The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is an American motorcycle rally held annually in Sturgis, South Dakota, usually during the first full week of August. It began in the mid-20th century and was originally held for stunts and races, but has evolved into being a meeting for motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country. It brings a lot of income to the citizens of Sturgis. Today, it is one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world.
Sturgis 2013
The City of Sturgis has calculated that the Rally brings over $800 million to South Dakota annually. The City of Sturgis earned almost $270,000 in 2011 from selling event guides and sponsorships. In an unusual licensing arrangement criticized by Jack Hoel, son of rally creator Pappy Hoel, the city had to buy rights to its own name from the corporation that owns the trademark rights for terms such as “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally”.
2008 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, street at night
There were 405 individuals jailed at the 2004 rally, and approximately $250,000 worth of motorcycles stolen annually. Rally-goers are a mix of white-collar and blue-collar workers and are generally welcomed as an important source of income for Sturgis and surrounding areas. The rally turns local roads into “parking lots”, and draws local law enforcement away from routine patrols.
The Lakota Indian tribe in coalition with other tribes has protested the large amount of alcohol distributed at the event so close to the sacred Bear Butte, but also acknowledged that income from the event was important to the region and also benefits some members of the tribes.
The Sturgis Rally has been held every year, with exceptions during World War II. For instance, in 1942, the event was not held due to gasoline rationing.
I went last year and had a good time. I only went downtown one afternoon and perched on a balcony just to people watch for the afternoon. Otherwise I went on a bunch of solo rides during the day to see the sights and stayed at the campground at night. The campground had food, music, drinks and lots of great people. Made a lot of new friends that I still communicate with. No need to hang out downtown at night and get in the middle of that train wreck.
I believe your title for the video is incorrect. 2013 is not the 71st anniversary it is the 73rd anniversary. 2015 will be the 75th anniversary and should draw and extra large crowd and big name acts for the event.
I was there, it sucked
Haven’t been there since 2006. Why did it suck, Dave?
Too many cops, no monkey business anymore. It’s turned in a bunch of sheeple in long lines.
Sorry to hear. That’s probably why we haven’t gone back. Would rather just head out there earlier or later and ride all those beautiful roads.
I went last year and had a good time. I only went downtown one afternoon and perched on a balcony just to people watch for the afternoon. Otherwise I went on a bunch of solo rides during the day to see the sights and stayed at the campground at night. The campground had food, music, drinks and lots of great people. Made a lot of new friends that I still communicate with. No need to hang out downtown at night and get in the middle of that train wreck.
I believe your title for the video is incorrect. 2013 is not the 71st anniversary it is the 73rd anniversary. 2015 will be the 75th anniversary and should draw and extra large crowd and big name acts for the event.