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
Sturgis Rally Numbers – How Big Was The 2022 Sturgis Rally Attendance?
LoveThe 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Attendance Was 505,000. Now that the books have officially closed on another incredible rally, everyone is asking the same question – How big was the 82nd Sturgis Rally in 2022? This year’s attendance was down slightly from 2021, which had seen a spike stemming from pent-up demand for travel following COVID-19 lockdowns. Read on to see how the numbers break down. What was the Sturgis Rally Attendance in 2022? SD Department of Transportation numbers reported traffic counts of 497,835 vehicles. The City projected 505,000 people attended in 2022. The DOT Reported Sturgis Rally Attendance of 497,835 Was Down 5.4% According to the official traffic numbers released by the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the 82nd Rally in 2022 was not nearly as big as 81st in 2021. 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 misdemeanor drug arrests, citations, crashes and fatalities were all down. DUI arrests and warnings were all up. See more rally statistics from the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety. 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally taxes were down 14%. According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, tax collections at the 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are currently at $1,544,471, down 14% from 2021. “2022 saw a decrease in revenue but still overall strong figures. Revenue staff saw many returning vendors coming back to the rally in both the northern and southern hills. South Dakota continues to be open for business and a great place to visit.” – Revenue Supervisor Lori Haupt The 83rd Sturgis Rally is scheduled for Aug. 4-13, 2023. Get a jumpstart on 2023 by registering for the rally and receiving your free welcome packet at Sturgis.com/registration. Love
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem Joins Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Legends Ride
Love Governor Kristi Noem will attend the 2022 Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Legends Ride on Aug. 8 during the 82nd Sturgis Rally. Not many governors are willing and able to hop on a motorcycle and lead a charity ride to help raise money for worthy causes. We are blessed to have one who cares about motorcyclists and the freedoms we enjoy. We are very proud of Governor Kristi Noem. Rod Woodruff, Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO At the reception that follows the Legends Ride, Governor Noem will place a personalized autograph on a limited number of copies of her autobiography, “Not My First Rodeo”. She will have her photo taken as the book is handed to those few contributors who confirm this opportunity online in advance. Additionally, a limited number of Legends Ride autographed souvenir copies of “Not My First Rodeo” will be available for purchase and will be delivered at the Legends Ride Reception held at the Buffalo Chip Gardens. “It is an honor to have South Dakota’s Governor, Kristi Noem, again join us on the Legends Ride.” – Rod Woodruff, president of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Proceeds of all purchases will benefit the chosen Legends Ride charities, the SD Special Olympics Rapid City Flame and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Advance purchases may be made at www.legendsride.com/book. See the full list of celebrity guests and sign up for the ride at LegendsRide.com. Love
Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party Sets Pace at Full Tilt
Love The founder of the Sturgis Rally, Pappy Hoel, kicked off the original festivities by smashing through a wall of fire. This year, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s kickoff party bangs in with a parade of motorcycles and UTV racers into The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling’s amphitheater, a Beer Wall Smash stunt, Homemade Bikini Contest, Homemade Mankini Contest, the Star-Spangled Banner, The Rally Roar, and to top it off, entertainment from Quiet Riot and Judd Hoos on Friday, Aug. 5 at the no. 1 Sturgis Rally destination—the Sturgis Buffalo Chip! “A wall of fire just seemed so… you know, 1938. This year we wanted to dream big and open people’s beers for them, so Joe Mielke, Jason Lightner and I will smash through 1,440 cans of beer with homemade battering rams mounted to our bikes and a motorized couch.” said Daymon Woodruff, Sturgis Buffalo Chip EVP The Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party parade begins at 6 p.m. at the CrossRoads welcoming all to take part in kicking off the 82nd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. As the paraders settle into the amphitheater the entertainment will come alive when the Buffalo Chip Binkini Models come on stage with “Everything But Clothes!” in the Homemade Binkini Contest. Following the smiles that the bikini contest puts on your face, get ready for belly laughter as the hot hunks come out in their homemade mankinis to face off against the gals. Then psych up for the Star Spangled Banner, Buffalo Chip Rally Roar, and performances from Sturgis’ own Judd Hoos and evening’s headliner—Quiet Riot! What is THE RALLY ROAR you ask? Get your bike to the front of the stage, throttle up and kickoff the rally with a ROAR! The incredible excitement of the events, motorcycles, UTVs from the Buffalo Chip’s Ultra4 Off-Road Races and beloved Chip characters will fill the amphitheater with enough energy to kickstart and power The Best Party Anywhere® for nine full days! “This night sets the pace for the entire nine days of music, motorcycles, freedom and friends. We hope all our friends will come join the fun.” said Rod Woodruff, Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO 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
Harley-Davidson LiveWire to Become the First Publicly Traded EV Motorcycle Company in the U.S.
Love LiveWire plans to redefine motorcycling as the industry-leading, all-electric motorcycle company, with a focus on the urban market and beyond. As a strong and desirable brand with growing global recognition, LiveWire plans to develop the technology of the future and to invest in the capabilities needed to lead the transformation of motorcycling. LiveWire will draw on its DNA as an agile disruptor from the lineage of Harley-Davidson, capitalizing on a decade of learnings in the EV sector and the iconic heritage of the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson: “Today’s announcement is a historic milestone with LiveWire set to become the first publicly traded EV motorcycle company in the U.S. By building on Harley-Davidson’s 118-year lineage, LiveWire’s mission is to be the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world, leading the electrification of the sport. This transaction will give LiveWire the freedom to fund new product development and accelerate its go-to-market model. LiveWire will be able to operate as an agile and innovative public company while benefitting from the at-scale manufacturing and distribution capabilities of its strategic partners, Harley-Davidson and KYMCO.” John Garcia, Chairman and Co-CEO of AEA-Bridges Impact Corp: “We are at the confluence of vehicle electrification and sustainability. LiveWire is well-positioned to become the premier sustainable electric motorcycle brand and redefine the industry by leveraging the manufacturing and distribution expertise of Harley-Davidson and KYMCO. We’re excited to partner with Harley-Davidson and the LiveWire team to help define the future of electric motorcycles as the industry continues its rapid transformation.” Together, Harley-Davidson, ABIC and KYMCO, believe in the future of LiveWire as a dedicated electric brand with the ability to lead, grow and revolutionize the electric motorcycle industry and beyond. Tell Us What You Think In the Comments Below! Additional information can be found at Harley Davidson Investor. Love
The 15 Wildest Photos & Videos from Sturgis to Make it to Social Media
Love Daylight savings time, plunging temperatures, and winterized bikes are some of the saddest words in our lexicon. You don’t need a calendar to see the nine months that separate you from the Black Hills. You can feel it. The longing is palpable. It’s easy to get bitter and cold at the amount of time until you’re able to carve canyons and revel in the sights and sound of freedom. We want to increase blood flow to your lower extremities more than a pair of heated motorcycle pants and distract you with some of the wildest photos from Sturgis. 1. How many people can fit in the Buffalo Chip amphitheater? ONE MORE! 2. Pro-tip: Be sure to face the camera when someone is taking your picture. Also, take a photo of at least one of the three B’s at Sturgis – Beers, Bikes, and … 3. Camp Zero norms Executing a burnout on your bike while getting a money shot full of beer to the face by a dude wearing a t-shirt that says “Whiskey, Weed, Wheelies” may be the best day of your life, but at Camp Zero it’s just a Tuesday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Camp Zero Sturgis (@campzerosturgis) 4. Ride and Destroy No one drifts or wheelies better than the pros at Bell Brawl. 5. Dry hotdogs don’t go down smooth. Hotdogs, covered in mustard, hang from fishing lines, mushroom print eager contestants as they attempt to consume them as fast as possible. Maybe it’s for a contest, maybe it’s for pride, but mostly it’s for fun at Camp Zero. Follow @campzerosturgis on Instagram no matter your thoughts about mustard on hotdogs. 6. Get Boned. This motorcycle gives new meaning to “Riding a bone bike.” See more wild Sturgis photos by following @sturgisrallysd on Instagram. 7. Banana hammocks are always welcome at Bikini Beach. Pack accordingly. 8. No matter the obstacle. Smash through it! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nick Beaulieu (@forevertwowheelsmaine) 9. Fistful of Bourbon and Hair. Proceed with caution when you’re around @andrealarhae – consider yourself warned. 10. It’s not easy being green. Lainie can wear anything or nothing and make it look good – that’s why she’s number 1. 11. Sun’s out, buns out. “Tan evenly” is a good motto to live by but harder to do in practice. Nevertheless, try to anyway at Bikini Beach. 12. How to properly wear chaps. Main Street views are a must watch. 13. Cleared for takeoff. You’re guaranteed to see some rocket ships taking off at the Black Hills Throwdown. 14. No Diving. But there aren’t any signs telling you NOT to full send your Grom. 15. Tip your motorcycle riders. The Ives Brothers are experts in precision, professionalism and restraint. Think you can take better pictures? Or have a wilder experience? Sturgis isn’t a place for keyboard warriors – so don’t waste your time reading or writing comments. Better yet, head over to the Sturgis Rally Registration program and make memories so wild we have to write a story about you next year. 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
