Another tip, in '98,'99 I did the campgrounds rains it is mud, 2000 and 2001 stayed in Sundance motel, went back last year with friends and family rented an abnb in Rapid City, for this year rented one early in Custer, close to everything, not into the bands at 74, rather enjoy the rides, great county nice place, Downtown one day only and also the dealership area for all the products, otherwise RIDE the hills and all the surrounding country
Going this year for the first time with my brothers (going as civilians .. just as friends) Going just for the riding not the bar scene or getting in some shit Gonna be up early hitting all the good rides Gonna be a grueling trip tho lol 1k mi there in one day 3 days there 1k mi back in one day then work next day
In 2020, stayed in a cabin at Custer State Park up the mountain, only went to Sturgis proper for half a day. I see why riders return every year as the riding is absolutely the best. Every new location we went, Mt Rushmore, Badlands, Devil's tower, was an all day event. I hope to return someday.
There will be paper maps of the area everywhere. I stay in Spearfish at the university dorms and while a bit far away from the activities in Sturgis, it's easier on the wallet. Last year I went into town once during the rally and again a few days later after the rally. Rain gear is a must!
Every bit of research I have done is 60% say you are wrong and 40% agree about the 2 feet down. I found a quote from the chief there and nothing is said about 2 feet down. he only suggested 2 to 3 second stop and never mentioned feet.
I live here. Ride a Harley. Most of the time I put one foot down at a stop. Cops sitting right there. No problem. BUT.. come to a complete stop! They'll get ya if you don't.
Wonder if they had weird rules like this back in the old west at the Horse Meet: 1. Metal canteens only, not made from hide. 2. No more than two Squaws per Cowboy. 3. Leave your long rifle at home. 4. Bandanas must not cover face in the saloons. 5. Don't say "Parp" to the bartender.
I wouldn't recommend going to Sturgis. It's way over policed, and way over priced. It's gotten way too commercialize and family friendly. It's much closer to a music festival for elderly people than a motorcycle rally. A lot of motorcycle owners and not a whole lot of riders.
Any news about the 112ci or 122ci version of the Poweplus engine for the 2025 ? I read about the watercooled new models for Cheiftain & Roadmaster.. But news are not cleared.. Others claim Indian Motorcycles is working on a 122ci V-Twin Engine for 2025 As a new 122 aircooled version of Thunderstike engine called Colt, to beat the Milwaukee Eight 121ci. But also the Challenger & Pursuit will have that motor ? Only from you we can have news about Indian motorcycles.
I always do a pre setup for long distance motorcycle riding step one waterproof clothes and jeans with Nikwax because you're always going to get caught in the rain sooner or later butt is not a replacement for rain gear and if using a tent waterproof it and then spray permethrin on it to get rid of any insects a jump starter tire pump Tire plugs headlamp tools small ultra light camping cot that fits in saddlebag and the list goes on
They recently changed the open container policy in the town a year or two ago. So you can walk around in Sturgis with a beer within a region. But it has to be in a clear official sturgis cup lol
There is a school kinda close to the chip that has breakfast and showers last year it was $15 for all you can eat from 6-10 we rented a house in rapid city about 30 minutes away
If you’ve been around motorcycles for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, which was founded by John Clarence “Pappy” Hoel. Pappy is credited for starting the phenomena known today as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Pappy grew up in the 1930s working in the family ice business in Sturgis, South Dakota. With electric refrigerators becoming more and more popular, he knew the ice age would soon be ending. As a young man, Pappy enjoyed riding motorcycles, so in 1936 at age 32, he bought a franchise from the Indian Motorcycle Company. In 1937, Hoel founded the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, and that same year, the Jackpine Gypsies became an official American Motorcycle Association (AMA) charter. The club was originally known as the Jackpines because the seven original members loved to race among the 'jackpines' or Ponderosa pines that cover the Black Hills. One day, after returning from a day of riding, someone told them they looked like a bunch of gypsies, so they decided to change their name to the Jackpine Gypsies. On August 14, 1938, Pappy and the Jackpine Gypsies organized the first Black Hills Motor Classic, which for their main event featured an AMA sanctioned half-mile dirt track race. Depending on whom you ask, between nine and twelve racers participated in the first race and the event drew approximately 200 men, women and children. Who would have ever dreamed it would grow into an annual event drawing several hundred thousand riders to their little town tucked away in the Black Hills. Considering the average lifespan of a motorcycle club is only three years, after 68 years the club is still running strong. The Jackpine Gypsies own the property on which most of their activities take place. There is approximately 40 acres along Interstate 90 between Exit 30 and Exit 32, which is the busiest section of Interstate 90 during the Sturgis Rally. Their property is home to a lighted short track, motocross track, field meet area, hill climb area, clubhouse, office and a state approved concession business. The short track was first used in 1963, and has seen many improvements over the years. The racetrack is now wider, has permanent seating, an improved lighting system and an official announcer. They also have a sign-up building and a clubhouse where their concession business is located. The club holds races every other weekend and hosts a full week of races during the rally. A motocross track was added in the 1980s and in 1996 a new track was built. The sport of motocross has really grown over the years, and the races now attract more than 6,000 spectators and more than 500 racers during the average rally week. During the Sturgis Rally, 12 events are held, including: motocross racing, a half mile race, hill climbs, road tours and short track racing. Pappy died in 1989 at the age of 84, and although he didn't live to see the mega-rallies of today, I’m sure he would be as surprised as anyone to see how much the Sturgis Rally has grown since its humble beginnings back in 1938.If you’ve been around motorcycles for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, which was founded by John Clarence “Pappy” Hoel. Pappy is credited for starting the phenomena known today as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Pappy grew up in the 1930s working in the family ice business in Sturgis, South Dakota. With electric refrigerators becoming more and more popular, he knew the ice age would soon be ending. As a young man, Pappy enjoyed riding motorcycles, so in 1936 at age 32, he bought a franchise from the Indian Motorcycle Company. In 1937, Hoel founded the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, and that same year, the Jackpine Gypsies became an official American Motorcycle Association (AMA) charter. The club was originally known as the Jackpines because the seven original members loved to race among the 'jackpines' or Ponderosa pines that cover the Black Hills. One day, after returning from a day of riding, someone told them they looked like a bunch of gypsies, so they decided to change their name to the Jackpine Gypsies. On August 14, 1938, Pappy and the Jackpine Gypsies organized the first Black Hills Motor Classic, which for their main event featured an AMA sanctioned half-mile dirt track race. Depending on whom you ask, between nine and twelve racers participated in the first race and the event drew approximately 200 men, women and children. Who would have ever dreamed it would grow into an annual event drawing several hundred thousand riders to their little town tucked away in the Black Hills. Considering the average lifespan of a motorcycle club is only three years, after 68 years the club is still running strong. The Jackpine Gypsies own the property on which most of their activities take place. There is approximately 40 acres along Interstate 90 between Exit 30 and Exit 32, which is the busiest section of Interstate 90 during the Sturgis Rally. Their property is home to a lighted short track, motocross track, field meet area, hill climb area, clubhouse, office and a state approved concession business. The short track was first used in 1963, and has seen many improvements over the years. The racetrack is now wider, has permanent seating, an improved lighting system and an official announcer. They also have a sign-up building and a clubhouse where their concession business is located. The club holds races every other weekend and hosts a full week of races during the rally. A motocross track was added in the 1980s and in 1996 a new track was built. The sport of motocross has really grown over the years, and the races now attract more than 6,000 spectators and more than 500 racers during the average rally week. During the Sturgis Rally, 12 events are held, including: motocross racing, a half mile race, hill climbs, road tours and short track racing. Pappy died in 1989 at the age of 84, and although he didn't live to see the mega-rallies of today, I’m sure he would be as surprised as anyone to see how much the Sturgis Rally has grown since its humble beginnings back in 1938.
I'm going for my first time this year. I actually bought a road atlas knowing my cell service is most likely going to be bad. A money saving tip I've heard a few times, eat at restaurants that are in the area all year. Food trucks and such are going to be a lot more expensive.
Plan on attending some of the Jackpine Gypsies events during Bike Week. This is how Sturgis got started and what it's really all about. Be part of the tradition of how it started. See you at the races. Sat. Aug 5 Prepped Practice Motocross 9:00 AM Sun. Aug 6 AMA South Dakota State Motocross Championship. 9:00 AM Mon. Aug 7 Pro Hill climb 10:00 AM Mon. Aug 7 AMA Flat Track 7:00 PM Tue. Aug 8 AMA Super Moto & AMA Flat Track 7:00 PM Wed. Aug 9 Verta-X (Head to Head Night Time Hill Climb Races) 7:00 PM Thurs. Aug 10 AMA Rally Founders Gypsies Tour *Sign Up AT 9:00 AM ** Ride at 10:00 AM Fri. Aug 11 Pro-Am Hill Climb 10:00 AM Fri. Aug 11 Pro-Am Flat Track & TT Races 7:00 PM
There is more than just the Buffalo Chip. That is one venue only. There is Full Throttle also. The Beaver Bar Steele Pony campgrounds and some other venues all out BY the Buffalo Chip. The town of Sturgis has many sites . My favorite The Knuckle. It's an experience of its own. As with One Eyed Jacks( largest business/bar on main st.
I've been 16 times and each year go new places and see new things!. Most importantly bring GOOD rain gear and a helmet for hail. The golf ball hail hurts. Now, Most people go get drunk and don't do anything. It cost tgem tons of money and they complain about costs. I've gone from $400-1600 for 10 days and eat well and stay in a cabin, gas and ladt couple years spent the money to go to the Chip and ride in tge paradeto tge amphitheater! It's every 5 years that things get nuts. Expect the internet can't handle you calls, texts, and emails. They are a city of was 5000 now almost 7000 people so it's small. Remember, the Chip has free concerts but they charge through the nose for camping. Go to the FTS and it's truly free for same concerts. Now they charge like $20-25 to get in after a certain time. Things to keep in mind! Free tent camping on 5 different BLM Land areas but need a pass and there isn't toilets or water. BLM office is in Rapid. Bob and Tams Excellent Adventures just did a video on this last week. Check it out!
Please just remember that people live there all year round and still have jobs to get to. Also remember you are guests so act accordingly. Be gracious and be aware of your surroundings. Most locals despise the newbies who are disrespectful.
I have been to Sturgis 3 times so far 2015, 2021 , and 2023 and you will have a great time ! Sturgis is as wild or as mild as you want it to be ! There is a lot of great riding and so many things to do and see while you are there.... Every time I have gone I have found different things to see and do it never gets old ! As far as the cops go they are pretty mellow I think but be sure not to drink and ride and be sure to stop and put your feet down at the stop signs (no rolling stops) ! I have never stayed at the Buffalo Chip but I have heard if you want to party thats the place to go.... I like the Iron Horse Campground they are good people there and have good hot showers and quiet time after 11pm so you can get some sleep to ride the next day.... Have fun and I will be going again in 2025 for the 85th !
Moved to the black hills 3 years ago myself. First and most important …. The chip is the place where super tourists go. Been to the rally 3 times now and I’ve never even been anywhere near it. Nor does anyone I know ever go near it unless their is a concert to see which is not really the case this year unless your a jelly roll fan. Second if your main objective coming here is to enjoy the riding your doing it all wrong. Those two weeks are the worst two weeks to ride here. Needles , iron mountain, vanocker, you name it are completely clogged and 10% as enjoyable as any other time. The cops do not bother anyone. They are so outnumbered they just hang around here and there if needed. This year I’ve heard they will for the first time be doing road blocks to check for drinking. Heading south on vanocker canyon and the entrances east and west on the interstate as well as the road on the west side of town that goes down to dead wood. No helmet law but eye protection is required at all times. Technically you can’t ride with your visor up on a full face or modular. That’s something many people don’t know. And they will get you for it if you happen to pop by a cop standing there. My advice as someone who rides here every single day thousands of miles a year is to come early. The in town Harley rally which honestly is bigger than the entire down town of Sturgis starts tomorrow. One tent alone is over 30k square feet. It’s absolutely great. Come 4-5 days before rally start so you get to experience the black hills the way they are meant to be ridden. Then stay for the first week or so of the rally. By the second week most if not all of the coolest stuff is over , stuff is sold out , some of the vendors even leave that first Monday. Feel free to ask me anything happy to help. Oh and the biggest issue is starting this year and going on for the next 5-7 years the main highway that runs north and south down the center of the hills from deadwood / Sturgis to Custer is being totally re done. So over 16 miles of one of the most beautiful roads in the area is now dirt and and it’s as bad as you can imagine. They are ruining the landscape and I guarantee more crashes will happen from that construction than happened in the previous 10 years combined will occur. As of tomorrow the road is open for the first time since May. So expect all around the dam and pactola to be a disaster zone thanks to DOT needing to justify their jobs.
