone Celebration The rally will run from Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 10, 2025, marking its 85th anniversary. This significant milestone is expected to draw record-breaking attendance, with enthusiasts from around the globe converging to celebrate the rich history and culture of motorcycling. 2. Anticipated Record Attendance Following a slight dip in attendance during the pandemic-affected 80th rally in 2020, the 85th is poised for a resurgence. Early indicators, such as a 67% increase in Buffalo Chip pass sales over 2024, suggest that this could surpass the 75th rally’s turnout, potentially exceeding 700,000 attendees. 3. Decentralized Organization Remember, the Sturgis Rally isn’t owned or operated by a single entity. It’s a collaborative effort among independent businesses, clubs, and communities throughout the Black Hills, each contributing unique events and experiences. This decentralized model ensures a diverse and authentic rally atmosphere. This Rally is owned by the public. 4. City’s Scaled-Back Role Due to budget constraints, the City of Sturgis has reduced its involvement in the 2025 rally, cutting back from 12 city-sponsored events in 2024 to just four this year. The focus will be on maintaining a safe and clean environment, while private organizers and venues continue to lead in programming and promotion. 5. Rich Historical Roots The rally traces its origins to 1938 when Clarence “Pappy” Hoel organized the first event, known as the “Black Hills Classic,” featuring just nine racers. Over the decades, it has evolved into a global phenomenon, blending racing, stunts, and music. 6. Economic Impact The rally significantly boosts South Dakota’s economy, generating over $1 million in sales tax revenue annually. In 2024, the event contributed approximately $1.4 million, underscoring its importance to local businesses and the state’s financial health. 7. Iconic Venues and Entertainment Known for hosting legendary acts like Nickelback, Jason Aldean, Five Finger Death Punch and Marilyn Manson, the Legendary Buffalo Chip features a mix of rock and country performances, enhancing the rally’s festive atmosphere. But don’t forget about the other bands playing all over the Hills! Check out Sturgis.com/concerts for ALL the band information we can find! 8. Scenic Rides and Attractions Attendees can explore some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including: Needles Highway: Renowned for its granite spires and winding roads. Iron Mountain Road: Famous for its pigtail bridges and tunnels framing Mount Rushmore. Spearfish Canyon: Offers stunning views of waterfalls and limestone cliffs. The Black Hills roads will again be in great shape (construction on 385 is completed!) and unforgettable riding experiences await you. 9. Cultural Significance Beyond the motorcycles, the rally embodies a sense of freedom, camaraderie, and celebration. It’s a convergence of diverse individuals united by a shared passion, creating a vibrant community that extends beyond the event itself. 10. Looking Ahead The 85th rally will likely set the stage for future milestones. The 90th Anniversary August 2–11, 2030. The 100th Anniversary August 3-12, 2040. For more information, planning resources, and updates, visit Sturgis.com, the official hub for rally news and events. Love
Welcome To Camp Zero Where The Motto Is Simple: Do It Wrong. Keep Sturgis Weird.
Love Camp Zero is a wild playground where the spirit of the 1980s rallies is alive and kicking. Created for those who crave the raw, unpolished rally experience, Camp Zero is a unique mix of fun events, crazy activities and a community vibe that screams “Join the party!” That’s right, we’re talking minibike races, crazy contraptions and more shenanigans than you can shake a wrench at. Tucked away in the northeast corner of the legendary Buffalo Chip, Camp Zero isn’t just a location; it’s a revolution. It’s right in the sweet spot of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip just across Alkali Road from the main campground and right next to the Chip’s PowerSports Complex. In other words, it’s close enough to the action but has its own unique vibe that sets it apart. Back in 2018, a motley crew decided to flip the script on the conventional Sturgis experience. The founding fathers, known as the Zero OGs, were a ragtag bunch of innovators who brought their unique flair to this new and wonderful community. #ZeroOGs laid the foundation for what would become the beating heart of youthful rebellion at Sturgis. These visionaries created Camp Zero with one goal in mind: to provide a space where freedom and fun could reign supreme, unbound by the preconceived notions of what the modern rally had become. They wanted a place where creativity and chaos could thrive. This year, Camp Zero is turning the volume up with a lineup of events that are wild and unpredictable, like Pull Start Barrel Racing, Anarchy Games, Street Drags, and more. Camp Zero isn’t just another pit stop on your rally journey—it’s where the real fun begins. This place is all about freedom, rebellion and having a blast with open arms and a whole lot of craziness. Welcome to Camp Zero—where the motto is simple: Do It Wrong. Keep Sturgis Weird. Love
How To Party Like A Sturgis Veteran (Even If You’re A Sturgis Virgin)
Love There’s nothing quite like the first time. The fluttering heartbeats, awkward movements, nervous exploring, building excitement and then…it’s over so fast you think, are we done already? We’re talking Sturgis here, ya perverts… Losing your Sturgis Rally V-Card is an experience that you’ll never forget, but it doesn’t have to be awkward or result in an apologetic getaway quicker than “the act” itself. The rally is something that can be pleasurable year after year, including your first one. If you want to skip the awkward and go right to euphoria during your Sturgis Rally, learn some moves from the Sturgis veterans and observe these tips. Just the Tips 1. Get more party for your penny. sTUrGis iS sO exPeNSIvE…shut up, virgin. You really don’t have to break the bank at the Sturgis Rally to have the best time of your life. No matter where you stay, you just have to know where to look. Follow these instructions and you won’t break the bank if you choose to stay at the largest motorcycle venue, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip: Book your stay early for the best price. Easy AF. You can catch concerts and camp for less than $20 a day if you book early. Seek out drink specials like the Rat’s Hole Mug (a 36 oz mug with $6 refills!!) Get a meal plan at Stage West Café. Awesome food at a lower price when purchased as a package. Drink (and Eat) fiscally responsibly by hitting up DOLLAR DOGS AND DRAFTS at Woody’s Watering Hole in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Amphitheater every afternoon. Yeah, that’s right, dollar beers and dollar glizzys. So cheap, you might take two at the same time. AND, after a hard night’s party, hit up the Sons Of Light FREE pancake breakfast for some delicious cakes. After that, you’ll be ready start all over again. 2. Pack for the Party Unless your goal is to have a crappy time, you need some stuff to supplement your partying. But you can party like it’s 1981 with just a few things. Your Rally checklist should include: A Buffalo Chip Campground Admission Pass (duh) Shelter (like a tent or a tarp at least) Money, ID and Credit Card Bedding (for warm or cool weather) Earplugs Flashlights or lanterns Duct tape Rain gear Camera or camera phone Phone charger, maybe a couple Body wipes Camp chair Comfy shoes Chap stick Sunblock Snacks Water Oh, and a motorcycle if you got one. Extra points if you bring a mini bike to scoot around a campground. 3. Don’t forget to look around, bro. Not just saying it to say it, but the Black Hills of South Dakota is one of the most beautiful places on earth to see and ride. See some sights and take in some of the best riding roads in the country! Hop on your two-wheeler and check out: Iron Mountain Road Spearfish Canyon Vanocker Canyon Badlands Loop Devils Tower Then, when you’re done riding for the day, roll on back to the campground and get to partying with friends old and new once again. At the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, you’ll want to be sure to check out Bikini Beach, the free-access CrossRoads where the Big Engine Bar and Freedom Field are located, Camp Zero and, of course, the legendary Buffalo Chip Amphitheater for a concert experience you’ll never forget. While this certainly isn’t all you need to know about doing the Sturgis deed, it’ll give you a leg up on the other Sturgis virgins. Remember kiddos, have fun, meet some friends, don’t take yourself too seriously, and wear a condom. Oops, I mean…wear a helmet. Love
What’s Happening With The 85th Sturgis Rally?
LoveThe 85th Sturgis Rally set for Aug. 1-10, 2025 is potentially going to be the largest rally yet, however, some wonder how the Sturgis City government’s recent unrest, budget cuts, and unprecedented turnover will affect the 85th Rally. It won’t. Why? Black Hills area businesses are at the helm, as they always have been. “What’s great about the Sturgis Rally is that no single entity owns it,” said Randy Peterson, owner of Sturgis.com, the original go-to source on everything Sturgis Rally. “It’s not a government-run event. It’s put together by individual businesses, clubs and communities all around the Black Hills. Each entity puts on their own rally experience to cater to our visitors, and they handle their own planning, staffing and events. The Sturgis government is struggling right now, but the rally won’t.” A landmark court decision in 2019 stated 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 record does not indicate that the City’s involvement in the rally extends beyond the heroic provision of municipal services.” “Sturgis is a municipality and by their nature, city governments are fraught with politics, especially concerning money,” said Peterson. “We wish them well, and we know the city of Sturgis will be fine eventually. It’s a good reminder for why the rally needs to remain free and in the hands of the rally goers and the people who make it happen. The rally is about great parties and riding motorcycles, not about local politics. People come here to vacation and escape their local politics and troubles!” It’s true, the City of Sturgis has experienced no shortage of turmoil, budget cuts, and staff turnover in the last two years, and major news sources are taking notice. The Wall Street Journal, motorcycle publications like ADVRider, and others, have covered the instability and raised questions about the rally’s future. Anyone who takes a peek into the region’s politics will find that it’s not the first time the rally didn’t have full City support. It’s not surprising that locals believe it’s risky business letting the government try to decide what’s best for the Sturgis Rally. “There are people who believe the rally wouldn’t still be here if it weren’t for the rally’s largest promoters like Rod Woodruff, CEO of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip or, of course, The Jackpine Gypsies who started the rally in the first place” said Daymon Woodruff, President of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. In 1981, the citizens of Sturgis voted to try to end the city’s involvement in the rally. Their referendum lost by a slim margin, but city officials kicked bikers out of City Park. This led to the birth of campgrounds outside city limits, like the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, who welcomed bikers with open arms, allowing the rally to survive and thrive. In 2020, the City put the rally municipal support on the chopping block again during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, the city decided to continue to support the rally, but if they hadn’t, it wouldn’t have mattered since the Sturgis Rally wasn’t owned by anyone and therefore the rally couldn’t be canceled. That said, the pandemic did affect what would have been a massive 80th anniversary year for the 2020 Sturgis Rally. This is one reason why the 85th is expected to be larger than ever. Traditionally, Sturgis Rallies see their highest attendance on anniversary years ending in zeros and fives. The 75th, 70th and 50th were all huge years. Those who missed out on the 80th do not want to miss the 85th. “The 85th Sturgis Rally is likely going to be the biggest we’ve seen in a long time,” said Peterson, “Our rally registration program signups are up from previous years, and our web traffic saw a large spike after the 2024 rally and into the fall. Interest in the rally is through the roof, which makes me think this could end up being a bigger rally than the 75th.” Interest from website visitors to Sturgis.com centers around the upcoming 85th rally, with concerts and lodging pages receiving the highest number of visits. This interest continues to grow, with web visits to these pages up almost 30 percent in December 2024 compared to November 2024. The largest Sturgis Rally music and motorcycle venue, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, reported a record-breaking on-sale date back in September when they put 2025 passes on sale, with no bands or events even announced yet. In fact, when passes went on sale, reservations were up 67 percent over 2024 in the first month being on sale. “I’ve not seen anything like it,” said Rod Woodruff. “To come out of the gate without any entertainment announced and have as many people interested is something we haven’t seen before, not even for the 75th. Inquiries for passes to attend the 85th anniversary started coming in half a year before the 84th rally was even under way, particularly from folks from other countries who were looking to plan for this bucket list event a year and a half in advance.” Even with the Sturgis City government unrest, the 85th rally is looking strong. Rally-goers just want to come and have the time of their lives, and travelers can be rest assured that Black Hills businesses and communities are more than ready for them. Love
Bad Ideas Gone Good (AKA Terrible Ideas That “Worked Out”)
LoveEveryone has a story about a “good idea” that didn’t turn out so “good.” One that, against your will, stole back the word from any future story you’ll tell and replaced it with “The Worst” idea ever. You know the ones… A lower back tatt of Nancy Reagan that looks more like Mick Jagger. A one-buck fixer-upper you picked up and never fixed up. Your third marriage. (Why stop there?) Unfortunately, bad ideas are the stories we hear and tell most often. For one, they’re easy to remember. And they’re easy to tell because… who doesn’t love a long hug from a friend while you cry on their shoulder, a “You poor thing” whispered in your ear, or a giggle about how big they made Nancy’s mouth. It’s how we bond. In adult language, we call these bad ideas “learning lessons.” If you get to poking around and asking questions about learning lessons at the Sturgis Rally, Carol Woodruff of the Legendary Buffalo Chip will put it to you bluntly, “We’ve had a lot of them.” But what about the decisions we think will be bad that surprisingly turn out to be good? Those are talked about less often. But you know what? They make fun stories, too. So, I did a little asking. What I found worth revealing is… 5 Bad Ideas Someone at the Buffalo Chip Did Anyway. Bad Idea #5 – Pee-wee Herman Leading the Legends Ride® and Ziplining onto the Main Stage to do the Tequila Dance with a Couple Dozen Bikini Models. There was no question about it: Pee-wee Herman doing Sturgis was an unpopular idea. “Weird” is more like it, thought Carol Woodruff, wife to the man, Rod Woodruff, who thought otherwise. “Pee Wee didn’t seem like the kind of person the biker crowd would appreciate.” Everyone had an opinion. The populist opinion was…Rod Woodruff had cotton between his ears. But what came of it? A magical experience you can watch by Googling Funny or Die Pee-Wee Goes to Sturgis. In that video, Pee-wee leads (and gets passed by) a pack of motorcycles on his classic pedal bike, screams “Ouch” as he gets loving bear hugs from bikers, tells a war story about a paper cut with lemon juice in it, ziplines onto the main stage to Tequila Dance with a couple dozen Bikini Models before ZZ Top, and rides two up on the back of actor Lorenzo Lamas’ motorcycle. The experience also appeared on every major national news network, many magazines, and even entertainment TV, including The Tonight Show. “It worked out,” concludes Carol. Bad Idea #4 – Robbie Knievel’s Jump Through the Main Stage This conversation starts with, “There wasn’t enough room to land.” According to Toni Woodruff, “That seemed like a really bad idea.” Especially as she was asked to help stack hay bales at the end of his run to help stop him from running into the Front of House building. What made it worse was that there couldn’t be a landing ramp, and the stage lighting for Styx had already been hung. This meant he would have to clear the stage, not clip his head on the lighting trusses, and land to FLAT GROUND. Rod said it “would work out”. Robbie said, “I’ve landed in difficult situations before.” But that was before his logistics team had gotten there and said, “This won’t work.” Robbie did it anyway. He cleared the stage, hit the ground, didn’t have enough room to stop, crashed into the hay bales, and broke three of his ribs. The Travel Channel was there to capture it for an episode about the Chip that became the most-watched documentary in the Travel Channel’s history. This lousy idea also “worked out.” Bad Idea #3 – Crashing Head-On into a Wall of Beer Cans at 33 MPH on a Motorcycle This pain was self-inflicted. When I first thought about smashing head-on through a Beer Wall at Camp Zero, I knew it had the propensity to turn out bad. (Don’t tell my mom.) For one, it had never been done, which meant there were several unknowns: Can we stack 1,200 cans? How much will it hurt? Should I build a ramming plate? I soon discovered my answers. Answer #1. If people helped hold up the wall until just before impact and we taped the six-packs together, we could stack roughly 200 six-packs of beer together. Answer #2. The impact force was enough to bend the frame and shove the front wheel back into the fork. That is enough force to break your head and neck if you’re not properly tucked. So, it hurts a little. Answer #3. Only a Class A Dummy would forgo a ramming plate. With the help of threaded pipe, hose clamps, plywood, and a few dozen screws to puncture the cans as I screamed through, “Unsung Zero” was born. The wall smash became popular enough that ESPN 8 – The Ocho asked us to do it again for an article about weird sports. Later, Monster Energy sponsored the wall. It worked out. Bad Idea #2 – The Air Sex World Championships and Mankini Contests “Some people thought the Air Sex Championships was a dumb idea,” Showcase Stage Director Mary Panerio answered without pause. Following up with the reminder that I had “hated the idea of the Mankini Contest so much that we didn’t even put it on the schedule the first year.” “That first year, we held Air Sex at the free public access area called the Crossroads and couldn’t get anyone to participate.” The comedians who hosted the event begged people every day and then just ended up doing their own Air Sex performance instead, humping the air like it was with their invisible partner. “It was mildly uncomfortable.” Especially during the charity ride receptions. ☺ Down at the Bikini Beach Stage, it finally became a hit. “That and the Mankini Contests are now our most popular events down there,” Mary continues. The
2024 Sturgis Rally Attendance – How Big Was The 2024 Sturgis Rally?
LoveNow that the books have officially closed on another incredible Sturgis Rally, everyone is asking the same question – How big was the 84th Sturgis Rally in 2024? This year’s 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendance was up slightly from 2023. Read on to see how the numbers break down. What was the Sturgis Rally Attendance in 2024? SD Department of Transportation reported traffic counts of 470,987. The DOT Reported the 2024 Sturgis Rally Attendance of 470,987. According to the official traffic numbers released by the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the 84th Rally in 2024 was slightly bigger than the 458,161 vehicles during the 2023 Sturgis Rally. The 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Attendance Was Up 2.7%. 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 crashes, were all down regionally. Misdemeanor drug arrests, felony drug arrests, and fatalities were all up regionally. See more rally statistics from the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety. 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally taxes were down 3%. According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, tax collections at the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are currently at $1,399,501, down 3% from 2023. 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Dates When is the much anticipated 85th Sturgis Rally? The 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is scheduled for Aug. 1-10, 2025. Get a jumpstart on 2025 by registering for the rally and receiving your free welcome packet at Sturgis.com/registration. Love
